Popular materials for undermount sinks include stainless steel, cast iron and copper, and they can come in single-bowl and double-bowl varieties. 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.
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.
If you end up deciding that the undermount option is right for you then your decision will be choosing the reveal. The reveal outlines how much of the undermount sink is noticeable below the countertop. Your sink can be mounted in these three different types of reveals: zero, positive, or negative.
Some say drop-in is generally the best option because it's easier to access all parts of the sink for cleaning. However, both types of sinks tend to accumulate grime along the caulk line where the sink meets the counter. Where an undermount sink rim and counter meet, the caulked gap can be trickier to clean.
Weight: Stainless steel or copper sinks tend to be the lightest, while vitreous china, porcelain, ceramic and composites are moderately heavy. Choose a heavy stone, cast iron or enameled-steel undermount sink only if you're sure the countertop can support the weight.
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.
The oval sink is also the most practical sink shapes amongst undermount sinks. The oval shape allows the sink to be wide without having to take as much space on your counter as the rectangular sinks. In addition, the vast majority of oval bowls swoops down which allows for better drainage than the flat bottom sinks.
Overall, which is better: Undermount or Drop-in Sinks? In general, which sink type is best for you will come down to preference. Drop-in sinks represent a sink type that is affordable, flexible, and easy to install. But drop-in sinks do not have much in the way of resale value and are aesthetically outdated.
Cons of a Drop-in Sink
Consider these potential cons of drop-in sinks: Less counter space: Kitchen or bathroom countertops with limited space might not be the best choice for drop-in installation since the perimeter sink lip will take away countertop surface area.
The undermount sink is the more expensive alternative and will also cost more install. Undermount sinks are made to different specifications due to the intricacies of their installation requirements, making them a pricier option.
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.
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.
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.
Simply put, yes, you can replace an undermount sink without having to remove the countertop. After the plumbing and garbage disposal are disconnected, the clips that hold the sink to the countertop from below must be removed. Then, the final step is to break the silicone adhesive bond and pull the sink out.
The stronger the silicone bond, the harder it would be to remove the sink without causing your granite countertop some damage. While old silicone bonding can be removed using a knife, there are certain spaces that won't allow you to do this without actually lifting the granite countertop.
Step 4: Attach clips to the brackets on the copper sink. Sinkology drop-in copper sinks come with clips that easily slide into brackets on the sides of the sink. These clips tightly draw the sink to the countertop and hold the sink in place.
Installation differences
A drop-in sink is installed from above, while an undermount sink requires enough space to install from below. Other than that, the basic concept is the same. Mounting brackets hold the sink against the countertop, with caulk sealing the transition from counter to sink.
Double Basin/Bowl Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side.
Timeless: Think farmhouse sinks in porcelain, soapstone sinks (integrated into the counter, or not), and surprisingly, concrete (subtle colors akin to soapstone or slate). Copper is a timeless material for pantries and bars.
Natural stone. An increasingly popular alternative to a classic ceramic or stainless steel sink, a natural stone sink brings warmth and character to kitchen trends. Natural materials are a key tenet of 'soft' minimalism, the latest wave of the trend synonymous with calming, clutter-free spaces.
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.
Unfortunately, the weight, moisture, and vibration of the garbage disposal will literally pull the sink away causing it to separate and fail. The result is moisture problems in your sink cabinet, stressful haggling with the installer to fix it, and even costly repair bills to make it right!
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.”