Julien – Excellance in Stainless Steel (and more)

Filed under Kitchens, New in the Showroom by on May 11, 2011 at 5:23 pm {no comments}

Julien began as a supplier of kitchen accessories to restaurants in 1946. Leo Julien’s company struggled a bit in the early years but by the 1960’s it was going strong and was awarded the contract to supply kitchen equipment to “Expo 67” in Montreal. In 1995 the company was purchased by a group of its executives whose vision to grow Julien through excellence continues to succeed. Today Julien is known for kitchen products of high quality and design.

Julien Worktop Sink Classic Collection

Julien is known mostly for its stainless steel kitchen sinks, although they also make sinks of fireclay and granite composite. Most of the SS sinks are 16g (the J18 collection is the exception) and are available as under mount, farmhouse or “Worktop” models.

The 16g handcrafted group includes 5 collections; UrbanEdge, J7, Classic, Vintage, Trapezoid and Apron Front/Worktop.

Julien UrbanEdge

You may be familiar with the modern look that many commercial stainless steel sinks have. This is the result of the tight “zero radius” inside corners characteristic of these sinks. The Julien UrbanEdge collection brings this modern look to the residential kitchen with under-mount models in single and double bowl configurations.

Julien J7 Sink

The Julien J7 series builds on the zero radius concept but improves it for home use by opening those tight corners ever so slightly to 7mm. This keeps the crisp look but allows for easier cleaning and maintenance.

Julien Classic Collection with Accessory Drawer

The Julien Classic Collection has rounded corners which are welded and polished by hand. This collection has a softer, more traditional look while still displaying the large interior so typical of Julien. The Classic Collection also includes Julien’s entire stainless Farm House and Worktop sink group.

Julien Vintage Series Sink

The Julien Vintage Collection is a hybrid; the crisp geometry of the UrbanEdge softened with curves for a transitional style. The Vintage Collections uses zero radius corners.

Julien Trapezoid Series

The Julien Trapezoid Collection takes the zero radius and creates a unique shape for a striking design that maximizes cabinet space. Currently available is six configurations for under mounting.

Julien J18 Collection Sink

All the Julien collections discussed above are made in Canada using 16 gauge American steel (type 304). Julien also offers a collection of 18 gauge sinks, the J18 collection. These are also made in Canada from American steel and feature an 18mm inside radius (slightly smaller than the 23mm of the Classic Collection). To my eye this is a perfect balance and makes a sink with a generous bowl. This is a solid product.

Julien Fireclay Farm Sink and Undermount

Julien excels at working with stainless steel but it is not all they offer. Fireclay has become increasingly popular and Julien has entered the fray with several Farm House models and two under mount models, all hand-crafted in England. Julien “Granix” series are manufactured in Germany and are comprised of 80-85% granite. Bound with a high quality acrylic resin these sinks are highly resistant to scratching or chips. In addition the material includes natural silver ions which impart an anti-microbial quality to the product. Perfect for the kitchen! “Granix” sinks are available in both top and under mount models.

Julien Granix Sinks

Julien offers a full line of accessories for their sinks including bottom grids, colanders and cutting boards. All cutting boards are 100% hard rock maple, 1-1/2” thick and safe for food preparation.

You can see Julien J18, Granix and worktop models in our showroom today!

Granite and Quartz Kitchen Sinks

Filed under Kitchens by on February 17, 2011 at 12:11 pm {2 comments}

How About a kitchen sink made of stone?  “Hard Composite” sinks are made primarily of natural granite which is ground, then combined with an acrylic resin to produce a solid surface material. These sinks are 80%+ natural granite, giving them a hard, durable surface that can hold up to the demands of a working kitchen.

eGranite by Elkay

These sinks go by many names; granite composite, hard composite, quartz as well as brand terms like eGranite (Elkay), Silgranite (Blanco), Quartech (Elkay) and Moenstone (Moen, discontinued). Whatever you call it this is a material with a lot of benefits for a kitchen sink. It is

  • Hard and non-porous
  • Heat resistant
  • Difficult to scratch or stain.
  • Chip resistant  
  • Will not absorb bacteria  (hygienic choice for the kitchen)

The colors and finish of these sinks will vary a bit between manufacturers. Today most manufacturers are making sinks with a smooth, soft sheen. Not a completely matte finish but not shiny like cast iron or fire clay. The colors may have some gradation of tone rather like stone or may be of one color. Most are available in shades of white, off white, gray, brown and black although color selections vary between manufacturers.

