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what is undermount sink

by Harold DuBuque Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Undermount sinks have that name because they sit under the counter, so that the the edge of the sink is below the level of the countertop.Oct 23, 2018

How much does a standard undermount sink cost?

How much do undermount bathroom sinks cost? Undermount sinks vary in range anywhere from $75-1,000+ Small undermounts have a price range of $75-200, depending largely on the material. Average to medium sized sinks are priced anywhere from $250-500; Large undermount sinks start from 550-1,000 and above.

Is it hard to install an undermount sink?

There are two methods to installing an undermount sink. It's easier to install the sink to a countertop before the countertop is attached to the base cabinets. This is particularly useful when attaching a sink with a garbage disposal. You will probably need an additional person to help you turn the countertop.

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.

More items...

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What is an undermount sink?

An undermount bathroom sink is a sink that is installed underneath the surrounds as opposed to an overmount which is installed from the top. This design means that your sink is flush with the counter material, meaning less chance of food debris being caught in between. Aesthetically it is also more visually appealing as ...

How much does an undermount sink cost?

Like most sinks, Undermount sinks vary in range anywhere from $75-1,000+ Small sized undermounts have a price range of $75-200, depending largely on the material. Average to medium sized sinks are priced anywhere from $250-500, and finally large sinks start from 550-1,000 and above.

What size undermount sink do you need?

The right sink size you need will depend largely on the space available to you. For undermount sinks especially, your cabinet size will determine what space is available to you. Unlike top mount sinks, undermount sinks need to be supported by clamps and adhesive, so it is advisable that there is extra space to make sure the sink stays anchored. Your use of the sink is also an important consideration, as it may be visually appealing, but if you rarely use your sink aside from simply washing your hands, than a medium-large size may not be the right fit for you. A small basin or bowl would be more appropriate, so it is best to understand your needs before choosing the size sink you need.

What is porcelain sink?

One is either pure porcelain and the second is porcelain enameled cast iron. Porcelain sinks have been known to withstand the wear of time and with proper care, can easily last a lifetime.

What is quartz in a sink?

Quartz. Quartz or stone resin, is material that is man-made, constructed from natural stone like quartz and a composite of resin. This mixture gives the sink the look of natural stone while weighing significantly lighter. The benefits of this material is two-fold, since it’s not entirely quartz, it’s much easier to install ...

Why is my sink rim wet?

Since the edge is not finished, water will make the sink rim wet, and overtime can cause deterioration if not supported or maintained. The sink will not conflict with the countertop layer, but it is important to keep it flush with the countertop so no edges are left exposed.

Which sink has the highest resale value?

As it is much more complicated to install, Undermount sinks hold much higher resale values than drop-in sinks.

How Are Undermount Sinks Installed?

The installation of undermount sinks is somewhat more complex than overmount sinks. It begin s with making a hole within the solid countertop. This can be somewhat challenging. As such, most countertops come with existing holes.

What Do Undermount Sinks Cost?

First, I must tell you that the installation cost is not so high compared to the traditional drop-in sink. Typically, you’ll only have to pay around $50 more. However, considering the advantages that come with an undermount sink, that’s pretty fair.

What is the advantage of an undermount sink?

Perhaps the number one advantage of an undermount sink is the ease at which you can clean your countertop. Like you now know, with undermount sinks, the obstructive lip is absent. In turn, this means you can clean more effectively.

What is drop in sink?

A drop-in sink is generally regarded as a top-mount or self-rimming sink. It comes with an obvious lip. This lip stays around the sink’s perimeter and rests on your countertop. Then, you have a sink that drops into a cut-out within the countertop. Usually, the sink gets secured through metal clips underneath the countertop.

Can you clean undermount sinks?

With an undermount sink, you’ll find it easier to clean your countertop. However, one thing you’ll have to put up with is difficulties when cleaning your sink. This is because its structure leaves less sink area visible. Even worse, the design might make the accumulation of dirt around the sink more possible.

How to tell if a sink is undermount?

