Are undermount sinks more expensive to install?

Author: Ms. Fatima Gorczany  |  Last update: Sunday, December 3, 2023

They're likely to damage laminate or MDF countertops. Because of this, the cost to install an undermount kitchen sink is usually slightly higher than the cost of an overmount sink. Undermount sinks themselves also cost more than more traditional drop-in sinks that have a lip sitting on top of the counter.

How much does it cost to have an undermount sink installed?

Undermount. This type of sink rests below your countertop and doesn't a seam that builds up gunk. Undermount sinks are heavy, and often require a silicone seal between the sink and your countertop. Installations costs between $350 and $1,500.

What is the downside to undermount kitchen sink?

Since undermount sinks to not have anything above the counter to help carry their weight, they need more support. They also need more solid countertops that don't suffer easily from water damage. This often makes them a more expensive sink than other options and also makes installation more difficult.

Are undermount sinks more expensive than drop-in?

The rim of a drop-in sink is noticeable, meaning there is less counter space in contrast to undermount sinks. Generally, drop-in sinks have more inexpensive options in comparison to undermount sinks. The undermount sink is the more expensive alternative and will also cost more install.

Is an undermount sink more expensive?

This installation method also limits what materials an under-mount sink can be constructed from as some materials are not compatible with all counter-tops. More expensive: Undermount sinks tend to be more expensive than drop-in sinks.

How To Replace and Install an Undermount Sink

Is there an advantage to an undermount sink?

Pros of an Undermount Sink

Undermount sinks are: Easy to clean: Countertop cleanup is more streamlined with undermount sinks since you can wipe any spills or crumbs directly into the sink. Highly durable: Undermount sink types can be worth the price for their durability and quick countertop cleanup.

Which is better an undermount sink or a drop-in sink?

Some say drop-in is generally the best option because it's easier to access all parts of the sink for cleaning. However, both types of sinks tend to accumulate grime along the caulk line where the sink meets the counter. Where an undermount sink rim and counter meet, the caulked gap can be trickier to clean.

Does a plumber install an undermount sink?

Can I Hire a Plumber for Undermount Sink Installation? Installing a sink is no small task, so you may want to hire a plumber to ensure it's connected properly and leak-free. Plumbers charge between $45 and $200 per hour on average. Installing a sink only takes about an hour.

Why are undermount sinks so popular?

An undermount kitchen sink is easier to clean. Since your countertops are below your sink, there will be little need for scrubbing them. You will also have less counter space, so cleaning will take less time. With less counter space, you will also have less waste from pans and pots.

What countertop is best for undermount sink?

Marble and granite

In this case, they are ideal for undermount sinks because they also happen to be durable. The fact that they are porous also helps in helping the adhesives bind more firmly with the stones. Despite what most people think, marble is not a “soft” stone.

Should I do undermount sink with granite?

An undermount sink is just like the name sounds – a sink that fits underneath your countertops. This sink has many benefits compared to other options and makes task work in your kitchen much easier. Undermount sinks work best when they are installed in conjunction with natural stone countertops, like granite.

Are undermount sinks better than Overmount?

Undermount sinks are simply more practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing than overmount sinks. With undermount sinks, it is really easy to wipe food crumbs from the countertops into the kitchen sink. There is no edge, no seam and no calking in the way.

Can an undermount sink be installed without removing countertop?

Simply put, yes, you can replace an undermount sink without having to remove the countertop. After the plumbing and garbage disposal are disconnected, the clips that hold the sink to the countertop from below must be removed.

How long to wait after installing undermount sink?

These sinks look seamless when installed correctly and increase the amount of usable countertop space. These sinks are attached using brackets and an industrial adhesive. Once an undermount sink is installed it needs to dry for at least 24 hours before the plumbing is reconnected and turned back on.

What trade installs undermount sinks?

At times your cabinet makers can do the installation of your sink, mixers and appliances however there are some who just specialises in just cabinetry and rely on the plumber or builders to complete the sink install and all plumbing services like the sealant, p-trap, water lines/ drain lines, washer and even removal of ...

How long after installing undermount sink can you use?

Normally either right away or 20 to 24 hours later. Depending on the company and whether they strap the sink to secure it in place and silicone or just use silicone.

What are the pros and cons of under sink?

Pros and Cons of Undermount Kitchen Sinks
  • Easy to Install. ...
  • Gives You More Countertop Space. ...
  • Easy to Clean Around. ...
  • No Caulking Necessary. ...
  • Not One-Size-Fits-All. ...
  • Susceptible to Leaks and Mold. ...
  • Heavy. ...
  • More Expensive.

Why do undermount sinks fall?

Unfortunately, the weight, moisture, and vibration of the garbage disposal will literally pull the sink away causing it to separate and fail. The result is moisture problems in your sink cabinet, stressful haggling with the installer to fix it, and even costly repair bills to make it right!

How do you prevent mold undermount sinks?

Proper Sink Installation

Then, form an initial seal by applying an adhesive (usually a two-part epoxy but sometimes silicone) to the sink before attaching it to the underside of the counter. Then seal the gap with silicone caulk. Look for mold-free or mildew-resistant caulk designed for kitchens and baths.

Are undermount sinks difficult to install?

Undermount kitchen sinks have a sleek configuration that can showcase a countertop and make cleaning easier. They can also be more challenging to install than drop-in sinks.

Can I install an undermount sink myself?

Removing and installing an undermount sink is a two-person job. Make sure you have a helper to assist with the heavy lifting and hold the sink in place.

Can you replace regular sink with undermount?

If you choose to replace your old drop-in with an undermount sink, keep in mind the edges of the counter cutout will show. You may also need to cut additional holes in the counter for plumping. You can fix or replace your countertop to accommodate these changes but the cost can get expensive.

What kind of sink is best for quartz countertops?

Stainless steel sinks offer a complementary look for quartz countertops and can bring out different colors and patterns in the natural stone. Stainless steel is durable and water-resistant. It's also easy to clean and lends an industrial, urban visual to your bathroom space.

What is the easiest type of sink to install?

Drop-in kitchen sinks (or top-mount, self-rimming sinks) are set into a hole cut into the countertop and are the easiest to install. Drop-in sinks sit on top of the counter cabinet and have a raised, rounded edge to help keep water and debris inside the sink.

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