Blanco Performa 1-3/4 Biscotti

Maintenance on these sinks is very easy. Daily cleaning uses any non-abrasive cleanser with a Scotch Brite pad. More stubborn dirt can be removed with a bleach/water solution or with baking soda or vinegar. Some clients have also told us that a “Mr. Clean Magic Eraser” pad does a good job of removing more stubborn marks.

Once installed these sinks are very tough. However, it is possible to damage a sink in transit if the box is dropped or if it receives a shape blow.  Be sure to keep the sink in a safe place until it is installed.

Julien Q110 Quartz Sink

At General Plumbing we carry granite sinks from three manufacturers; Blanco, Elkay and Julien.

Blanco has been producing their Silgranite sinks for many years and we are now into the Silgranite II series. Blanco has taken several of their most popular stainless styles and brought those out in Silgranite models. While Blanco does offer a few self-rimming models most of their Silgranite sinks are designed for under mounting.

Blanco Silgranite

Elkay offers two series of granite sinks; the eGranite and Quartech. These two collections have slightly different surfaces with the Quartech being slightly shiny with a very smooth surface and the eGranite a more matte finish. Quartech sink models feature a work shelf or bridge and come in double and single bowl models. eGranite sink models include standard and single bowl models as well as a contemporary curved bowl model.

Quartech by Elkay

Julien is perhaps the newest vendor of granite sinks. Known for making exception stainless steel Julien has recently introduced a couple of quartz sinks (single and double bowl) in under mount and self-rimming. Julien quartz is available in White, Brown, Beige and Black.

We are currently displaying Elkay eGranite in Bisque and Quartech in Java. Julien quartz in brown and will be adding Blanco Biscotti in a couple of weeks.

Don’t Like Stainless? Try Fire Clay!

Filed under Kitchens by on January 10, 2011 at 12:25 pm {no comments}

In the past I have done several posts which talked about stainless steel sinks. Today I’d like to talk about an entirely different product, fireclay. Fireclay is somewhat similar to the vitreous china that is used to make toilets and bathroom sinks but with a critical difference. Fireclay contains a high amount of quartz and feldspar and is fired at 2264 degrees Fahrenheit. The high temperature fuses the clay and the glaze producing an extremely durable surface. The composition of the clay makes fireclay heavier and more durable so it can stand up to the wear and tear that a kitchen sink needs to handle.

Cast iron is a common material for kitchen sinks but does have some potential disadvantages that fire clay does not. If a cast iron sink is chipped or develops a hairline crack you will eventually get rusting from the underlying cast iron. Because fire clay is ceramic throughout there is no iron source to rust. In addition fire clay can be formed into tighter corners resulting in a more spacious interior.

Here is a video showing how easy it is to clean fire clay.

Farm house (also known as apron front) sinks can be made of several materials but the

Rohl Shaws RC3018 Farm Sink

 fireclay models have remained the most popular. If you are considering such a sink there are a couple of things to be aware of. These sinks are commonly installed under a solid surface countertop. A cabinet structure is needed to support the sink, including the sides and back. The floor of a farm house sink is designed flat with a slight pitch to the drain. In some cases this may require extra shimming and there may be a slight pooling of water. Finally this material does change in the firing process and no two sinks are alike; sizes can vary as much as 2%.

If you are thinking about an apron sink there are many to choose from, both in size and style. One of the best known is the Shaws sinks offered by the Rohl Company. Shaws has been making fireclay sinks since 1897 and these sinks are excellent examples of the classic style.  The most popular is the RC3018, a single bowl 30” wide it is available in white, Biscuit and now matte black. This single bowl sink is also available in 24” and 36” models. We stock all three sizes in white. Rohl also offers double bowl and casement front models.

Franke offers fireclay apron sinks by Villeroy and Boch, a company long known for the expertise in ceramics. Franke farm sinks have a somewhat more modern feel with a thinner wall and crisp edges. They offer 24”, 30” 33” and 36” models as well as two double bowl sinks. Franke farm house sinks are available in white, biscuit and matte black.

Elkay Double Bowl Farm Sink

Elkay has recently tossed their hat into the farm house sink arena with a 30” single and a 33” double bowl model. Elkay however has introduced a new color, “Terra Cotta” for their farm sinks. Elkay Farm Sinks are also available in Gloss White.