The most common kitchen sink is what is referred to as a "drop in" sink. This style of sink is found in ninety percent of all kitchens. The easiest way to determine if a sink is a drop in sink is to check for a lip that sits on the countertop. If the sink has a lip on top of the counters that you can stick your fingernail underneath, it is a drop in sink. Also, most of the time drop in sinks have holes in the back of the sink that the faucet mounts to.

Why are undermount sinks so popular?

One reason is because of the surge in homeowners who are upgrading to solid surface countertops.

Why do people choose undermount sinks over drop in sinks?

This bring us to the aesthetics of an undermount sink. The main reason people choose undermount versus drop in is the minimalistic look it can bring to the kitchen. Without a lip around the edge there is nothing "sitting" on the countertop. Even though the lip of a sink isn't technically an object sitting on your counters cluttering them up, it is raised up so too the eye it just looks like another thing taking up space. You might not have ever thought about the lip of a sink this way, but when you compare the two it is obvious.

Why are undermount sinks better than drop in sinks?

As far as function goes, undermount sinks are easier to keep clean because you don't have to deal with the lip on the countertop. For instance, when wiping your counters clean it is common to wipe any food debris straight from your counter into the sink. When there is a lip, it makes it more difficult to get the debris over the lip and into the bowl. Often times food particles can build up under the lip of the sink. Over time it can become unsightly, smelly, and unsanitary. Undermount sinks don't have this problem because there is no lip. The food particles just fall from the counter directly into the bowl.

What is drop in sink?

The lip of the sink sits on the countertop and that is what keeps it in place. Drop in sinks are usually cheaper than undermount sinks, and most of the time they are sub quality.

Do faucets have to mount to sink?

Add that to the fact that the faucet doesn't have to mount to the sink so you don't have that space in the back of the sink for the faucet to mount. To make the space look clean and well maintained, less is better.

How long does it take to install an undermount kitchen sink?

Make sure to get a professional or someone who knows what they’re doing. Most professionals can install an undermount kitchen sink in 30 minutes or less. 6.

Why is it important to install a sink?

Installation: Proper installation and sealing is crucial to prevent leakage and to make sure the sink is properly supported. (A full sink of dishes gets very heavy. You don’t want the sink pulling apart from the underside of your countertop and crashing to the floor.)

What is the edge lip of a sink?

Distinctive Features: The edge lip of the sink is mounted below a solid surface countertop, so the sink effectively hangs underneath the counter, as opposed to sitting on top of it; creates a continuous flow from countertop into sink.

How does an undermount sink save space?

Undermount Sinks Save Countertop Space. With undermount sinks, the countertop extends all the way to the sink—even a bit more. If you're tight on room and need every possible square inch of counter real estate, undermount is the way to go. However, there is one type of drop-in sink that can save some counter space: the drainboard sink.

How many people are needed for undermount sink installation?

In some cases, two people are needed during the installation. Undermount sinks mount to the bottom of the countertop and are held in place by heavy-duty clips and caulk or a special adhesive. An undermount sink does have a rim, but the rim is not visible because it rests up against the bottom of the counter. The edge of the countertop along the ...

What is the difference between a stainless steel sink and an enameled sink?

Some drop-in sinks have lower-profile rims than others, making it easier to swipe from the counter into the sink, but it’s still nothing like the seamless undermount experience. Stainless steel drop-in sinks tend to have the lowest rims, while enameled cast iron sinks have a tall rim that you have to swipe around, not over.

What is the gap between sink and counter?

One of the more frustrating things about undermount sinks is the gap at the top of the sink, where it joins up with the counter. While this gap is filled with a bead of silicone caulk, it's usually not filled flush to the surface. A depression remains, and this naturally becomes a magnet for food buildup.

What is a drop in sink?

Drop-in sinks, also called self-rimming or top-mount, are still the most common type of kitchen sink. A drop-in sink has a visible lip around its perimeter that rests flat on the countertop. The sink basin drops straight into the countertop cut-out, and the perimeter lip holds everything in place. Drop-in sinks are secured by hidden metal clips ...

How far does a drop in sink extend?

This has an integrated drainboard and/or food prep area that extends 8 to 10 inches beyond the side of the sink basin.

Can you use laminate undermount sinks?

