For as long as I've been part of the Kitchen and Bath Industry, I've believed the maxim that undermounting a sink with a laminate counter wa...
Because the MDF under laminate countertops gets ruined when it gets wet, you can't install a normal undermount sink. Water gets in there, swells the MDF and warps your countertops.
The solid construction of compact laminate worktops means that they are water resistant and suitable for use with an undermount sink. Due to the way they're made, you can also have drainer grooves cut into the surface of your worktop.
Undermount sinks are recommended for granite, solid surface and quartz countertops, but may not be as effective with laminate. They can be more expensive than drop-in sinks.
Most undermount sinks come with clips to attach them to the underside of your countertop. However, you don't have to use clips for all undermount kitchen or bathroom sink installations. You can also use brackets or the two-part epoxy. You can also use a combination of attachment methods for a more secure hold.
Laminate countertops are a budget-friendly option for undermount sinks. Laminate countertops are easy to clean and maintain, but they can be scratched or damaged by heat.
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.
Minimum thickness of the actual countertop material is one half -inch. In addition, a one-inch build up around the sink is preferred. recommends that undermount sinks and routering of your solid surface material should be Installed by a professional installer for best results.
Particleboard. Particleboard is the standard wood core for our laminate countertops. It's made up of by-product and scrap material from saw mills and other wood processing factories. As a value-packed alternative to solid wood paneling or boards, particleboard is primarily intended for interior projects.
Laminate, Formica®, and Wilsonart® are all essentially the same thing; laminate is the substance, and Formica® and Wilsonart® are the brand names. Both types are widely marketed for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, and bar counters and available in a variety of colors and designs.
Order of Installation
It's very important to install an undermount kitchen sink before the countertop slabs are set down. Once the countertop slabs are set down, you usually will not be able to fit the sink through the hole, and you won't be able to properly seal between the sink and the underside of the countertop.
Many undermount sink types are attached to the countertop with silicone sealant and metal clips. Use a utility knife to cut through the silicone, then unscrew the clips. Removing and installing an undermount sink is a two-person job.
Undermount sinks also remain popular, with Beesley sharing that they're “a popular choice for customers as they are installed under the level of the worktop creating a seamless design. These types of sinks save space, and create a clean and sleek look which is great for minimalist-style kitchens.”
OVERHANG - The countertop extends over the edge of the sink on all sides by approximately 1/8" - 1/4". Use caution with this installation to be sure that accessories such as colanders or cutting boards will fit properly.
We highly recommend using a positive overhang for your undermount sink when purchasing a new countertop. It provides you with the best appearance and drainage.
As a general rule of thumb, you will want at least a 1/2" of clearance on both sides between the lip of the sink and the inside walls of the cabinet (1/4" is tight, but doable!).
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.
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.
Undermount sinks are often a no-brainer decision when remodeling a kitchen. There's lots to love: they look nice, let you to wipe water and crumbs directly from the counter into the sink with a single swipe, and they eliminate that gunk-magnet seam around the lip of overmount sinks.
Lifespan. With standard use, well taken care of laminate countertops will last about 15 years. After that, they'll show significant wear and fading. Heavy use will dramatically shorten their lifespan.
Quartz countertops are one of the best alternatives to granite counters in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and versatility.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.