Stainless Steel Sinks Show Their Metal

Stainless steel sinks made in the U.S. prove to be hygienic, sustainable and corrosion-resistant solutions for meeting accessibility and occupant needs.

Karin Tetlow

The sink has long been an indispensable feature of kitchens around the world. In earlier times they were constructed from vitreous china, enameled cast iron and local materials such as Italian travertine, Vermont soapstone, or glazed red clay from the English Midlands. Today, such choices still exist and, with the addition of polymers and epoxy resins, a multitude of sink materials are on the market. But there is one sink material that offers significant advantages over the others—stainless steel.

Stainless steel sinks are not only produced from one of the most environmentally friendly metals commonly used in construction, they provide many benefits such as corrosion resistance, fire and heat resistance, hygiene, strength to weight advantage, ease of fabrication, impact resistance, antibacterial value, and long-term value.

Unlike solid surface materials, stainless steel does not chip, stain, scratch or hold odors. It does not break down when exposed to thermal extremes and is not vulnerable to the porosity issues common to solid surfaces. Stainless surfaces are inherently antimicrobial compared to solid surface materials. The hard metallic surface of stainless steel makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere and survive. When properly cleaned and maintained, stainless steel surfaces resist growth of bacteria, mold and microorganisms that can cause disease.

They have documented sustainability features, can meet ADA requirements and have applications for virtually all building types. Moreover, with informed specification they offer a choice of design aesthetics and enhanced functioning. It is not surprising that stainless steel in the manufacture of sinks is one of the largest use applications of stainless steel.

What is Stainless Steel?

From the documented hygienic and corrosion-resistant features, to the virtually unparalleled sustainability, stainless steel offers numerous advantages for design professionals.

Stainless steel's resistance to corrosion and staining, low maintenance, low cost relative to other materials and familiar luster make it an ideal material for a host of commercial applications.

Used for many industrial, architectural, chemical and consumer applications for over half a century, stainless steel is essentially a low-carbon steel, which contains chromium at 10.5 percent or more by weight. It is this addition of chromium that gives the steel its unique stainless, corrosion-resisting and enhanced mechanical properties.

The chromium content of the steel allows the formation of an adherent, invisible, corrosion-resisting chromium oxide film on the steel surface. If damaged mechanically or chemically, this film is self-healing, providing that oxygen, even in very small amounts, is present. The corrosion resistance and other useful properties of the steel are enhanced by increased chromium content and the addition of other elements such as molybdenum, nickel, and nitrogen. The addition of nickel changes and stabilizes the crystal structure of the steel at room temperature and below, making it more formable, weldable and tough. Nickel also gives stainless steel a lustrous and brighter appearance which is less gray than steel that has no nickel.

There are well over 100 stainless steel alloys and more than 60 grades of stainless steel. The latter can be divided into five classes. Each is identified by the alloying elements which affect their microstructure and for which each is named. The class from which most stainless steel sinks are manufactured is austenitic. The other classes are: ferritic, precipitation-hardening, martensitic, and duplex. Ferritic stainless steel contains approximately 12 percent chromium and virtually no nickel. Since nickel is an expensive alloy, sinks made from ferritic steel are less costly, more brittle at lower temperatures and more gray in color.

Austenitic stainless steels, like all other stainless steels containing chromium and nickel, are identified by the American Iron and Steel Institute (AISI) as 300 Series types. The stainless steels in this group have different compositions and properties, but many common characteristics. They can be hardened by cold working, but not by heat treatment. In the annealed (freed from internal stress by heating and gradual cooling) condition all are essentially nonmagnetic. They have excellent corrosion resistance, unusually good formability, and increased strength as a result of cold work.

Type 304 is the basic chromium-nickel austenitic stainless steel and has been found suitable for the widest range of applications in all kinds of products and architectural work. As part of the 300 Series designation it is composed basically of 18 percent chromium and 8 percent nickel and is sometimes referred to as 18-8 stainless. It is nonmagnetic and cannot be hardened by heat treatment. It is readily available in a variety of forms. This type is easy to form and fabricate with excellent resistance to corrosion.

Type 316 is the next most commonly used stainless steel for general corrosion resistance. It consists of 16 percent chromium and 10 percent nickel, but offers more corrosion resistance through the addition of 2-3 percent molybdenum.