If you are interested in fire clay but the farm sink isn’t your style there are several drop in and under-mount sinks available. One of the best known may be the Allia by Rohl. This is a 60/40 double bowl sink which may be installed as an under mount or self-rimming sink. Rohl also offers three under mount single bowl sinks in 31”, 24” and 17”square sizes. Rohl Allia sinks are available in white or Pergame (biscuit).

Elkay offers a 31” double bowl under mount fire clay and as well as 23” and 17” models. All three are available in gloss white or Terra Cotta.

So if you are looking for a new kitchen sink and stainless steel isn’t for you please take a look at fire clay.

Bathroom Sinks – Vessels and Above Counter

Filed under Bathrooms by on August 23, 2010 at 11:17 am {no comments}

In the late 90’s through the early 2000s vessel sinks gained enormous popularity in

Vitraform Glass Freestanding Sink

 bathroom design. The first vessels I remember were glass freestanding bowls by Vitraform, a maker of very high quality annealed glass sinks. As interest in vessel sinks continued we saw new materials being used; so in addition to glass we had copper and stainless, porcelain, bronze and stone and even wood.

Styles change and sometimes what was once very popular may become outdated. Is that the case with vessel sinks? In my opinion no, although I do think we are seeing a change in styles and finishes. I see fewer of the very simple, clean line glass models and more styles with more of a natural, earthy look.

VESSEL SINKS 2010

Linkasink is one of my favorite manufacturers because of the quality of design and materials

Linkasink Smithsonian English Cut Work Sink

they use. The make sinks in porcelain, stone mosaic, copper, bronze and onyx for the bath and kitchen. A few years ago they introduced their “Smithsonian Collection”. This collection, under licensing from the Smithsonian Institute, is a seven piece series of sinks based on historic designs, patterns, textures and

Linkasink Mother of Pearl Mosiac

colors found within the Smithsonian Museum collections. Linkasink is also known for their mosaic work seen in both vessel and under mounts sinks and will do custom patterns and colors.

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Lenova Bamboo Vessel

Lenova is a fairly recent addition to the world of vessel sinks. They have introduced a series of vessel sinks made of bamboo! These sinks show-off the beauty of the bamboo but are durable enough to be used as sinks, both in the bathroom and the kitchen. Lenova has also introduced the

Lenova Celadon

 “Celadon” vessel which is a round sink with a natural looking textured exterior and a delicate green interior color.

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 Porcher has been working with more natural materials and has recently introduced the Slate

Laveggi Slate Basin by Procher

series of sinks. Available in any of five architectural styles, each sink is made of a single piece of volcanic slate and honed to a soft finish. Made in Italy each sink has distinctive veining within

Liberum Bronze Vessel by Porcher

 the dark grey color. Porcher also continues to offer their collection of vessels made of solid bronze. These freeform sinks come in either bronze or white bronze and have hand finished surfaces that will patina naturally over time.

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Glass has not disappeared and now is being combined with metal and minerals to produce

Alchemy Glass Mosaic Vessel

unique pieces. Alchemy Glass of Los Angeles is making sinks that have a very “Old World” feel to them rather than the modern look of some glass. The Mosaic sink has pillowed pieces of glass mosaic fused into the wall of the sinks. The Terra Nova

Alchemy Terra Nova

used glass pebbles to create a riverbed-like texture to this sink’s interior. Sinks in the Cienega series have different minerals and metals fused between layers of glass to produce a variety of colors and effects. Alcheny also produces tiles, light fixtures and mirros to coordinate with their vessel designs.

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Stone continues to be used and new types are being introduced all the time. The Montecito

Terra Acqua Montecito Basin

Collection  by Terra Acqua  is a series of stone vessels of various styles and colors. The “Miramar” is a petite basin made out of a stone the color of lavender and green. The “Fuera” is a

Terra Acqua Fuera Vessel

 rectangular vessel available in six natural stone colors. This is a flatter open style that gives the user more water space and protects against the splashing that you can get with a small sink.

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As you can see vessel sinks have continued to look to the future with new designs. You can see most of the sinks discussed in this article in our American Canyon or Walnut Creek showrooms.

New Styles in Under Mount Sinks

Filed under Bathrooms by on June 30, 2010 at 9:36 am {no comments}

                Under mount bathroom sinks are very popular today and it is easy to understand why. An under mount installation provides a clean look and makes the bath easier to maintain. If you have a countertop material that you want to show off an under mount sink minimizes the sink and shows off the counter top.

