Our undermount stainless steel kitchen sinks do not have the installation holes already drilled and technically can be used in a top-mount fashion. We do not recommend this though because the flange (or rim) is flat which leaves a somewhat sharp edge and makes it hard to properly seal.
Full Answer
How to select an undermount sink?
- Sink size depends on kitchen size. The size of your kitchen usually dictates the size of the sink you should choose. ...
- Larger sinks may require customization. ...
- Have your faucet and sink accessory configuration planned out beforehand. ...
- Decide how you will use the sink on a day to day basis to determine what configuration will work best for you. ...
What do you need to know about undermount kitchen sinks?
- With your old sink removed, measure the area just as you did in step 1.
- First, measure from side to side and then back to front. ...
- It's important to pay attention to your corner ratio. ...
- For an undermount sink, the cutout should match the new sink’s interior measurements.
How to secure an undermount sink?
Pre-existing Counter Top Installation
- Repeat Step 2 from Section 1.
- Lay down under the counter top's empty sink cut-out. Press the undermount sink to the counter top from below.
- Lay a two-by-four across the sink from above. ...
- Attach a bar clamp to the two-by-four and the drain hole at the bottom of the sink. ...
- Inspect the sink from above for proper centering. ...
What does an undermount sink mean?
What does an undermount sink mean? An undermount sink is a sink that sits underneath the countertop– attaches to the bottom of the granite from under. And the benefits of having a sink that sits underneath is twofold. One, you can wipe all of your stuff on top of the countertop without a lip of an overmount sink to push over directly into your sink.
What is the difference between an undermount and an overmount sink?
What Are Overmount (Top Mount) Sinks?
Why is the rim of a sink hidden underneath the counter?
Can you replace an undermount sink with a drop in sink?
Is an undermount sink better than an overmount sink?
Is an undermount sink more expensive than a top mount sink?
Can you go wrong with an undermount sink?
See 2 more
Can an undermount sink be surface mounted?
Undermount sinks can be installed in ANY countertop surface, as long as the material below the cabinet is flat and even. However, if you have a laminate countertop with metal edges, this will prevent you from installing an undermount sink.
Can I put an undermount sink as a drop-in?
If you've got 1" or more of counter under the lip of the sink, you can embed it in waterproof adhesive-caulk.
Which is better undermount or top-mount?
Topmount sinks are easier to install: The reason it is easier to install is because you don't require the same precision as you get in an undermount installation.
What is the difference between an undermount sink and a top-mount sink?
While a top-mount sink sits jovially above the benchtop, an undermount sink is holding on for dear life underneath the countertop.
What are the disadvantages of an undermount sink?
Here are a few cons of undermount sinks:They Require More Support. Sinks are heavy. ... Undermount Sinks Take Up Space. Although these sinks do not take up space above the counter, they do sit lower than drop-in sinks. ... They Are More Difficult to Replace.
What holds an undermount sink in place?
Undermount sinks are typically attached with a two-part epoxy adhesive and sealed with silicone caulking around the perimeter.
Why is an undermount sink better?
~ Creates attractive, clean lines in your kitchen. ~ Gives you slightly more counter space. ~ Easy to wipe food and liquid messes directly into the sink. ~ Undermount sinks can be deeper for cleaning large pots and pans.
Are drop in sinks outdated?
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.
Can you use a top mount sink with granite?
0:129:36How to Install a Delta® Granite Top Mount Sink - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipToday i'm going to be installing a granite top mount sink top mount sinks are a great choice for aMoreToday i'm going to be installing a granite top mount sink top mount sinks are a great choice for a new installation.
Can you use a drop-in sink with granite countertop?
Countertop Compatibility One key thing to keep in mind when choosing between the undermount and drop-in sink is which one will work with your countertop 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.
Which of the two are easiest to keep clean?
Undermount sinks are without a doubt easier to keep clean. Top mount sinks have a rim that sits above the counter surface, so it’s not as easy to w...
Can I convert an undermount sink into a drop-in sink?
Yes! Even as you browse around for sinks, you’ll notice that many of them say “suitable for both top mounting and under mounting” in the product de...
Can I replace a top-mount sink with a drop in an undermount sink?
Yep, just as it’s possible to replace an undermount sink with the drop-in style, you can do the same the other way around. Just pay close attention...
Can you replace an undermount sink without removing the countertop?
There’s no need to remove the countertop, especially if you have a professional plumber completing the task. These sinks are mounted from below the...
Do undermount sinks leak?
When installed properly, no, your undermount sink will not leak. High-strength epoxies and silicone caulk line the area where the sink rim and the...
Can you use an overmount sink with granite?
Yes, it’s possible to install an overmount sink within a granite countertop. However, granite is a very expensive material, and because overmount s...
Do kitchen counters have rims?
Most are not going to work very well for your application. They have rims that are intended to contact the underside of the counter, as well as mounting holes in some cases, that make them aesthetically unappealing. Many won't have a flat spot to rest on the top of the counter anyhow.
Can you mount an undermount sink above a counter?
You want to mount and undermount sink as a conventional above-counter mount sink? The reason for this is because you don't want faucet holes in the sink and would instead prefer to install the faucet through holes in the counter? Just making sure I understand the question.#N#You probably need to take a look at some undermount sinks. Most are not going to work very well for your application. They have rims that are intended to contact the underside of the counter, as well as mounting holes in some cases, that make them aesthetically unappealing. Many won't have a flat spot to rest on the top of the counter anyhow.#N#You probably need to abandon the idea of using an undermount in a top mount application.#N#There are a number of kitchen and bath sinks out there that don't have faucet holes, if that is in fact what you're after.