 

Corrosion Resistance

All stainless steels have a resistance to corrosion. Some grades resist better than others. Corrosion resistance is the primary reason for specifying stainless steel. The Specialty Steel Industry of North America (SSINA), a voluntary trade association representing virtually all the producers of specialty steel in North America (www.ssina.com), estimates that one-third of the cost of corrosion of metals in the U.S. (some $100 billion) can be avoided by the use of best known technology that begins with the selection of noncorrosive materials such as stainless steel. It is essential, however, for the design professional to know the nature of the environment and the degree of corrosion or heat resistance required since many variables characterize a corrosive environment—chemicals and their concentration, atmospheric conditions, temperature and time. Severe corrosion may cause pitting that occurs when the protective film breaks down in small isolated spots. Once started, the attack may accelerate because of differences in electric potential between the large areas of passive surface versus the active pit.

Generally speaking, lower-alloyed grades of stainless steel resist corrosion in atmospheric and pure water environments, while higher-alloyed grades can resist corrosion in most acids, alkaline solutions, and chlorine-bearing environments.

Type 304 stainless steel is used extensively in health-care environments and in food processing environments (except possibly for high-temperature conditions involving high acid and chloride contents). It resists organic chemicals, dyestuffs, and a wide variety of inorganic chemicals. Type 304 L (low carbon) stainless steel resists nitric acid well and sulfuric acids at moderate temperature and concentrations.

Type 316 stainless steel with its increased nickel content and addition of molybdenum is desirable where severe corrosion conditions exist and pitting is to be avoided such as in chloride environments.

Type 304 stainless steel is standard for leading sink manufacturers. Type 316 is available on request for most models.

Corrosion resistance data and standard corrosion references are available from the SSINA’s Design Guidelines for the Selection and Use of Stainless Steel. The Guidelines also contain a useful table listing where different grades of stainless steel are used for particular environments such as soaps and pharmaceuticals.

As an aid to design professionals, leading sink manufacturers also offer stainless steel laboratory corrosion data for resistance of stainless steels to chemical media at certain temperatures. Rates of corrosion are expressed in terms of depth of pitting per year.

1. Fully resistant	0.002-in
2. Satisfactorily resistant	0.010-in
3. Fairly resistant	0.020-in
4. Slightly resistant	0.040-in/0.050-in
5. Not resistant	0.050-in and over

 

Examples of data are:

• Hydrochloric acid, all concentrations (diluted bleach becomes corrosive hydrochloric acid), 70 degrees F., Type 304 and Type 316 rated 5 (not resistant)
• Sulphuric acid 5 percent, 70 degrees F. Type 304 rated 3 (fairly resistant); Type 316 rated 2 (satisfactorily resistant)

Stainless steel sink manufacturers point out that the suitability of stainless steels in various corrosive environments is based on a long history of successful applications. However, since small differences in chemical content and temperature can affect corrosion rates, they suggest service tests under the worst operating conditions anticipated in order to determine which optimum materials to specify and suggest ASTM G4 - 01(2008) Standard Guide for Conducting Corrosion Tests in Field Applications as a recommended practice.

The many unique values provided by stainless steel make it a powerful candidate in materials selection.

Heat and Fire Resistance

Stainless steels are used at temperatures up to about 2000 degrees F (the melting point range for Type 304 is 2550 to 2650 degrees F.) While it is highly unlikely that any sink would be subjected to such high temperatures, design professionals should be aware of the mechanical characteristics of stainless steel when exposed to increased temperatures, and be familiar with suggested maximum service temperatures of stainless steel types. Since stainless steels have been used for elevated temperature service, there is ample fundamental and practical data concerning their resistance to corrosion. When they are exposed at elevated temperatures, changes occur in the nature of the surface film. At mildly elevated temperatures in an oxidizing gas, a protective oxide film is formed—as mentioned earlier. In more aggressive environments with temperatures above 1600 degrees F., the surface film may break down with sudden increase in scaling (visible oxide layers that reduce corrosion resistance). Depending on alloy content and environment, the film may be self-healing for a period of time then followed by another breakdown.

According to the SSINA, the suggested maximum service temperatures in air for AISI Type 304 and Type 316 is 1600 degrees F for intermittent service and 925 degrees F. for continuous service.

Hygiene

The hard metallic surface of stainless steel makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere and survive. When properly cleaned and maintained, stainless steel surfaces resist growth of bacteria, mold and microorganisms that can cause disease. Surface finishes on stainless steel reduce bacterial attachment and early biofilm formation. The easy cleaning ability of stainless makes it the first choice for strict hygiene conditions, such as hospitals, clinics, schools, public restrooms, commercial kitchens and food processing.

