Finding quality stainless steel sink without U channel

[Tallgirl1204]

We are midway through a kitchen re-build.  My husband built the most beautiful concrete countertops I've ever seen (colored glass aggregate) but we made a mistake,  and the sink hole was measured for an existing cast iron sink that we had-- and now that it's done, we realize that a stainless sink is just going to look better.  However, the hole is too small for a stainless sink with a u-channel.  At Home  Depot, I found one type of stainless sink that didn't have the U-channel (forgive me, I can't remember the brand for sure) but every single one of those sinks had a badly warped (wavy) front rim (I opened every box in both stores in our town and it is as if they were molded that way).  The Home Depot guy said the warp would resolve upon installation, but I couldn't see how given that we are not going to be able to clip it in.

Here is my question:  do you have a recommendation for a good quality stainless sink (I.e. One not warped up) that does not have a u-channel?  I'm willing to drive to find one (Phoenix is three hours away) but I don't want to go on a fishing expedition without having some indication that success is possible. 

Sigh.  We may have to get our heads around the old white cast iron sink, but I thought I'd try you guys first.  (Disclosure:  I intend to post this over at Bogleheads too.  Don't hate me for playing the field...)

[Greg]

Go to an actual plumbing supply house, one that has a showroom would be easiest.  This is where professional plumbers get their parts and often the parts are better quality but not that much more expensive that a Home Depot type store.

[mntnmn117]

Sorry to revive an old thread. How difficult were the concrete countertops and how did they turn out?  Also would love to heard an update on durability.

[lthenderson]

Sorry to revive an old thread. How difficult were the concrete countertops and how did they turn out?  Also would love to heard an update on durability.

I have a good friend that does concrete countertops and other castings for a living. From watching him do his thing, I would say that they are up there on the difficulty level especially if you want them to look nice when completed. I don't think I would attempt to do one myself without practicing a few times and I used to work on a concrete pouring crew in my younger days. They certainly have their place but be forewarned, there are drawbacks to them. They are fairly expensive compared to other commonly used countertop materials. They require regular maintenance to prevent staining unlike say quartz. They are also extremely heavy so you require a good quality cabinet underneath them to withstand the pressure without warping and buckling and depending on the age of your house, may have to reinforce the floors for the additional weight.

[FINate]

They certainly have their place but be forewarned, there are drawbacks to them. They are fairly expensive compared to other commonly used countertop materials. They require regular maintenance to prevent staining unlike say quartz.

This^ We did concrete in a kitchen remodel some years ago. Looked great at first, but the maintenance was more than expected. The surface is easily etched if anything acidic, e.g. lemon juice, is left for more than a few minutes. And it stains easily. The only way to keep them looking somewhat clean was with periodic wet sanding and resealing. In hindsight, quartz would have been much better.

[Papa bear]

They certainly have their place but be forewarned, there are drawbacks to them. They are fairly expensive compared to other commonly used countertop materials. They require regular maintenance to prevent staining unlike say quartz.

This^ We did concrete in a kitchen remodel some years ago. Looked great at first, but the maintenance was more than expected. The surface is easily etched if anything acidic, e.g. lemon juice, is left for more than a few minutes. And it stains easily. The only way to keep them looking somewhat clean was with periodic wet sanding and resealing. In hindsight, quartz would have been much better.

Now, I have the opposite experience.  I did concrete 7 years ago.  It was very basic, nothing fancy, and stained charcoal.  Used a drop in sink.  I wanted to try it out so I went with a rental property.  It’s had 7 years of being ridden hard by college students. Like 5-7 living in the place at a time. 

I’ve done 0 maintenance, and it’s held up great so far. 

Have I done another concrete countertop since? Nope.  It was a royal pain in the ass.  Gone granite or laminate on maybe 9 kitchen redos since. May try it again on an outdoor kitchen counter at my place, though. 


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[Just Joe]

Have I done another concrete countertop since? Nope.  It was a royal pain in the ass.  Gone granite or laminate on maybe 9 kitchen redos since. May try it again on an outdoor kitchen counter at my place, though. 

Outside countertops sound like a perfect application.

[BudgetSlasher]

We have kraus undermount sinks in out house and I don't recall the mounting flange being warped.

We installed them directly in the cabinet tops (solid plywood tops) and had the granite installed directly over them.

[mntnmn117]

Thanks for the input. Definitely want low maintenance so have been looking toward the normal materials.