A sink grid or rather a sink rack’s purpose is to protect your sink. If you bake and probably make so many cookies, you must own a cookie rack. Technically, a cookie rack and a sink grid look so much alike but serve a different purpose.
A sink grid is a great sink accessory. It can dampen the noise coming from clanking utensils, pans, and dishes. Besides, it also protects your sink’s surface from scratching. You don’t want your stainless steel or fireclay sink chipped or scratched, right? Your sink also appears to have an elegant finishing touch when it is not filled with utensils or groceries.
Sink Grid Considerations
You desire to see your grid fitting well and covering the entire surface beneath your sink. You also want to ensure the sink drain is left open so accurate measuring is essential. A standard kitchen sink measures 22 by 30 inches. While the back and front dimensions remain accustomed to most cabinet and countertop sizes, the shape and the width of different sink varieties can dramatically vary.
You may be wondering, what of the draining system? Well, that depends on the sink type too. Sometimes it will be at the center of the sink bottom and other times towards the rear wall.
Luckily, kitchen sink grids come in different configurations and sizes, including rounded shapes and corners, rectangular, D shaped or square. Besides, an opening location to align with the sink drain will depend on the body.
How to Measure for a Sink Grid
You have to be thorough and careful with your sink grid measurements; however, the process may seem simple. After all, you desire to see your grid fitting perfectly and fully serving its purpose. The dimension of your sink and the draining system depends on the measurements you take.
Here are the guidelines to follow:
Step 1:Starting from the sink bottom on one side of the wall, slightly above where the wall begins curving inwards towards the middle of the sink, measure using a tape measure and direct it to the opposite side of the sink at the same level above the curve beginning. This will give you the width measurements.
Step 2:Do the same from the front to the sink back to determine the depth.
Step 3:Following the same procedure from one side, measure to the middle of the sink drain, then do the same to the opposite side.
Step 4: Follow the same process from the back to the front of the sink to the drain hole center.
After completing the six measurements, you will have determined the sink size and the drain location. However, that’s not the end. You must pay detailed attention to the curvature of your sink corners. If they are significantly acute, it will not fit perfectly on your sink and will most likely serve as a sturdy support for your pans and dishes.
Buying a Sink Grid after measurements
With most of the challenging work done, it’s now time to get your sink grid. If your sink is a double basin whereby you use one side for your dishes and the other as a prep sink, the measuring process is similar for each sink.
The most popular sink grid is a stainless steel grid. This is because it consists of rubber bumpers on the back and sides and rubber feet for extra sink protection. Besides, it is also long-lasting and offers value for money.
Ensure the rubber feet are secured to the grid before installing them in your sink to avoid scratching the stainless-steel surface beneath.
A Compatible Grid for your Sink
If you take accurate sink size measurements and the drain location dimensions, you will easily find a compatible grid for your sink. Chances are, the diameter of the grid hole will be relatively too small or too big, meaning it is the right fit.
The right fit means it lays flat, offering you a steady and robust surface for the items you place on top. If it turns out to be wobbly, it might result in a warped frame leaving you frustrated and annoyed. Source: sinkengineering.com
Tips to Follow When Sink Grid Shopping
No one knows better than your sink’s manufacturer on the perfect grid. It would be best to check out the manufacturer’s name anywhere on the sink, either around the drain or the rear or most likely beneath the sink.
For more information, check out their website. Chances are, you will probably buy the right grid from the site. If not, visit your local plumbing supply store or home improvement outlet to see if they have the specific manufacturer’s recommended guard.
If you don’t find that particular grid, your measurements will help you choose the right alternative.
Sink Grid Cleaning
Depending on their use, kitchen sinks harbour so many bacteria. Sink grids are not an exception, and you need to clean them regularly. The point is, your food and drinks get into contact with the utensils; hence very crucial to eliminate bacteria from every area of your kitchen, including the grid.
Many areas can hold grease and food particles, and in most cases, these areas are challenging to clean. It’s either you ensure they’re as clean as possible or avoid bacteria gathering.
- If it’s okay with you, you can use your dishwasher. The hot water and cleaning detergents will clean and do away with bacteria.
- If you’re not comfortable cleaning with the dishwasher, you can use a brush and a cleaning product and scrub until you can’t do it anymore. Ensure you access every point of connection within the grid.
- Additionally, you can use a steam cleaner. Unlike a dishwasher, a steam cleaner is more manageable and is the best choice. You don’t have to scrub, thus saving yourself from broken fingernails and skinned knuckles.
Other Kitchen Sink Rack Options
Besides grids, there are other alternatives you can use to protect your kitchen sink. You can use a silicone sink protector or,preferably, a kitchen sink rubber mat. It comes with suction cups beneath it and easily adheres to the lower sink surface to maintain a steady position.
Silicone sink protectors are soft and protect your sink from chipping and scratching as well as dampening the sound produced by pans, pots and silverware clanking. They also come in different sizes, and finding the right size for your sink should be easy.
You can easily remove them regularly for cleaning either with your dishwasher or steam cleaning, though steam cleaning will be much better as it will also sterilize bacteria. Though they’re not long-lasting as stainless steel, they serve their purpose perfectly.
Conclusion
Before purchasing your kitchen sink grid, make sure it is durable, corrosion-free, and the manufacturer is reputable. This will assure you that it can stand the test of time. Remember to check out the rubber feet if you get a metallic sink and install them before placing them on the sink. Most importantly, pay attention to detail when taking the measurements and account for all curves and sinks of your sink corners.
Don’t forget to analyze what your sink manufacturer offers for the guards and shop wisely. Remember to clean your grid regularly too.