Several studies have documented its superior cleanability when new and used compared with other sink materials.

Stainless steels, mainly Type 304, have largely replaced traditional sink materials, such as vitreous china and solid surface materials, as stainless steel sinks can be kept scrupulously clean and withstand aggressive chemicals.

Stainless steel thrives with frequent cleaning, and, unlike some other materials, it is impossible to “wear out” stainless steel by excessive cleaning. The hard metallic surface of stainless steel makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere and survive.

Strength to Weight Advantage

As anyone who has hefted a chipped and rust-stained farmhouse sink to the town disposal center will testify, some sinks not only lack durability, they are also extremely heavy, which adds to freight and installation labor costs. While epoxy resins and polymers are certainly lighter than stone and cast iron, they do not compete in terms of weight with stainless steel, which is the lightest and easiest sink material to ship. Moreover, as one manufacturer reports, the freight damage rate is very low.

The work-hardening property of austenitic grades results in a significant strengthening of the material. At room temperature Type 304 and Type 316 have nominal yield strengths of 42000 psi and nominal tensile strengths or ductility of 84000 psi. Such high strengths permit reduced material thickness and therefore savings in costs. In contrast, aluminum alloy (3003-H14) is less than a third and copper nearly one half that of Types 304 and 316 in tensile strength.

Manufacturing Automation

Modern steel-making techniques mean that stainless steel can be cut, welded, formed, machined, and fabricated as readily as traditional steels. The advantage of using Types 304 and 316 with their nickel content for sink manufacturing is that products, such as multiple sink units, can be die-drawn or pressed from a single flat piece of steel, thus avoiding any seams.

Maintenance and Staining

Stainless steel sinks do not stain and can be easily wiped down and cleaned with a soap or mild detergent solution and do not require toxic cleaning chemicals. Some manufacturers supply cleaning kits for sinks with higher-end finishes, which may be more difficult to maintain. Easy maintenance makes stainless steel sinks especially appealing across all applications, especially schools and health-care facilities. 

Staining

Solid Surface: Over time scale build up and microscopic debris can adhere to the surface thus creating stains that can give an unsightly appearance and unsanitary environment. Also, due to microscopic porosity associated with sold surface materials staining is quote common. This could be caused by a multitude of liquids used in healthcare environments. Stainless steel withstands the full range of healthcare environment chemicals and the range of liquids used in healthcare exam and patient room environments.

Long Term Value

The durability of stainless steel has a cost-effective impact from a life-cycle perspective. Stainless steel requires only minimal maintenance, which is both economical and good for the environment and society. The combination of corrosion resistance and durability increases product lifetimes. When the total life cycle costs are considered, stainless is often the least expensive material option due to durability and low maintenance.

Stainless steel sinks last 15 to 25 years and are most often replaced because of interior renovations or upgrades rather than degradation of the sink itself.

In certain cases, these cost savings can be in the range of 30 percent to 40 percent compared to alternative materials, and due to reduced repair and maintenance costs.

Given the additional sustainability features of stainless steel, there is clearly long term value in specifying stainless steel sinks.

Sustainability

Stainless steel is one of the most sustainable material choices available—more than paper or glass.

Stainless steel is 100 percent recyclable. It is estimated that about 90 percent of stainless steels are recycled at the end of their life to produce more stainless steels and this process can be carried on indefinitely.

This means resources are saved and the same material is continuously cycled through the production chain in a sustainable closed-loop system, rendering it an eco-friendly material.

Ultimately, the most environmentally friendly materials are corrosion-resistant, durable, produce no surface offgassing, include high recycled content and recapture rates, reduce resource use and provide long service life. Stainless steel provides all of these benefits.

With the growing demand for green construction and expanding military, federal and state requirements for U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) LEED® (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) certifications, design professionals increasingly need to be familiar with sustainability factors of all specified products. 

While a single stainless steel sink would make a negligible contribution to LEED calculations, several hundred sinks in a new institution could make a worthwhile contribution in at least two categories in the LEED 2009 for New Construction and Major Renovations:

Recycled Content

Materials & Resources (MR) Credit 4: Recycled Content offers 1-2 points. 

Requirements: Use materials with recycled content such that the sum of postconsumer recycled content plus 1/2 of the preconsumer content constitutes at least 10% or 20%, based on cost, of the total value of the materials in the project.