Under Mount Bathroom Sinks with Style

American Standard Studio Under Mount Sink

Years ago most under mount sinks were ovals but today one can find sinks that are rectangular, square, round or other

American Standard Boulevard Under Mount Sink

free shapes. Lately rectangular sinks have become very popular. The American Standard “Studio” and “Boulevard” are good examples of rectangular under mount sinks. Note the curved interior bowl of the “Studio” vs. the flat angles of the “Boulevard” interior. While the sinks share a rectangular shape the detail of the interior shape gives each sink a individual look.

Toto Waza Barocco Under Mount Sink

 Toto has also add new style to the under mount group.

Toto Soiree Under Mount Bathroom Sink

“Soiree” is  modified rectangular which offers a softer look that is still consistent with a more architectural design. The “Legato”, “Waza Tiraz” and “Waza Barocco” based on classic architectural themes offer designers options not seen previously. These offer designs that are a little different without being too unusual.

Bates & Bates Anita Under Mount SInk

 In addition to shapes some under mount sinks are

American Standard Rattan Under Mount Bathroom Sink

incorporating patterns or textures on the interior surfaces. The “Anita” by Bates and Bates offers a classic shell design. The “Rattan” by American Standard has a braided texture as the names suggests. The Toto “Promenade” has a stacked detail that echoes the details seen on the Promenade toilet.

                All the sinks I have mentions above are made of

Native Trails Calabash Under Mount Sink

vitreous china but there are other materials available out there. Copper has become very popular as seen in this “Calabash” sink by Native Trails. The “Oval Wing” by

Linkasink Oval Wing Bathroom Sink

 Linkasink displays a detailed tooled pattern in with a brushed nickel finish. Glass is also seen in under mount sinks, typically with a heavy pattern or frosting to conceal the interior of the cabinet from being seen through the sink. One example is this TP1916 amber under mount glass sink by Ronbow.

                So before you settle on a plain oval sink take some time to see what’s out there. One way you can do this is to visit our showroom where we can show you sinks by American Standard, Porcher, Toto, Native Trails and many more. You can download our showroom flyer here which includes a map to our loction. We look forward to seeing you!

Is value priced stainless for real? (Part Two)

Filed under Kitchens by on May 7, 2010 at 4:29 pm {no comments}

As I discussed in my previous post, we have discovered that some of the stainless sinks being sold today may not be all they are advertised to be. We tested one and found that it didn’t really measure up to the typical standards that we use to judge quality stainless: sound quality, finish, bowl dimensions, gauge and steel type.

 These characteristics are useful as shorthand to describe quality but really don’t tell the whole story. They say a little about materials and less about fabrication, the most important part of making a sink.

 For example, steel type and gauge describe the sheet of steel prior to fabrication. Most sinks are described as being type 304 steel meaning it must have a minimum of 18% chromium and 8% nickel and no more than .08% carbon. But that alone does not tell you what other components are used or how the steel was mixed. If contaminants (called inclusions) are allowed to get into the steel they can cause defects after the sink is in use.

Better manufacturers use steel that is ASME (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) or CSA certified.  Such certification indicates that the steel maker is complying with specific standards for the manufacturing process.

 Gauge is another measurement that can be deceptive because again it refers to the sheet of steel before fabrication. When steel is drawn into a sink the sheet is stretched and if not done properly the result can be walls that are thin and uneven. (I think this was the case in the sink we tested). Weak spots will be prone to dents or other damage.

 Sound quality, finish and bowl dimensions should be easier to judge but unless you know what to look for you can miss important details. Finish can be especially difficult; all brushed finishes are not created equal. To be effective the finish must be worked into the sink, a surface brushing will do little more than look nice when new but will scratch easily and may be difficult to clean. When looking at bowl dimension you want to consider wall to wall but also corner radius and slope of the sides and floor. Sloping the sides and bottom allow for cheaper manufacturing but reduces interior bowl space. Effective sound proofing requires more than a coat of paint.

 There are a number of things to look at when selecting a stainless sink. Top quality stainless is expensive so don’t be fooled into thinking you are getting something “just as good for half the price”. Look for certifications from ASME, CSA, IAPMO and UPC which are good indicators that manufacturers are meeting certain standards. The less information a vendor provides about a product the more likely it is that you are getting less than you deserve. There are variables that can make a big difference in price; a knowledgeable showroom associate can explain these differences clearly so you can make the best decision.

