Estimated Read Time: 8 Minutes 

Buying the perfect sink for your kitchen is an important factor in any design or renovation project. 

You’ll need to consider how much daily use it will succumb to, the amount of countertop space you have for it, the style of installation you desire, the functionality of the sink, as well as the aesthetic design you prefer.

When it comes to choosing between a single, double, or triple basin sink for your kitchen, all of these aforementioned details will influence your decision.

At Deslaurier, we are experts in designing custom kitchen cabinetry. Although we do not install kitchen sinks, we understand how the sink selection factors into your kitchen design process. 

With that, this article will detail the differences between single, double, and triple basin sinks, so you can determine which type of sink best fits your needs in the kitchen.

Let’s get started! 

Single-Basin Kitchen Sink

A single basin is a broad category of kitchen sink that includes the farmhouse and in-counter sinks. As made clear by the name, the defining feature of these sinks is that they offer one large, single bowl or basin with no divider. 

Further, single basin sinks are offered in various widths ideal for both spacious and limited kitchens, from small island prep sinks to large farmhouse sinks. 

Generally speaking, single-basin sinks provide the best value and most common configuration. They require less plumbing (just one drain and faucet), which also lends convenience to the installation process. 

Larger single basin sinks are ideal for handwashing dishes or cooking supplies, as they can accommodate large pots, pans, or platters that must be soaked before scrubbing. 

Double-Basin Kitchen Sink

Sinks with two bowls are preferred for their multifunctionality. 

Multi-basin sinks have the option to use one section for hot water washing and the other for cold water rinsing; one to soak tough pots and pans while simultaneously allowing the other basin to be available for routine function. 

The double-bowl, low-divide sink, is one of the most exciting new additions to double-basin sinks. Its central divider is lower than traditional double basins, which allows it to accommodate pots and pans with long handles, while still offering the benefits of two basins. 

In terms of kitchen practicality, a spacious double basin sink is hard to beat.

Triple-Basin Kitchen Sink

Do you have ample kitchen space? Maybe you have a large island you want to implement with one multi-versatile sink and alleviate clutter on your wall countertops.

A triple basin might be what you’re looking for.

Triple basin sinks are typically much larger than both single and double bowl sinks and require a vast amount of countertop room to comfortably integrate into a kitchen. 

The number of materials available for triple basin sinks isn’t as plentiful as the choices that other sink styles have. Since they are rarely used in home kitchens, triple basin sink options are extremely limited, especially when it comes to selecting a material. 

Single vs. Double vs. Triple Basin Sinks: Styles

Kitchen sinks can come in different styles and installation methods: topmount, undermount, and farmhouse. 

Top-Mount Sinks

The top-mount sink, also known as “drop-in” or “self-rimming,” is the most popular kitchen sink configuration as it is easy to install and works well with almost any countertop material.

The sink slides into a hole in the countertop, with the edge of the rim holding it in position. If you’re worried about a lack of support, or just want the extra solidity, top-mount sinks can be fitted with clips or screws to increase stability.  

Because the rim of the sink sits on-top of the surface, top-mount sinks can take up valuable countertop space if your kitchen area is limited. 

In terms of price, drop-in sinks are typically less expensive than undermount or farmhouse, due to their easier installation process.

Top mounts are commonly utilized for single and double basin sinks, and they are the most popular style for triple basin sinks thanks to their easy installation. 

Undermount Sinks

Undermount is a term that describes a sink installed from underneath the counter.  

This sink configuration eliminates the rim or lip of a top-mount sink and can provide a sleek, integrated look when combined with solid-surface countertops such as granite or quartz. 

Because countertop debris can easily be brushed into the sink, undermount sinks look sleeker and are easier to clean. 

The weight of your sink is an important factor when considering undermount installation. Depending on the size and density of your sink material, properly undermounting a larger, heavier sink could prove challenging and is something worth discussing with your plumber or contractor beforehand.

Farmhouse Sinks 

Farmhouse sinks are unique in that they offer their own style and require their own distinct installation method. 

A farmhouse-style sink, also known as an apron sink, extends over the edge of your cabinetry with an exposed (apron) front. As the name suggests, this type of sink is most commonly used in a traditional or a rustic farmhouse style kitchen. 

Farmhouse sinks can be designed as single or double basin sinks, but are not found with triple basins. 

They most commonly come in fireclay or cast iron and are incredibly durable and easy to clean due to those nonporous materials. They are also available in a number of other popular sink materials such as stainless steel or copper. 

The farmhouse sink is larger and oftentimes more expensive than other sink styles due to the need for special cabinetry. The deep basin will require a special, modified base cabinet, as well as a countertop cutout in order to support the sink.

Single vs. Double vs. Triple Basin Sinks: Materials 

Single and Double Basin Sink Materials 

Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless-steel sinks are an extremely popular kitchen sink choice for homeowners because of their compact design, durability, ease of cleaning, and affordable price point.  

High-grade stainless-steel sinks have a long lifespan and blend well with almost any kitchen design, which amplifies their consistent popularity.  

Stainless steel sinks are lightweight, affordable, durable, and low-maintenance. 

The thickness of stainless-steel sinks is referred to by gauge number. They are commonly made from 14 (thicker), 16, or 18 (thinner) gauge, 304-grade stainless steel. Naturally, the thicker the gauge is the more expensive the sink will be. 