The recycled content value of a material assembly is determined by weight.

Unlike other sink materials, stainless steel is easily recycled and recaptured. North America’s number one recycled material is steel. Each year, more steel is recycled than aluminum, paper, glass and plastic combined. Stainless steel is 100 percent recyclable into the same product with no reduction in quality. The metal’s high scrap value and recyclability ensures that it is diverted from landfills and recaptured for use in new stainless steel. A recent international study by Yale University’s Center for Industrial Ecology, and National Institute for Environmental Studies, Tsukuba, Japan, determined that about 92% of the stainless steel used in building applications worldwide is recaptured and recycled at the end of service.

In North America, stainless steel producing members of the SSINA have indicated that the average recycled content of the 300 series stainless steel grades that are used in the construction market is approximately 90 percent. Certificates of origin are provided for every coil of stainless steel delivered to fabricators. Stainless steel producers also regularly provide sustainability statements. The supplier for one large domestic sink producer states that the average recycled content is greater than 90 percent and that all scrap is procured from sources in North America. It goes on to report that approximately 85 percent of the scrap was post consumer scrap with the remaining 15 percent being post-industrial and home scrap. Post consumer scrap is defined by LEED as waste material generated by households or by commercial, industrial and institutional facilities in their role as end-users of the product, which can no longer be used for its intended purposes.

Regional Materials

MR Credit 5: Regional Materials, 1–2 Points

Requirements: Use building materials or products that have been extracted, harvested or recovered, as well as manufactured, within 500 miles of the project site for a minimum of 10% or 20%, based on cost, of the total materials value.

LEED has ruled that the point of origin for steel is the producing melt shop—regardless of where the scrap comes from. If the sink manufacturing facility and producer are within 500 miles of the project site, the products are eligible for LEED regional credit.

LEED Recertification

As LEED consultants are pointing out, initial certification is not the end of the story. Recertification is required for all buildings certified under a LEED Existing Building Rating System. All applications for Operations & Maintenance Recertification must occur no sooner than one year and no later than five years following initial certification. Catherine Houska, a leading international expert on the use of stainless steel in architecture, reports that owners and building managers are increasingly aware of LEED recertification requirements. “Environmentally safe cleaning products should be used for building maintenance. Since there is no reason to use toxic chemicals on stainless steel, the choice of stainless steel sinks, however small, can indirectly contribute to recertification points.”

Accessibility/ADA

Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Standards provide requirements for sink ADA compliance in Chapter 3 - Section 306.2 Toe Clearance and Section 306.3 Knee Clerance (addresses requirements for adults) and Chapter 6 Lavatories and Sinks (addresses additional requirements for children). Sink manufacturers label their products ADA compliant when they are able to comply in areas that relate to the height of the counter, knee and toe clearance and the under-surface of the sink.

Knee Clearance and Countertop Height Counter

306.3.1 General.  Space under an element between 9 inches (230 mm) and 27 inches (685 mm) above the finish floor or ground shall be considered knee clearance and comply with 306.3. and comply with 306.3.

Chapter 606 Lavatories and Sinks.

Please note 606.2.4, 606.2.6 and 606.2.7 are exceptions to the requirements of section 606.2.

606.2.4.  Clear Floor Space.  A knee clearance of 24 inches (610 mm) minimum above the finish floor or ground shall be permitted at lavatories and sinks used primarily by children 6 through 12 years where the rim or counter surface is 31 inches (785 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

606.2.6.  The dip of the overflow shall not be considered in determining knee and toe clearances.

606.2.7.  No more than one bowl of a multi-bowl sink shall be required to provide knee and toe clearance complying with 306 (Knee and Toe Clearance).

606.3 Height.  Lavatories and sinks shall be installed with the front of the higher of the rim or counter surface 34 inches (865 mm) maximum above the finish floor or ground.

The accessible space beneath the counter is directly related to the size of the sink and how it is installed. The height of the counter, on the other hand, is independent of both the sink size and type of installation. There are two methods for installing countertop sinks: self-rimming or drop-in and undermount.

A self-rimming sink has a finished rolled edge and is installed (or “dropped-in”) on the top of the counter.  An undermount or recessed sink is installed under a countertop.

When addressing ADA knee clearance requirements with undermounted sinks, it is necessary to take the thickness of the counter into account.