What is undermount sink?
Undermount sinks allow you to maximize your benchtop. Also, it appears as if the benchtop is flowing right into the sink. With a top mount sink, it looks as if someone detached the benchtop from the sink.
What holds the sink up on the benchtop?
The benchtop of the sink is rested upon by the lip of the sink. The lip of the sink holds it up on the benchtop.
Why is the lip of a sink different from the bench top?
This sink is different because of where the lip (top edges of the sink) rests as compared to the benchtop.
Why would a salesperson try to sell you a pressed sink?
So, a salesperson might try to sell you a pressed sink because it is a cheaper option. Remember, it is only less expensive because of inferior quality. The customer might not prefer a pressed sink over a hand-made sink.
Where does gunk build up in a sink?
When you keep washing dishes, gunk starts building up in your sink. The gunk usually builds around the edges of the sink or in the hidden places you have no access to. With top mount sinks, these blind secret spots are almost non-existent.
Do undermount sinks require planning?
Undermount sinks will require more planning as they are harder to install. Your cabinet maker will have to take into account the substrate as well, which has to hold the sink up.
Can you fit a bigger sink than a current sink?
You just need to find a sink that is bigger than your current sink. This is because you can adjust the present hole to fit in a more massive sink. This is generally not true for undermount sinks because they are much more prominent in size.
Can you mount a dish under the counter?
It's technically possible, most likely. However, since it's designed to be mounted under the counter, it probably won't have a finished flange, and you'll be looking at screws poking out around the edge every time you do dishes. There may be issues with creating a proper seal to avoid leaks. Avoid if at all possible.
Does a garbage disposal vibration affect the sink?
We also installed a garbage disposal and so far the vibrations are not impacting the sturdiness of the sink.
Can you re-profil a sink edge?
Yes, but I'd suggest simply re-profiling your sink edge to more round.
Can you use a sink over a countertop?
It is supposed to be used under the countertops, not over. Most people will say that no, you cannot you it as an over-mount / drop-in style. Well, we broke the rules and made it work as an over-mount / drop-in style sink. We've has it two months and so far so good!
Can you undermount a sink in an island?
Actually, yes. Our GC had to install our undermount prep sink as a drop-in in our oiled wood island. He wouldn't undermount it because he was certain the cut edges of the wood would rot. It looks fine - not great, but fine.
How far does a lip flush with a countertop?
This allowed me to get an absolute watertight seal and it is extremely easy to clean. After install the lip is barely a 16th of an inch it's almost flush with the countertop. It looks great. I would recommend taking your time with measurements.
Can you put a counter under a sink?
If you've got 1" or more of counter under the lip of the sink, you can embed it in waterproof adhesive-caulk . It won' t be fun to remove, but epoxied undermounts aren't fun to remove either.
What is the difference between an undermount and an overmount sink?
overmount sink all comes down to the way it is installed. One is installed from below the surface of the counter (undermount), while the other is dropped into place from above (overmount).
What Are Overmount (Top Mount) Sinks?
Overmount sinks, AKA top mount or drop-in, are mounted from the top of a countertop, literally “dropping in” place to sit securely on top of the surface. With this installation method, the lip or rim of the sink is visible from above.
Why is the rim of a sink hidden underneath the counter?
Because they are mounted from below , the rim of the sink is hidden underneath the counter. Homeowners love the look of this since it gives off a clean, seamless aesthetic. In addition to being seamless, here are a few more pros of undermount sink installation:
Can you replace an undermount sink with a drop in sink?
Yep, just as it’s possible to replace an undermount sink with the drop-in style, you can do the same the other way around. Just pay close attention to the sink dimensions - it’s vital that you find a sink to match the hole that’s already in your countertop so that you don’t have to make any major alterations.
Is an undermount sink better than an overmount sink?
When comparing overmount vs. undermount bathroom sinks, it's really impossible to say which is better. While one homeowner is all-for the sleek undermount style, another might be gung-ho on easy topmount installation.
Is an undermount sink more expensive than a top mount sink?
Then there's the difference in the cost of an undermount sink vs. a top mount sink. Undermount sinks tend to be more expensive up front, and there's also a price difference between top mount vs. undermount sink installation. Plumbers usually charge more for under mounting since it's a more difficult process and requires more support from below the counter surface.
Can you go wrong with an undermount sink?
The good news is that you can’t go wrong with either; there are plenty of quality options on the market for both undermount and overmount sinks.
Top-Mount Sink
Undermount Sink
Benefits of A Top-Mount Sink
Downsides of A Top-Mount Sink
Benefits of An Undermount Sink
- Undermount sinks look good.
Undermount sinks allow you to maximize your benchtop. Also, it appears as if the benchtop is flowing right into the sink. With a top mount sink, it looks as if someone detached the benchtop from the sink. On the other hand, undermount sinks look more integrated with the benchtop and … - Cleaning an undermount sink is more effortless.
You can clear all the kitchen spills and food right into the sink without any obstacles. The edge of the sink also stands clear, and no food bits will get stuck there.
Downsides of An Undermount Sink
Finally