If you think your daily sink use requires extra support, consider going with a 14 gauge thickness. If you use a dishwasher for the majority of your cleaning, then sticking with a thinner sink is a more affordable option. 

In addition to being a hygienic and non-porous material, stainless steel is resistant to corrosion and does not crack, chip, or wear out.  

Since they are so affordable and versatile, stainless-steel sinks can be installed in a multitude of styles, including top mount, undermount, and farmhouse.

Granite Composite Sinks

Granite composite is a mixture of granite stone combined with acrylic resins. This high-quality material is extremely durable and low-maintenance.  

Granite composite sinks are scratch, stain, and heat resistant to 537 degrees Fahrenheit, with a protective barrier that protects against bacteria. 

Granite composite sinks often have integrated drainboards or faucet drillings, and come in a variety of neutral colours that can be matched with your cabinets or countertop.  

The most popular granite sink configurations are top-mount and undermount.  

For the quality of the material, granite composite sinks are reasonably priced. Their base cost is significantly higher than stainless steel, but at the higher-end sink level, the two materials are similarly priced. 

Porcelain/Fireclay Sinks

Fireclay kitchen sinks are made from dense clay and heated to a high temperature, which melts the clay and fuses it with its porcelain enamel coating. This enamel coating provides the surface with a glossy finish that is stain, scratch, and chip resistant!

Fireclay is a highly durable material that is resistant to rust and discolouration, as well as fading. Fireclay sinks are also easy to clean and maintain due to their glossy, smooth surface. 

Do you want a kitchen sink that can withstand extremely high temperatures? If so, fireclay sinks are a practical option: it has the ability to withstand 1800-to-2200-degree Fahrenheit temperatures.  

Fireclay is a popular, high-demand choice for farmhouse sinks and is similarly priced to granite composite products, if not slightly more expensive. 

Copper Sinks

Copper sinks can be made in various thicknesses, from 20 gauge to 14 gauge. Just like stainless steel, the lesser the gauge number, the thicker the copper will be.  

One benefit that has led to copper being one of the most practical kitchen sink materials available is that 99.9% pure copper is naturally antimicrobial. It can kill harmful bacteria, and is completely recyclable.  

After all, most cooking areas are full of germs and bacteria, and having something that naturally kills them is invaluable.   

An aesthetic attribute to consider is that Copper allows for the ability to get creative with the look and finish of your sink. It has many available options such as a Hammered finish or Smooth finish. You can also choose from a variety of different Patina selections. 

Further, you can find copper sink options in several styles, such as drop-in, standard undermount, and farmhouse. 

Overall, Copper is one of the most expensive sink options in the world. Use caution if you find a lower-priced copper sink, as they may be made with a thinner gauge metal, which will show signs of damage much faster. 

Cast Iron Sinks

Coated with porcelain enamel, solid Cast-iron sinks offer long-lasting durability with sound-deadening qualities and can withstand heat up to 1,000°F.

While the material is incredibly durable, the enamel can get scratched or chipped over time by dropping sharp objects, resulting in the cast-iron surface to become exposed.

If you have a cast iron pan, you know how heavy the material is. Now imagine how substantial the weight of a cast iron kitchen sink could be. Because of this, it may be necessary to reinforce your cabinets and countertops to ensure they can support the weight of such a dense material. 

Moreover, cast-iron sinks are incredibly versatile. They are available in a variety of colours and can be installed in drop-in, undermount, and farmhouse configurations.

Quality cast-iron sinks tend to be on the expensive side, typically coming in slightly higher priced than granite or fireclay options of the same style.

Triple Basin Sink Materials 

Since triple basin sinks are far less common than single and double basins. In turn, you’ll no doubt come across limitations when it comes to available materials to choose from.

Stainless steel and copper are the most popular materials that offer triple basin selections. 

While you’d be hard-pressed to find a triple basin sink made out of a variety of other materials, they can also be found in porcelain/fireclay.

Single vs. Double vs. Triple Basin Sinks: Cost

The overall cost of your kitchen sink will vary depending on material, size and style. 

A material like stainless-steel will routinely cost less than a more expensive sink material like copper. The same can be said for the style and size of the sink. 

For instance, the cost of double basin sinks vs single basin. Because of the extra material involved in the partition, as well as two drains requiring additional plumbing, double basin sinks can cost significantly more than single basins.

Since triple basin kitchen sinks are quite uncommon, it is hard to find a wide variety of materials that they are made from. Stainless Steel and Copper are the two most readily available on the market.

Cost of Single Basin Sinks

Cost of Farmhouse Sinks

Cost of Double Basin Sinks

Cost of Triple Basin Sinks 

Design with Deslaurier Custom Cabinets

Wondering if your dream kitchen is best suited to a single, double, or triple basin sink? You’ve come to the right place!

Deslaurier Custom Cabinets has everything you need if you have your eye on custom cabinetry. With over 40 years of experience to our name, we provide our clients with a fully customized design process with our talented team of designers. 

Book a free consultation with a Deslaurier kitchen expert at our Ottawa showroom!

Interested in becoming an authorized Deslaurier dealer? Visit our Become a Dealer page to learn more! Live outside the area? Find a Dealer to connect with a Deslaurier dealer near you!