Porcelain slab countertops can be easily cut to accept any kind of sink finish including top mount, undermount, flush mount and farm-sink.
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.
However, porcelain countertops also have several drawbacks that should be considered: Requires professional installation: Gauged porcelain tile is extremely thin, which makes installation more complicated to avoid cracking. It is not a good choice for a DIY project.
An undermounted sink can be one of the most striking features of a new custom countertop. Whether the countertop is fabricated from granite, engineered stone or solid surface material virtually any sink can be undermounted.
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.
Costs. The costs of quartz countertops and porcelain countertops are quite different. The average cost of porcelain lies between $55 to $120 for every square foot. On the other hand, the average cost of a quartz countertop ranges from $45 to $200 for every square foot.
Quartz countertops are one of the best alternatives to granite counters in terms of durability, aesthetic appeal, functionality, and versatility.
An alternative mounting method for Corian® sinks and the preferred method for sinks made from alternative materials is the “soft” seam undermount method where the sink is often recessed from the edge of the deck and is adhered with silicone adhesive.
Whatever you do, please don't rely solely on a bead of adhesive/epoxy or silicone to hold up your new undermount sink - it likely won't last.
Choosing a sink based on your countertop material
If you are getting natural stone countertops like granite and marble or even quartz, you can have either an overmount or undermount sink installed.
Porcelain countertops can easily chip, break, scratch, or crack by any blunt force, such as if you drop a tool in a sink basin, toilet, or bathtub. This is partly due to the hardness of the surface. Furthermore, when any natural stone countertop gets chipped, you can quickly repair or buff it out.
The nonporous surface of quartz makes this countertop a hygienic, stain-resistant, easy-to-clean product that will last for an exceptionally long time with minimal maintenance. Because quartz is more durable and easier to maintain than porcelain, it is a better choice for a countertop.
The lifespan of a porcelain countertop is at least 10 years and as much as a lifetime, depending on usage, care and maintenance. The bottom line: Porcelain countertops stand up to everyday life, and they look good doing it!
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.
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.
There are two ways to install a sink with a quartz countertop. The conventional way is to mount it with its edge sitting on top of the countertop surface. This is referred to as an overmount sink. The alternative is to install a sink below the countertop, known as an undermount sink.
Sinks are heavy. 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.
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.
Undermount sinks are a popular choice for many homeowners because they offer a sleek, seamless look that is easy to keep clean. Because there is no lip around the edge of the sink, it is easier to wipe debris directly into the sink, rather than having to clean around the rim of the sink.
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.
WOW! You can have an undermount sink with a Formica countertop! Laminate counter, Undermount sinks, Formica laminate.
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.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
According to HomeAdvisor, porcelain countertops cost an average of $2,900, with a typical price range from $1,500 to $3,800, making them relatively affordable as well.