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.
Types of Undermount Sink Installations
Zero reveal ensures that the edge of the countertop is flush with the opening of the sink. Positive reveal ensures that some of the sink's rim is visible past the edge of the countertop.
You generally want to apply a thin bead of caulk where the escutcheon (trim) plate around the faucet, or the faucet itself contacts the deck of the sink or counter. Sealing these tiny gaps prevents water from ``weeping'' under the fixture and running down inside the cabinets/vanity/whatever is below.
Looking at a typical top- or under-mount sink, the depth tends to be 22″ if the holes are provided. The manufacturer suggests the front of the sink be placed 1½” from the front edge of the counter or even 2″. This leaves ½” to 1½” from the back of the sink itself to the wall depending upon the counter depth.
You don't want a flush or zero reveal. It makes an elongated silicone joint that frays and collects crud. You want a slight positive reveal or larger around your sink.
In most cases, the countertop will extend about 1/8th past the sinks edge.
Con: Improper Installation Could Mean Failure
Without the proper installation, which should include high-quality sealant, the sink can cause serious leakage. The proper support is also necessary for an undermounted sink. Imagine how much water weighs.
The standard setback for the undermount sink is 4 inches.
The Guidelines require a clearance of at least 40 inches between all opposing base cabinets, countertops, appliances, and walls.
Whereas caulk is used to help secure a drop-in sink, it is only used on an undermount sink to seal out moisture, and should not be considered a replacement for epoxy. Waterproof, mold-resistant silicone sealant is ideal for this application.
Apply plumber's putty or caulk
This will create a watertight seal between the sink and the countertop.
Apply tape on both sides of the gap to avoid spillage. Use the sealent gun to apply the silicone caulk in the gap and properly fill it.
Streamlined and Modern Look: Unlike drop-in sinks, undermount kitchen sinks don't rest on top of the counter. They are installed underneath the countertop, creating a seamless and sleek appearance. This design choice enhances the overall style of your kitchen, giving it a sophisticated and contemporary feel.
Undermount sinks attach to the underside of the countertop, creating a seamless look. They're typically held in place with a combination of strong adhesive and mounting clips. However, over time, these attachments can deteriorate and fail, causing the sink to separate from the countertop.
Whatever the size or difficulty of your project, H2O Glue is sure to be the solution!
Springfield, VA Reico Kitchen & Bath Design Expert Sheri Brown strives to find the most available space possible around the island. “Typically, around the sink and dishwasher area I like to get 42” to 45” of space from counter to counter if I can, but 39” is acceptable.
Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.
While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it's far from mandatory.
The standard height for upper cabinets from the counter is 18 inches, or 1 foot and 6 inches. They shouldn't be less than 15 inches away or more than 20 inches away. This also means the height to where the bottom of your upper cabinets starts.
Moreover, to ensure adequate drainage, we recommend a 7-10mm overhang and a profile on the inside edge of the worktop, which we'll apply (unless you specify otherwise).
General rule of thumb: For clearance from the wall that faces the bowl is 24″ and just about 15″ on each side.
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.
The distance from the front of the countertop to the interior of the bowl is exactly 3", using a 1 1/4" overhang (as we have inset doors).
As with top-mount sinks, undermount sinks on granite or quartz need to be properly sealed. If not, it can lead to mold and mildew problems in the cabinet. For best results, it's important to use high-quality caulking material or sealant and follow the manufacturer's instructions explicitly.
Many undermount sink types are attached to the countertop with silicone sealant and metal clips.