For classroom and healthcare environments, for example, manufacturers offer sinks with depths ranging from 4-1/2-in. to 6-1/2-in. in 1/2-in. increments. Countertop thickness is generally assumed to be ¾-in. to 1-in. thick. To meet knee-clearance ADA requirements given a countertop of 1-in. thick, an undermount sink should have a maximum depth of 6-in.

For applications that do not require 24-in knee clearance, specifiers are free to choose sinks of any depth, provided the countertop or sink rim is a maximum of 34-in. above the finished floor and there is knee clearance of 27-in. Private or executive offices are exempt from this requirement.

Since no more than one bowl of a multi-bowl sink is required to provide knee and toe clearance, sink manufacturers offer different solutions that are both ADA-compliant and have a deeper sink. One solution is a split-level design, another is varying sink depths in a multi-bowl unit, provided that appropriate clear floor space is provided.

Sink Undersurface

606.5 Exposed Pipes and Surfaces. Water supply and drain pipes under lavatories and sinks shall be insulated…There shall be no sharp or abrasive surfaces under lavatories and sinks.

Higher end manufacturers fully coat the underside of all sink models in order to both eliminate sharp or abrasive surfaces and to provide insulation. Insulated coating reduces condensation and sink sounds.

ADA Compliant sinks may be specified with the drain hole centered at the rear so that drainpipes do not interfere with wheelchair access below the countertop.

Specifying Stainless Steel Sinks

In addition to understanding the features and benefits of stainless steel and the requirements of ADA, there are other factors that design professionals should be familiar with when specifying sinks.

Thickness

The thickness of stainless steel is called its gauge, which ranges from over 30 to 3. The higher the gauge, the thinner the steel. Sinks are mostly manufactured from 16 gauge (0.0625-in), 18-gauge (0.0500-in. thick) and 20 gauge (0.0375-in.) sheet steel; the choice of gauge being dependent upon market sector, price points and application. Higher-end stainless steel sink manufacturers mostly use 18-gauge. Thinner gauge material, such as 22 and up, tend to dent, bow and transmit noise from pots and objects hitting the metal surface.

For its government market sector, which includes VA hospitals, military bases, research facilities, embassies, naval shipboard, GSA contract and DOD applications, one manufacturer offers a comprehensive product line of drop-in, undermount, ADA, wall-hung and free-standing fixtures. But each product is manufactured from the same American made certified 18-8  stainless steel.

Finishes

Mill finishes offered at the lower end of the market tend to be dull and matte. Satin and more polished finishes achieved by mechanical polishing are applied at the sink manufacturer’s facility. Rough finishes have poorer corrosion resistance and a poorer hygiene feature and are therefore not generally selected for sinks.

For commercial applications, blended satin finishes stand up best to every day heavy use environments.

Highly polished finishes, more often found in Europe, are produced by mechanically abrading the surface with a series of gradually finer abrasives. The smoothest polished finishes are then buffed to produce a mirror-like appearance.

Sink Dimensions

Bowl depth, taper and radius are the three basic sink measurements for comparing sink sizes. The deeper the bowl, the straighter the slope; the smaller the radius, the greater the sink capacity.

 

Self-Rimming or Undermount?

The specification decision regarding self-rimming or undermount installation is critical and can impact installation schedules and eventually the health of a facility through inadequate cleaning.

In general, undermount sinks offer a more pleasing aesthetic for custom- designed countertops because the sink does not interrupt the visual plane of the countertop. They also allow for innovative design.

For most institutional and commercial uses, self-rimming or drop-in sinks offer many more benefits: 

• Considerably more hygienic as there is no gap where the edge meets the counter where dirt may be concealed. 
• Easier to install
• Gain three-quarters to one inch in ADA height requirements
• Offers most amount of sink in a small space where knee clearance is an issue
• Complete seal is obtainable
• Often required in healthcare and food preparation settings
• Easier to replace or retrofit

Wall-Hung Sinks

If space is at a premium, you can not beat the functionality of a wall-hung sink.

There are several good reasons to consider a wall-hung sink.

• They free up floor space
• The sink will also be much easier to clean.

Seamless Drain System

A product offered by one company incorporates a seamless drain system directly into the sink thus eliminating the seam edge where the drain and sink meet. Typically bacterial pathogens collect over time at this seam.

This innovative product offers ease of specification with existing stock models across a broad range of applications, providing a cleaner look which is also more hygienic as there is no seam for bacteria to build up in, from debris or waste.