Is value priced stainless for real? (Part One)

Filed under Kitchens by on May 5, 2010 at 9:17 am {2 comments}

A few years ago a number of new stainless steel sink lines began appearing on the market claiming to be of the same quality as the major brands but for half the price. It was an amazing claim and I wondered if it could really be true. I recently ordered one of these low priced sinks so we could have a first hand look at it.

The sink I ordered was described as being 18 gauge, premium type 304 stainless with scratch resistant finish and sound baffling. It was an under mount 1-3/4 style bowl configuration, 9” deep.

The sink arrived and when I opened the box the first thing I noticed was a strong chemical smell. The smell remained for several days so I contacted the local rep and arranged to have a second sink sent. When that arrived a few days later I opened it and found the exact same smell wafting from the contents. I contacted the company again and a third sink was sent, this time a 16g model. It had the same smell. I decided perhaps the smell would go away in time so I placed the sink into our kitchen display to air out.

My idea in getting this sink was to evaluate it based on sound quality, finish, interior bowl dimensions, gauge (or thickness) of construction and steel type to see how it stacked up against the other stainless sinks. Here is what we found:

  • To test sound quality we simply knocked on the side of the sink with our knuckles. This test elicited a hollow tinny sound from the new sink instead of the solid thump that our other sinks had.
  • The finish was brushed but it was a light abrasion of the surface and not the deep working of the steel that produces a really corrosion resistant finish.
  • The interior revealed 3” radius corners. This means the corners are open curves (rather than tight corners) resulting in a smaller interior bowl space.
  • To test the gauge we tried pushing on the walls of the sink and found that we could flex the sides, especially at the divider. We could not do this with major brand name sinks.
  • I wasn’t sure how we could test to see if the sink was type 304 until someone suggested we try using a magnet. We did and it stuck solidly to the side of the sink. Type 304 steel is not magnetic.

What’s going on here? Is this sink being advertised to be something that it is not? Or is it a careful use of marketing? In fact I believe the description used for this sink is mostly true but missing some important facts which I will detail in part two of this post.

Buying Plumbing Fixtures

Filed under Thoughts on Buying by on April 2, 2010 at 1:16 pm {2 comments}

There are a few common ways that consumers shop for new plumbing fixtures: a local “big box” store, a plumbing showroom, online vendors or through their plumber. Which way is best?

Let’s start with the “big box” stores (Home Depot, Lowes and such). These stores typically offer low prices and the opportunity to find the material in stock the day you want it. By limiting the number of brands and models they are able to keep prices low; in some cases they offer a competitive “house” brand. Many manufacturers create somewhat lower quality product for distribution only through these home centers, which allows them to offer product at a lower price with a recognized brand name. For example, I know of a hardware manufacturer which produces forged brass product for their main line and a forged product for their home center line that is made of a zinc alloy instead of brass. It looks good new but does not have the strength or durability of their main line.

If you are remodeling or building new, your contractor (or plumber) may include a list of fixtures as part of his quote. If you are primarily concerned with getting something functional and are less concerned with appearance this may be the best way to go. The fixtures are likely to be fairly basic and from a major brand like Moen or Delta. One plus is that, in many cases, the plumber may offer an additional warranty if he is supplying the products. The downside is that you may have little say in what you get.

The showroom is the place for people who want more choice and good information on which to make their selections. You will have the opportunity to see a lot of product “in the flesh” and may even be able to test faucets or showerheads before you buy. The showroom’s greatest assets are expert sales people who can guide you to the best options for your project; drawing on their experience good sales people help you identify what products best meet your needs and help you avoid pitfalls (like selecting a faucet with a spout too short to reach into the sink). They can also help you match you design ideals to your budget because they know where money can be saved without a big sacrifice of style or quality. Most showrooms will also help with parts and warranties when needed.

There is a little more to think about when buying plumbing on the Internet. Certainly there are huge numbers of product choices and one can usually find very competitive prices. Many online stores provide a lot of information in the form of pictures, written descriptions, technical drawings and online reviews; so if you have the time you can learn a lot. The Internet is great at providing information but requires that you work through a lot to find what you need. Successful online purchasing requires an investment of time, both in researching what to buy and, potentially, taking care of any issues of installation or warranty after purchase. If you have the time and inclination then the Internet may be for you.

In summary I would say this. Home centers generally offer low price and moderate quality. Using contractor provided product is generally moderate quality and good service with little design. A showroom will offer you a wide choice of product, price and quality along with in-person service. The Internet has lots of choice and good pricing but requires more work by the consumer. Which is best for you?

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