Undermount sinks are the perfect modern sink style to make for a stunning kitchen space. An undermount sink is a sink that is attached underneath your countertop, rather than resting on top of your counter space. This means that there is no sink edge overlapping onto the top of your counter.
This seamless, sleek look is a huge selling point and why the undermount sink style is a popular sink today. Nonetheless, the undermount sink’s stylish, modern look and clean lines aren’t the only reason why this sink is so trendy.
The undermount sink is also practical in terms of easily being able to sweep crumbs on the counter straight into the sink. However, although there are many advantages to the undermount sink, there are also key disadvantages that cannot be ignored.
In this article, you’ll learn all about the advantages and disadvantages of the undermount sink style. Furthermore, you’ll learn how this sink style compares to other sink styles so you can see if the undermount sink style is right for you.
Best Undermount Sinks
Not all undermount sinks are the same. That’s why it’s important to understand the best undermount sinks available so you can choose one perfect for your kitchen.
When determining the best undermount sinks, it’s essential to keep in mind factors like sink shape, bowl/basin number, sink color, sink material, and price to find the right one for your budget, lifestyle, and needs.
Which sink is better undermount or top mount?
Choosing between an undermount sink and a top mount sink can be a difficult decision. However, each option has its own advantages and disadvantages that you should take into account to pick the sink suitable for your own unique needs.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of An Undermount Sink
An undermount sink is when the lip (edge) of the sink is underneath your counter rather than overlapping onto your counter. In other words, there is no sink edge visible which makes for a sleek sink style.
This feature of the edge of the undermount sink being “hidden” is one of the main advantages of this sink option. This is because this look provides a more modern, contemporary look and feel with the ability to easily showcase your gorgeous counter space without worrying about the edge of your sink getting in the way.
However, although the look of the undermount sink is a highlight appearance-wise, this also means the edges of the countertop itself leading into the sink are at risk. This is because, without a lip/sink edge to protect the edges of the counter, over time pots, pans, and other dishes you put in the sink may hit the edges of the counter. Therefore, this can inevitably cause wear and tear on countertop edges.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Top Mount Sink
A top mount sink has the edges of the sink overlapping on top of the counter itself. Therefore, this means with a top mount sink you are able to see the edges of the sink.
This feature of the lip/edge sitting over the counter space provides added protection to the counter’s edges. This is because over time as you place and clean pots and pans in the sink, they can hit and chip the edge of the countertop. However, with a top-mounted sink, this means the pans would hit the sink edge rather than damage the countertop itself.
Likewise, a top mount sink is often more cost-effective to install and easier to replace. As a result, this makes the sink both practical and versatile in the event you want to replace your sink in the future.
The main disadvantage of the top mount sink is its appearance. Since the edges of the sink sit atop the counter space. This makes for a less seamless, modern look compared to the undermount sink style.
Is it better to have an undermount or drop-in sink?
Deciding between an undermount copper sink or a drop-in sink is again based on personal preference. Although there is no clear “best” option, there are some main advantages and disadvantages to consider.
While we’ve already learned that the undermount sink looks sleek and stylish, the practicality of the sink in terms of not damaging the edge of the counter leading into the sink is a key disadvantage to consider.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of A Drop In Sink
A drop-in sink, otherwise known as a top mount sink (discussed earlier above), is again a budget-friendly sink option that is easy to install and replace.
That being said, the drop-in (top mount) sink is a bit less sleek and modern relative to the undermount sink style. You also get slightly less counter space because the kitchen sink lip is on the top of the counter itself.
Are Undermount Sinks Popular?
Yes! Undermount sinks are a popular sink-style option for your home. An undermount sink provides a sleek, seamless look without having to worry about the edge of the sink hanging on top of the countertop, unlike the drop-in/ top mount sink style.
The undermount sink is also easy to clean, further supporting why the undermount sink is a functional, stylish sink that is popular today.
Are drop-in sinks outdated?
Although determining whether a drop-in sink is outdated or not is subjective, there’s no denying that a drop-in sink can be considered outdated compared to the rise of the undermount sink style’s popularity. This is because the undermount sink has clean lines that give off a modern, sleek look for any space. Whereas, a drop-in sink because of the edge that lays overtop the counter can be considered more “bulky” in terms of taking up counter space.
How To Attach Your Undermount Sink To Granite
Attaching an undermount sink to a granite countertop may seem difficult and overwhelming. However, by following the correct steps below, you’ll learn just how simple this task can be.
- Measure: Accurately measure out the opening of where you want to place your sink on your granite countertop. With these measurements, select a new sink that appropriately aligns with your space.
- Reveal Selection: Select a reveal style you want for your sink. Choose from a positive reveal (part of sink exposed), zero reveal (counter that’s with the sink rim), and negative reveal (counter extends past sink).
- Mark And Drill Sink Holes: Carefully center and align the rim of the sink along the edges of the counter. Then, when the undermount sink is in the right place, appropriately mark the holes where you need to drill over the granite counter. Remove the sink out of the way and drill the holes based on your markings.
- Apply Caulking: Apply a thin layer of sealant on the sink lip and appropriately position the sink under the granite counter. Use clear caulking to provide a cleaner final look against the granite.
- Insert Screws: Correctly insert and tighten the screws in place.
- Attach Undermount Sink: Connect the sink to the plumbing following the manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring you apply pressure on the sink from the top to remove any excess trapped air.
Frequently Asked Questions
Now that you know more about undermount sinks and how they differ from other sink styles, read on to learn more about some lingering questions you may still have regarding this sink style.
Do undermount sinks get mold?
A major thing to consider with an undermount sink is that they do get mold. This is because water can go between the sink and the countertop, which is where mold issues begin.
Mold is especially prevalent with countertops that are not water resistant. Therefore, to reduce the chances of a mold problem with your undermount sink, ensure proper sink installation and maintenance to lower your risk of a mold problem.
Do undermount sinks chip easily?
Unfortunately, due to the nature of the undermount sink lip/edge being under the countertop, this leaves the countertop leading into the sink at risk for chipping. This is especially true of how durable/ type of material the countertop is and your living situation. For instance, if you have a big family that uses lots of dishes, over time this can easily lead to chips on the counter edges along the undermount sink.
That being said, with regard to the undermount sink itself, you shouldn’t have any problems with chipping as the edges of the sink are underneath the countertop.
What is the new trend for kitchen sinks?
When it comes to remodeling your kitchen space, you want to ensure you are keeping up with all the trending kitchen sinks on the market to pick a stylish, suitable sink for your space.
Undermount kitchen sinks are a relatively new trend when it comes to kitchen sinks- and for good reason! The seamless, sleek style of the undermount sink along with the functionality for easy cleanup makes this sink style popular.
Are undermount sinks hard to clean?
Luckily, the undermount sink is not hard to clean! In fact, one of the main advantages of an undermount sink is the ease at which it makes the cleanup process effortless.
This is because since there is no sink lip around the perimeter of where the counter meets the sink, you can easily wipe crumbs and other messes right into the sink without worrying about food particles getting caught along the sink’s edges.
Do undermount sinks need special faucets?
Due to the undermount sink’s nature of being mounted underneath a counter, this limits your sink faucet options. Therefore, you may need to get a special faucet for your undermount sink because the sink is attached starting from underneath the counter.
Consider a deck-mounted faucet on the counter for your undermount sink needs. To attach a deck-mounted faucet to the counter, you’ll need to drill holes for the faucet according to its appropriate size.