It is a champion against heat and stains, and can be installed as either an overmount or undermount sink, as well as a single or double basin. Stainless steel complements granite and quartz countertops beautifully and is also more cost-effective than other materials.
If you are getting natural stone countertops like granite and marble or even quartz, you can have either an overmount or undermount sink installed.
A drop in sink with granite countertop is a popular installation choice for today's homeowners. These are also called top-mount or self-rimming sinks. Basically, a hole is cut into the countertop and the sink is dropped in, making it one of the easiest installation options on the market today.
However, if you have tile or laminate counters, undermount sinks may not work well, as these counters are wood under the surface. Instead, a drop-in kitchen sink is the better choice. A drop-in sink is suitable for any type of countertop and can be sealed with epoxy under the rim of the sink.
Silgranit® or Granite Composite Sinks
They are scratch, stain, and heat-resistant, as well as a breeze to clean. Additionally, this is the perfect choice of sink to pair with granite or quartz countertops.
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.
The difference between the two styles of sink is simple. Top mount sinks—also called drop-in sinks—have a visible rim around them that holds the sink in place. In contrast, because an undermount sink is installed from underneath the counter, its lip is hidden for a seamless look.
Yet while granite countertops may be a little more difficult to work with, it is possible. You will need to cut into the granite with a saw (e.g., cement, tile, etc.), but the process is fairly similar to other types of countertops. Cut off the water supply and disconnect water lines by loosening nuts under the sink.
One question that comes up a lot when working with granite countertops is “Does granite need to be sealed?” The answer is very simply “Yes.” Certain stones, like granite and many other natural stones, are porous. This means that a sealant needs to be applied to prevent staining from water, oils, and other liquids.
While undermount sinks are currently preferred for looks, overmount can be a better investment in longevity for certain countertop materials like wood.
Undermount sinks are usually more popular for their looks whereas overmount sinks are better for longevity and for kitchen worktop materials such as wood.
A drop-in sink, also known as a self-rimming sink or top-mount sink, is installed by resting the sink into a hole in the countertop. The sink sits on top of the countertop and is held in place by a rim or lip that sits around the edge of the sink and rests on the countertop.
TOP MOUNT SINK
One of the disadvantages of this style of sink is the 'lip' it creates on top of the benchtop, meaning you won't be able to wipe directly into the sink. They can also trap crumbs around the edges.
-- Top-mount advantages: Lower installation costs, more styles to choose from and sinks can be easily replaced in the future. Disadvantages: Exposed sink edges may be unsightly and tougher to clean. -- Under-mount advantages: Attractive modern look, easier to clean.
There are five common types of mounting installation options for a sink into your quartz countertop: drop-in, undermount (Zero Reveal, Positive Reveal and Negative Reveal) and farmhouse sink.
Countertop Compatibility
Whether you have a granite, marble, or soapstone countertop, a drop-in sink will go in without any hiccups. Undermount sinks, on the other hand, work well with all countertop materials except custom tile and laminate tops.
Stainless steel sinks are by far the most used sinks with granite and quartz kitchen countertops. They are a complimentary match to most faucets, they do not rust, chip, or stain, and they are easy to clean and maintain.
Quartz tends to be more affordable, and it comes in a vast array of color choices because it's basically a manmade product. Granite composite, on the other hand, although a little pricier, is indestructible as a countertop or sink because a large percent of the product is actual stone from the earth's crust.
Durability. Composite granite sinks are primarily made up of a mixture of quartz granite particles and resin, both of which are incredibly hard-wearing and durable. The result of this is that any knocks that would usually dent, chip or scratch a regular sink will not show up on a composite sink.