Undermount sinks typically are recommended for all countertop materials except laminate (they can also be problematic with custom tile countertops). The laminate isn't the issue; it's the underlying base of particleboard or MDF . MDF does not hold clip fasteners well, and it is highly vulnerable to moisture damage. It’s possible to cover the sink-hole edge with laminate to protect the MDF core, but the seal between the sink and the laminate must be flawless to keep water away from the MDF.

How Are Undermount Sinks Attached to Granite?

Undermount sinks pair well with solid surface and granite countertops since their robust nature can support the sink and is waterproof.

Are Undermount Sinks Sturdy?

Yes, if the sink is installed correctly, it should remain sturdy. The quality of the sink itself plays a role in the robustness as well, as do the materials used to adhere the sink to the counter. The primary method to ensure your sink is sturdy is to use high-quality materials and install them properly.

Are Undermount Sinks The Best Type Of Sink?

There is really no right answer to this question, although you’re probably thinking it’d be easier if we just decided for you, thus relieving you of the stress of choosing the ideal sink. The answer to this question ultimately falls to you and your preferences.

Can I Install An Undermount Sink To Laminate Or Tile Countertops?

Laminate and tile countertops typically don’t do well with undermount sinks. The primary concern with these materials comes down to their water resistance. Since they aren’t usually waterproof, water can get between the countertop and the sink.

What is undermount sink?

Undermount sinks are installed under the counter (hence the name “undermount”), but they are not always mounted in the same way. The reveal describes the style of how much of your undermount sink is visible below the countertop. Each sink can be mounted in three types of reveals: positive, negative or zero. Each reveal brings its own style and ...

Why is it easy to choose an undermount sink?

Choosing an undermount sink reveal is easy because most sink manufacturers provide templates for all types of reveals. If you’re choosing an undermount sink based on its reveal, choose the style you like the most while considering your counter material.

What is zero reveal sink?

A zero reveal is a counter that is flush with the sink’s rim. This is the most stylish and practical reveal for an undermount sink. It’s free from cracks and crevices where debris can get stuck, making your sink very easy to clean. And, it will add high-end appeal to your home.

What is undermount sink?

Looking for an easy, inexpensive weekend project that will upgrade the most essential room in your home? Undermount sinks add sleek simplicity to the look of your kitchen that promises to be on-trend for years to come.

Why do sinks have a lip around the perimeter?

Seamless sinks have distinctly clean lines that make for easy counter wiping when cleaning your sink and the area around it because everything gets wiped right down the drain. Drop-in sinks have that lip around the perimeter that catches water and grime that seems to keep reappearing, no matter how often you wipe it away.

Is an undermount sink more expensive than a drop in sink?

It’s no secret that undermount sinks are more expensive than drop-ins, but they are also more upscale in their design aesthetic and, if you ask us, worth the investment. So, if you’re on a budget but still want to up-level your kitchen or bathroom, or you’re a new-ish homeowner that wants to try your hand at a minimal project with maximum effect, installing a new sink can be a rewarding project you can admire every time you do the dishes.

Can you install undermount sinks yourself?

Whether you’re preparing to sell or just want a kitchen refresh, undermount sinks are a chic and relatively inexpensive way to upgrade with a few tools and even fewer years of experience. Installing it yourself is also a great way to save vs. splurge on an overall kitchen remodel. Even if you don’t consider yourself handy, an easy project like this one can transform you into a home improvement superhero.

Do all counters work with undermount sinks?

Here’s the big one: not all counters work with undermount sinks. So, before you get your heart set on an undermount, be sure you won’t have to take out the entire countertop if you didn’t already plan for it.

Do drop in sinks take up space?

If you have a small-ish kitchen, you already know that counter space is always at a premium. Those bulky drop-in sinks with the lip that rides over the countertop can take up valuable perimeter inches where cutting boards, plates, or pans could easily rest over the edge of an undermount sink for a quick and easy cleanup every time.

Can water leak from under a sink?

Older laminate or tile counters aren’t always perfectly level, and water can leak between the countertop and the sink. As a result, mold and water damage can develop under the sink cabinet.

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