Maybe you decided on the best countertop for your kitchen project, but did you think about a new sink. There are quite a few options out there that you can choose. The good news is that replacing your countertops is also a good opportunity to replace your sink and in some cases is necessary.
We put together some information about undermount sinks that you may find useful. In this article, we’ll answer the question, what is an undermount sink.
Difference Between Undermount Sink and Drop-In Sink
To understand what an undermount sink is all about, one thing is important. And that’s its difference with drop-in sinks. This is because they are the two popular options if you’re looking to remodel your kitchen.
Drop-in sinks are the traditional option. It was later that undermount sinks emerged as an alternative. So, what are the differences between both options?
Undermount Sink
This refers to the sink type that stays underneath a countertop. Typically, it gets attached to the countertops’ bottom from under. Usually, the countertop doesn’t come with a lip. As such, there’s a smooth passage of materials from the countertop to the sink.
This option is only compatible with solid countertops like marble, concrete, granite, and soapstone.
Drop-In Sink
A drop-in sink is generally regarded as a top-mount or self-rimming sink. It comes with an obvious lip. This lip stays around the sink’s perimeter and rests on your countertop. Then, you have a sink that drops into a cut-out within the countertop. Usually, the sink gets secured through metal clips underneath the countertop.
Pros and Cons of an Undermount Sink
Getting an undermount sink comes with both advantages and disadvantages. I understand that this is an important consideration when making a choice. As such, I’ve discussed some of them below.
Pros
1. It Saves Countertop Space
One benefit that you stand to gain with undermount sinks is that it allows you to maximize countertop space. This is thanks to its design that allows the countertop to extend farther than it would otherwise get. So, if you need to maximize your space, getting an undermount sink will help you.
2. Easy Countertop Cleaning
Perhaps the number one advantage of an undermount sink is the ease at which you can clean your countertop. Like you now know, with undermount sinks, the obstructive lip is absent. In turn, this means you can clean more effectively.
For instance, clearing food into your sink from the countertop is easier than ever. So, with undermount sinks, you can be sure that your countertop is more likely to sparkle.
3. High Resale Value
Another benefit that comes with an undermount sink is its high resale value. Now, that doesn’t mean adding an undermount sink alone increases the resale value of a home.
However, when complemented with other installations, you’ll get more from your home with undermount sinks. This is because it provides a more high-end and custom look to your home. In turn, this makes it more attractive to intended buyers, meaning more money.
Cons
1. It’s More Expensive
Getting an undermount sink comes at a higher cost than the drop-in alternative. This higher cost spans across both the cost of labor and materials. Even more, you can install a drop-in sink yourself. Typically, this will significantly reduce your cost.
On the other hand, you cannot install an undermount sink yourself. You’ll always need the help of a professional, which means more cost for you.
2. Complex Installation
If you’re looking to install a drop-in sink, you’ll hardly have any worries about it. In fact, it’s usually seamless that you can install it yourself.
However, this isn’t the case with an undermount sink. Their installation is more complex, requiring skill and experience. As such, you’ll need a professional to get it done for you.
3. Sink Cleaning Might Be Difficult
With an undermount sink, you’ll find it easier to clean your countertop. However, one thing you’ll have to put up with is difficulties when cleaning your sink. This is because its structure leaves less sink area visible. Even worse, the design might make the accumulation of dirt around the sink more possible.
Can I Use an Undermount Sink for Any Countertop?
As you can now tell, you’ll need to install your undermount sink with your countertop. While this doesn’t seem obvious, this reality spurs questions. Precisely, if your undermount sink works with all countertops, or you’ll need a particular type of countertop.
Well, you can apply the undermount sink design with any stone countertops. For instance, you’ll have no problem with granite slabs, travertine slabs, marble slabs, and quartz slabs. Keep in mind that this list isn’t restricted to natural stones.
However, undermount sinks won’t work with Formica. In such cases, you’ll need to adopt the drop-in sink design for Formican countertops. On the other hand, if you’re so keen on an undermount design, you might need a new countertop design from stone.
How Are Undermount Sinks Installed?
The installation of undermount sinks is somewhat more complex than overmount sinks. It begins with making a hole within the solid countertop. This can be somewhat challenging. As such, most countertops come with existing holes.
Now, before installing the sink, an anchor post gets installed to hold the sink. Usually, you’ll need to screw the anchors into the stone. However, epoxy glue remains preferred for natural stone.
As soon as these anchors become ready, the sink gets mounted. The sink then gets fastened to these posts through special clips. The drainage system can then come. Afterward, the undermount sink is ready.
What Do Undermount Sinks Cost?
Now, I bet the last thing on your mind is the cost of installing an undermount sink. First, I must tell you that the installation cost is not so high compared to the traditional drop-in sink. Typically, you’ll only have to pay around $50 more. However, considering the advantages that come with an undermount sink, that’s pretty fair.
The actual cost will depend on the type of material that your undermount sink comes from. Today, there are three major materials that you can use. And here’s what you need to know about their cost.
Stainless Steel
This is the cheapest option if you’re looking to get an undermount sink. And it’s perhaps the most popular option. This is thanks to its durability and suitability with your kitchen. To get this option, you’ll need to pay around $200 for one sink.
Granite Composite
This option stands between the stainless steel and porcelain option. It’s quite great as it provides more scratch resistance. To get this option, you’ll need around $400.
Porcelain
This is the most expensive option for your undermount sink. This is because they are quite heavy and require more bracing for support. For you to get this option, you’ll need to shell out a minimum of $600. In some cases, it can go as high as $1,200.
Final Thoughts
Remodeling your kitchen sinks requires you to choose between an undermount sink and a drop-in sink. One thing is clear: getting an undermount sink is perhaps the best option. While it might cost a bit more, it provides considerable advantages that make it worth it.
Remember, you’ll need a professional for its installation. Well, don’t look too far.
Our Boston countertop experts are here to help guide you the best options for your new countertops & sink options that pair well. You can reach us on our number 978-447-1001 or connect with us here to request a quote.