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.
An undermount sink is a sink that is installed directly under the countertop, as opposed to being mounted on top of it. They are a trendy choice because they offer a clean, modern look and are available in single- or double-basin styles.
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.
A drop-in sink (also known as top mount or self rimming) has a finished edge or rim and is installed or mounted on top of the countertop. Ideal for replacement, drop-in sinks can be removed and installed without damaging countertops and are a great option for the DYI-er weekend project.
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.
-- 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.
If you are getting natural stone countertops like granite and marble or even quartz, you can have either an overmount or undermount sink installed.
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.
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.
Like other posters said - the price of undermount is unjustified considering how easy it is to take a top mount sink and convert it into an undermount. The main thing is to have this done before they come to template it. Also have your new faucet ready - they'll need to drill holes into the countertop for it.
A topmount sink has the lip ontop of the benchtop and you will be able to see the lip edge of the kitchen sink. The lip of the sink rests on the benchtop and holds the sink up on the benchtop. There are several types of topmount sinks, they can either be pressed sinks or handmade sinks.
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.
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.
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.
Because of the precision required for installation, undermount sinks may be more expensive to install than drop-in sinks. Overall, undermount sinks are a popular choice for many homeowners because of their modern appearance.
Stainless Steel Sinks for Granite Countertops
Stainless steel is incredibly popular for sinks because it: Looks great with granite. Resists chipping and cracking. Gives a modern look to the kitchen even in a farmhouse style.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.”
The most popular type of kitchen sink is a dual-basin or double basin, which allows for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other. A single basin, which has only one area for both, is a more budget-friendly option. Other popular kitchen sink styles include self-rimming and drop-in.
Homeowners don't need to worry about damaging their countertops with everyday use because granite is quite heat resistant. Placing a hot pan on a well-maintained granite slab will not cause it to crack or weaken. Just remember that repeatedly placing a very hot pan on the same spot may cause granite to discolor.