The hard metallic surface of stainless steel makes it difficult for bacteria to adhere and survive. When properly cleaned and maintained, stainless steel surfaces resist growth of bacteria, mold and microorganisms that can cause disease.

Easy cleanability makes stainless steel the first choice for strict hygienic conditions.

Certifications and Requirements

There are two major categories of certifications that apply to stainless steel sinks: ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials), which refers to the raw steel itself and ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers), which relates to how it is used in a finished product.

ASTM. In the U.S., stainless steel mills certify each roll of steel as having met metallurgical standards and consistency in production. Applicable standards include ASTM A167, A176, A240, A480, A666. Some, but not all, steel manufactured outside of the U.S. carries assurances of metallurgical content or manufacturing consistency.

ASME. Building inspectors generally require ASME certification on plumbing fixtures. Sink manufacturers list products that conform to ASME certifications such as ASME A112.19.3M.

ARRA. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) stipulates that iron, steel, and manufactured goods used in the construction of public buildings be produced in the USA. Sinks in ARRA projects—and there are still many projects in the pipeline—must carry Made in America certification. Certificates testifying to U.S.-made stainless steel sink materials are obtained from the sink manufacturer.

OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) does not have any standard or regulation that makes hands-free sinks a requirement. Neither does the CDC (Centers for Disease Control) Guideline for Hand Hygiene in Health-Care Settings mention hands-free sinks. However, Infection Control in Ambulatory Care authored by the Association for Professionals in Infection Control and Epidemiology (APIC) says: “Ideally, sinks should be equipped with foot- or elbow-operated controls…many local or state public health codes regulate sink location and type.” Essentially this comes down to budgetary constraints or clients’ policies that may require hands-free sinks in certain high-risk areas such as the ICU, transplant unit, emergency departments, or operating room areas.

OSHPD, California’s Office of Statewide Health Planning & Development,  requires compliance in the mounting design of wall hung scrub sinks in areas prone to earthquakes.

Applications

While every building needs sinks, each building type has its own requirements.

Schools/Academic

Astute sink selection can go a long way towards controlling operating costs, reducing the incidence of vandalism and maintaining an appropriate school environment. Vandalism in particular is a persistent problem with plumbing being an easy target. Water damage can go beyond the cost of fixture replacement to include flooring, walls, computers, books and electrical circuitry. Specifying sinks designed to withstand heavy use and abuse goes a long way to protect against vandalism and its costs.

In offering ADA-compliant sinks, one manufacturer can supply 18-gauge seamless die-drawn, durable satin No. 4 finish stainless steel products. An identical sink in thicker more sturdy 16-gauge is also available. As an additional line of defense against vandalism, it has designed a vandal-resistant integrated drain system that helps eliminate water overflowing from the sink.

Assisted Living and Residence Halls

Stainless steel products are ideal for assisted living installations because of their ease of maintenance.

Healthcare

Stainless steel is an obvious choice for sinks in patient towers, clinics, surgical areas and laboratory installations due to its sanitary benefits, durability and design versatility. Manufacturers offer a wide range of products that include sensor-operated surgical suite scrub stations, surgical wash-up sinks, surgical instrument tray sinks, inpatient room sinks, clinical sinks, lavatory sinks and custom application specific sinks and sink tops.

Specifiers should be aware of state and local regulations such as OSHPD’s requirements for wall-hung scrub sinks in earthquakeprone areas.

 

Hospitality

With their heavy use, hotel suite projects require durable commercial sinks with a design flair. Many leading hotel corporations have standardized sink choices for their different hotel brands.

Food Service

Since scullery sinks for food service installations have one of the greatest requirements for durability, manufacturers offer products in 14-gauge stainless steel.

 

Conclusion

From their documented hygienic and corrosion-resistant features to their  virtually unparalleled sustainability, stainless steel sinks offer numerous advantages for design professionals. They are an appropriate choice for a multitude of standard building types and, with informed specification, deliver solutions for unique applications. They compete price-wise with other sink materials and meet ADA and special state and local building requirements. Further, offered in different steel gauges and a wide range of dimensions, they should satisfy virtually any design specification challenge and provide long-term value.

Innovation, automation and creative logistics have offered Just a marketplace reputation among specification and design professionals as a world leader in the design, production and distribution of commercial grade stainless steel sinks and related plumbing fixtures and accessories. www.justmfg.com