-- 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.
Undermount sinks are usually more popular for their looks whereas overmount sinks are better for longevity and for kitchen worktop materials such as wood.
The lack of a visible lip with an undermount sink makes it quite a bit easier to clean your counters; you can sweep any debris from your counters right into the sink. However, top mount sinks are the simplest of the two types of sink to keep clean themselves.
Top-mount sinks are an excellent choice for many reasons. They save space on your counters, are easier to install, and do not require any extra planning. In addition, they are also less expensive. Top-mount kitchen sinks are often made of stainless steel.
Traditionally the sink was installed below a window to provide a view when washing up but if you prefer to let a dishwasher take the strain, save the view for somewhere you'll linger longer, like the main prep area or a breakfast bar.
Undermount sinks are simply more practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing than overmount sinks. With undermount sinks, it is really easy to wipe food crumbs from the countertops into the kitchen sink. There is no edge, no seam and no calking in the way.
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.
Countertop Compatibility
Rimmed sinks work well with all countertops. 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.
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.
A stainless steel sink is the most durable and low-maintenance kitchen sink as they are resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. What's more, they are also some of the most versatile sinks coming in a variety of styles and sizes meaning they fit in most kitchens easily no matter the size or style.
Quartz Composite
Best for: High durability, heat-resistance, and sound dampening. If the vulnerabilities of solid surface acrylic resin or enameled kitchen sinks are concerning, then a quartz composite kitchen sink is a great option.
While stainless steel sinks are durable, they do tend to scratch if abrasive cleansers are used. You might notice tiny scratches on an older stainless steel sink if you look closely. Most stainless steel varieties have a grain or pattern to them.
Your sink's lifespan will depend a lot on its material. Stainless steel sinks last 15 to 30 years. Porcelain sinks last 25 to 30 years before they'll need to be refinished, after which they can last longer. Enamel steel sinks only last about 5 to 10 years if used frequently.
Stainless steel sinks offer a complementary look for quartz countertops and can bring out different colors and patterns in the natural stone. Stainless steel is durable and water-resistant. It's also easy to clean and lends an industrial, urban visual to your bathroom space.
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.
You Can't Set Hot Pans on Them
Although quartz countertops are extremely durable and considered heat-resistant, putting a hot pan right on the surface can damage the material. As with most other countertops, you'll need to use a trivet or stove mitt to protect it, as heat can cause discoloration and/or cracking.
Do not use steel wool, wire brushes or abrasive sponge pads. Use only non-scratch cleaning pads. Cleaners containing chloride (bleach) are not recommended. If used, rinse the surface immediately to prevent corrosion.
Try cleaning your sink with a paste of baking soda and water. You can then rinse the sink with vinegar, which will bubble and fizz. Vinegar naturally disinfects while helping remove hard water stains from your stainless steel sink. Once your sink is clean and dry, you can easily add an extra shine.
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.
Many designers agree that centering a kitchen sink under a window is the optimum placement, it often looks tailored and well-planned, however, this is not always practical. If you have a small kitchen with very little room for large reconfigurations, you may have more limited options in terms of optimum sink placement.
The simple reason why kitchen sinks have traditionally been placed under the window is that the window is, obviously, on an outside wall. In terms of plumbing, using as short a waste pipe as possible from the sink to the drains is not only the most effective but also the cheapest, solution.