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.
An integrated undermount sink is a unique design that smoothly blends with your laminate countertop, providing a sleek and unified appearance. Unlike traditional, drop-in sinks, this design is factory installed beneath the countertop surface, eliminating noticeable seams or edges.
Disadvantage of Laminate: It is not resistant to high temperatures or severe damage from bumps / scratches. If damaged it is not repaired, it must be completely replaced.
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.
Quartz sinks are made from natural granite and quartz crystals for extreme durability and outstanding performance. Many models can be undermounted to laminate countertops. Edge Stainless Steel sinks are the only steel undermount sinks that mount flush to laminate countertops.
Compact laminate worktops are more durable than standard laminate. Instead of having an MDF base, they are made of layers of kraft paper, each impregnated with resin. Their strength comes from the layering process, and the result is a waterproof material that is also heat and stain-resistant.
Farmhouse sinks are typically installed undermount and hence, are not compatible with laminate countertops. Look for an over-mount farmhouse sink that could be retrofitted with the cabinets and one that sits on top of the laminate countertop to eliminate the risk of water damage and warping.
Undermount sinks & worktops
If you are opting for an undermount sink then you will need a solid surface worktop like quartz, granite or even wood, so that any water splashes will run straight back off the edges around the sink back into the bowl.
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.
Compact laminate worktops are designed to handle high temperatures with ease. Resistant to heat up to 220°C, they can safely withstand hot pots and pans, making them a reliable and practical choice for any kitchen environment.
No, compact laminate worktops are highly resistant to chipping. Thanks to the high-pressure lamination process, the surface and edges of the worktop are incredibly durable.
Undermount styles have gained immense popularity in 2023 due to their sleek and seamless design, which enhances the aesthetics of modern kitchens. They also make countertop cleaning easier, as debris can be swept directly into the sink without obstruction, offering both style and practicality.
Do Undermount Sinks Need Clips? 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.
While undermount sinks win for cleaning around the sink, they can be challenging to clean under the sink. There's often a gap where the sink meets the counter, which is difficult to reach. The solution is to use a quality sealant when installing your undermount sink to ensure the gap stays waterproof and bacteria-free.
To be undermounted to high pressure laminate (HPL), a sink must have an approximately 1-inch rim made from resin. It needs to have been machined completely flat, so it meets the bowl wall at a 90-degree angle. Karran acrylic sinks meet these specs, as do a few other acrylic solid surface sinks on the market.
Due to their strength and durability, granite, soapstone, and concrete are all perfect countertop material options for undermount sinks.
Many undermount sink types are attached to the countertop with silicone sealant and metal clips.
Undermount sinks offer a seamless and sophisticated look, while drop-in sinks provide versatility and easy installation. Consider factors such as aesthetics, countertop compatibility, cleaning considerations, and cost before making your decision.
Stainless steel sinks are widely regarded as one of the most durable options for undermount kitchen sinks. They are resistant to corrosion, stains, and heat. Granite composite sinks, made from a blend of crushed granite stone and resin, are also highly durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and stains.
An undermount sink should last for a decade or two, but the sink may need maintenance every few years to prevent bacteria buildup. You should replace the caulk between the gap of the sink and the countertop every three to five years to keep it fresh and clean.
Laminate Countertops Are Very Easy to Damage
As mentioned earlier, laminate countertops sheets are made from plastic and particleboard or kraft paper. These are not durable materials. One consequence of this is that laminate countertops crack remarkably easily, especially around the edges.
Wood Countertops with Undermount sinks are the most popular style of sink we accommodate. The undermount sink style is our preferred style to use with wood countertops. They provide a clean line on the surface and also enable us to incorporate drainboards when used with Durata® waterproof finish.
They Take Up A Lot of Space:
What they often overlook is the extra depth of an apron sink, and the amount of under-sink storage that they may lose out on. This is especially true if you have a garbage disposal, as well.