Understanding Kitchen Sink Mountings

If you are in the market for a new kitchen sink, you might be overwhelmed at all the available options. Decisions you’ll need to make include the sink material, style, and color. How the sink is mounted is another consideration. One important decision you’ll have to make is how the sink will be mounted. Sink mounting is not usually top of mind when selecting a sink, but how the sink fits, literally and figuratively, is determined by the type of mounting you prefer. The style of your kitchen, your personal preferences, and your budget are all factors to consider when deciding the best way to mount a kitchen sink.

In general, sinks are mounted one of two ways: drop-in or undermount. Drop-in and undermount sink types each have their pros and cons. Understanding them will help you make an informed decision.

Drop-In Sinks

A drop-in sink is, as the name suggests, dropped into a pre-cut opening in the countertop. Drop-in sinks are also referred to as top-mounted or surface-mounted. Drop-in sinks have a rim, or lip, around the edge that holds the sink in place. The rim gets caulked to ensure a tight seal and prevent food or moisture from getting underneath. Because the entire sink and rim are exposed, cleaning the sink is easy. Drop-in sinks are usually less expensive than undermount sinks, in part because installing a drop-in sink is easier, especially for the do-it-yourselfer. And, top-mount sinks can be installed with any type of counter material – stone, laminate, tile, etc.

Undermount Sinks

An undermount sink is mounted to the underside of a countertop and held in place with strong anchors. Undermount sinks have a rim like their drop-in counterparts, but the rim is underneath the counter and, therefore, not visible. The end result is a cleaner look overall. Kitchen designers and builders agree that undermount sinks give a kitchen a high-end look, which may help when it comes time to sell your home.

With an undermount sink, the opening of the countertop under which the sink will be mounted is exposed. That is, the edge of the counter is visible around the perimeter of the sink. Because of this, only solid counter materials such as granite or marble are recommended for undermount-type sinks. The edge is smooth for a completely seamless look that shows off the entire counter.

One con to undermount sinks is the existence of a gap around the top of the sink where it meets the counter. The gap is caulked underneath to provide a leak-free seal, but extra care is needed when cleaning the sink, as smaller particles can still build up in that space.

On the plus side, if your kitchen is small and has limited counter space, an undermount sink lets you maximize the amount of available counter space right up to the sink opening. And, with no sink rim to contend with, cleaning the counter is easier, as you can wipe food particles directly into the sink with no lip to contend with.

If you would like to learn more about sinks and the type that is best for your kitchen, Sovereign Construction Services can help. Sovereign Construction Services is a full-service construction and remodeling company that can handle all your kitchen and other home renovating and remodeling needs. Owner Steve Rush is available for design consultations and can answer all your questions. Call him today at (610) 639-2986 to request your free consultation.