A stainless steel sink is timeless in the ever changing latest design trends in kitchen decor. Replacing an old, worn sink with chips and scratches with a new lightweight stainless steel sink makes it easy to handle and install.
Sinks are designed as an undermount unit that attaches underneath the countertop or as a top mount unit with self-leveling clips that snap in place designed so you don’t have to work underneath the cabinet. When you’re looking at new sinks, consider one the same size or larger than the old one to fit into the hole. You can’t fill in a large hole left by the existing one unless you’re also replacing the countertop. But you can enlarge a small hole for a larger one.
Looking at stainless sink you’ll see a variety of sizes, features and prices. Look at the gauge and consider the higher gauge of steel is thinner steel and the lower the gauge, the thicker and more durable the metal; so an 18-gauge steel sink minimize dents and dings. To absorb sound, look for a sink base with sound absorbing pads to minimize noise.
Choose between a single, double and triple bowl design depending on the size of your counter space and size of your largest dishes and pans. Some optional accessories include a colander, cutting board and rack, all raising the price.
A plumber will charge $337, which includes labor and material, to replace an old kitchen sink with a new 25-inch single 18-gauge stainless steel bowl. A handy homeowner with carpentry and plumbing skills and tools can do the job for $225 and save 33%. Budget more for the price of a new faucet. If there’s a dishwasher or garbage disposal with water lines that have to be disconnected and then reinstalled, figure on spending more time and money for the job.
Be advised that removing an existing sink may requires some minor gymnastics working under the sink and unfastening it from the countertop.
To find more DIY and contractor project costs and to post comments and questions, visit www.diyornot.com.
Pro Cost — DIY Cost — Pro time — DIY Time — DIY Savings — Percent Saved
$337 — $225 — 2.2 — 4.0 — $112 — 33%
