How do I choose between a single and double kitchen sink for my NB home?

For most New Brunswick kitchens being renovated today, a large single-bowl sink is the better choice — it accommodates oversized pots, baking sheets, and cutting boards that simply won't fit in a divided double sink. That said, the right answer depends on your cooking habits, whether you have a dishwasher, and your countertop space.

The single-bowl sink has become the dominant choice in NB kitchen renovations for good reason. A 30-33 inch single bowl gives you an uninterrupted basin that fits large stock pots, sheet pans, and roasting racks without fighting a centre divider. If you cook regularly — and especially if you preserve, can, or process game and fish as many New Brunswickers do — the single bowl is dramatically more functional. Cleaning a large cutting board or filling a canning pot simply isn't practical in a divided sink. Pair a single bowl with a quality pull-down faucet and a good drying rack, and you have an efficient, versatile wash station.

Double-bowl sinks still make sense in specific situations. If you don't have a dishwasher — which is common in older NB homes and smaller apartments in Moncton, Saint John, and Fredericton — a double bowl lets you wash in one side and rinse in the other, which is the traditional and still effective approach. A 60/40 split (one larger bowl, one smaller) offers some of the flexibility of both styles. The smaller bowl works as a dedicated food prep wash station or a place to soak items while the main bowl stays clear.

Practical Factors for NB Homeowners

Cabinet size matters. Your sink must fit your base cabinet, and many older NB homes have 30-inch sink base cabinets. A standard double bowl needs a 33-36 inch cabinet, while single bowls are available in 27-33 inch widths. If you're keeping your existing cabinet layout to save on plumbing costs, measure your sink base cabinet first — this may make the decision for you.

Countertop material affects the decision too. If you're installing an undermount sink with quartz or granite countertops ($60-$120 per square foot installed), the sink cutout size impacts the structural integrity of the countertop. Larger single-bowl cutouts require proper support, and your countertop fabricator will advise on maximum dimensions for your specific material and edge profile.

Sink material is worth considering in NB's climate. Stainless steel (18-gauge for quality) is the most popular and affordable option at $200-$600. Granite composite sinks ($300-$800) resist scratching and come in colours that coordinate with countertops, but they're heavier and require a well-supported cabinet. Fireclay farmhouse sinks ($500-$1,500) make a design statement but add weight that your base cabinet must accommodate.

If you're moving your sink to a new location, budget an additional $1,500-$4,000 for extending supply and drain lines, which requires a plumbing permit in New Brunswick. Keeping the sink in its current position — regardless of bowl configuration — saves significantly on plumbing costs. A simple sink swap on the existing plumbing runs $300-$800 for professional installation, including reconnecting the drain, supply lines, and dishwasher connection.

For most NB homeowners renovating a kitchen with a dishwasher, the large single bowl is the practical winner. It handles everything a modern kitchen demands while looking clean and contemporary.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The New Brunswick Construction Network connects homeowners with qualified professionals:

• Thirty Four Renovations
• Gionetterenovations