Popular choices for kitchen sinks include granite, soapstone, and quartz. Stone drop-in sinks are typically more durable than stainless steel and other metal basins but also have their own set of drawbacks and specific cleaning needs.
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.
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.
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.
Silicone adhesive
Run a bead of silicone caulk around the edge of the sink, where it will contact the countertop to attach it to the counter. For an undermount bathroom sink, you need to support the weight while the silicone sealant dries to prevent the seal from breaking.
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.
Yes, you CAN install an undermount sink with laminate counters. All you need is a professional with extensive experience and you are good to go. These sinks can be installed underneath any counter be it laminate, quartz, or other materials.
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 But drop-in sinks do not have much in the way of resale value and are aesthetically outdated.
In terms of maintenance, as mentioned earlier, granite is porous while quartz is non-porous. This just means that granite has a lot of minute spaces or holes in the material which allows liquid or air to pass. This makes granite a lot more absorbent to stains and liquids that will be spilled into the material.
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.
Highly durable
Quartz sinks are built to endure a lifetime. These sinks are extremely long-lasting and resistant to heat (up to 280 degrees Celsius), scratches, and stains, ensuring that they maintain their appearance for many years. Sinks with higher performance often come with warranties.
Pros of a Drop-In Sink
Drop-in or “top mount” sinks are more common than undermount options and can save costs on materials and installation. Drop-in sinks are: Budget-friendly: Drop-in models are typically more affordable than undermount sink options.
1. Stainless Steel. When choosing your kitchen sink, you pretty much can't go wrong with stainless steel. This top kitchen sink material is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy drops from pots and pans while also resisting scratches from sharp knives and utensils.
Drop-in sinks are a popular choice for do-it-yourself homeowners because they are relatively easy to install and can be used with a variety of countertop materials.
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.
Most Popular By Configuration. Single basin, apron/farmhouse, workstation, and double basin kitchen sinks are the most popular sink styles for the upcoming years.
Although laminate countertops have decent impact resistance, they're vulnerable to heat damage and scratch easily. Moisture can penetrate seams and cause delamination. Not repairable. Small scratches can be touched up with designated resin paint, but deep scratches and chips aren't fixable.
Unless the sink was formed as a continuous component of the countertop, it can be removed and replaced easily – whether it's undermount or drop-in. Though, you will need to make sure that the replacement sink is suited for the same size hole that you already have in the countertop.
Quartz is one of the most durable materials available. It can withstand the highest temperatures and is resistant to stains, scratches, dents and chips.
One of the main reasons quartz has exploded in popularity is due to appearance. Quartz has the look of stone while also allowing homeowners to customize the design. While granite offers many options in terms of appearance, you may have to search for the right piece that matches your color scheme.
The biggest difference between the two materials is their level of heat-resistance. Porcelain withstands heat well and is unaffected by direct sunlight, while quartz surfaces can warp or become discolored over time.