Most modern homes don’t have the space to introduce clutter. A smart homeowner aspires to utilize whatever space is available in every way possible. Every logic makes it easy to understand why the modern homeowner chooses an undermount sink over top-mount and drainboard sinks for their small yet neat kitchen.
Every undermount sink has features so that its under-the-counter installation is easy and flush. It leaves no rims or traces of setting material on the countertop. It gives every countertop a robust surface finish that every modern apartment owner and house owner cherishes. While you can find undermount sinks in materials like composites, plastics, and natural stones, most homeowners pick stainless steel for their ease of installation and straightforward maintenance.
Why are top-mount kitchen sinks not as popular as they used to be?
One of the most significant disadvantages of top-mount sinks is that during installation, you seal the narrow gap between the rim and the countertop with caulk. Over the years, the caulk wears off and allows debris, dirt, and grime to seep into the gap. It is not only unhygienic, but it can lead to significant structural integrity challenges for your top-mount sink. A lot of people choose the undermount sink design to avoid this particular problem. Users find undermount sinks easier to clean and maintain regularly as compared to a drop-in or top-mount sink.
Why does the material of undermount kitchen sinks matter?
Stainless steel undermount sinks are the most popular in the US right now. Partly because most interior décor magazines and model kitchens on blogs feature stainless steel sinks, and partly because they are a long-term investment for every house. Stone sinks are far more expensive than stainless steel. You can efficiently work in the installation cost into your budget and still save money if you were considering getting a natural stone sink for your kitchen. Stainless steel sinks have the widest variety, and they are easy to install. They are sturdier than the ceramic and composite sinks. To find an excellent option for a sink of this kind, explore an undermount sink by Kraus USA, since they are one of the leading brands in the industry.
One of the leading benefits of choosing an undermount sink is the flexibility of faucet placement. With the rim sitting well below the surface, no hard and fast rule governs the placement of the water fixtures. They do not come with pre-drilled holes for faucets, and you can pick any faucet style that goes best with the rest of the counter style and kitchen. You can place the faucet by cutting a hole in the countertop directly. You can decide the location along with your plumber according to surrounding theme and ease-of-access.
What should you know before purchasing and installing an undermount sink?
When you are choosing an undermount sink, you need to consider your countertop material. You should only pick an undermount variety if the countertop material is solid. Natural stone, granite, and concrete are the best choices for this type of sinks. Larger than regular sinks might require a frame or support basket during their installation. If you are getting a 16 gauge stainless steel sink that is close to 40-inches wide, you might want to consider a custom wood framework for additional support. 16 gauge stainless steel is heavy, and adding dirty pots and pans on top does not levy the weight. You need to consider sufficient support for the sink that you can build into the cabinets. It is entirely possible to make custom wooden frames for supporting your undermount sink and keep it well-hidden inside your under-the-sink cabinet.
Why is undermount kitchen sinks the #1 choice of homeowners?
Despite the added installation challenges and the occasional need for support framework, undermount sinks add to the aesthetics of a home. Moreover, it adds to the value of any home, in any state of the US. According to real estate agents, potential buyers perceive homes with undermount kitchen sinks with a higher value. These homes sell at higher prices as compared to the others with regular top-mount or drainboard sinks. It is a unique, and beneficial feature for a homeowner to consider while remodeling their kitchen or just the countertop.
What are the different types of sink installations for undermount kitchen sinks?
Today, design technology and the available options for installation have resulted in mainly three rim styles of undermount kitchen sinks. You should consider each one before taking your pick –
i. Negative reveal – the countertop hangs by around half an inch over the sink as the plumber or installer sets the rim back from the cut-out edge of the countertop. It is one of the best-looking options for your kitchen, as well as a bathroom sink. However, there are two significant drawbacks you should consider –
- There is a half-an-inch gap between the counter edge and the sink rim which can support mold growth without daily cleaning
- The extended countertop can be prone to easy chipping or cracking, especially if the counter material is not granite or natural stone.
ii. Flush mount – the countertop and the lip of the sink coincide perfectly. There is a direct drop into the bowl from the countertop, and it leaves no space for mold growth or collection of debris. It is the most popular kind of undermount sink installation or setup in modern apartments. However, it requires the most precision during the installation step. If you have no experience with sink installations, you might want to give an expert a call.
iii. Positive reveal – the rim remains visible as the edge of the cut-out bisects the sink lip. While it is easy to detect any leaks during use, it also leaves the rim vulnerable to dirt, liquid buildup, and mold growth. It is one of the least typical undermount sink setups in modern homes.
The final style of the stainless-steel kitchen sink and its installation method will depend upon your budget, available space, and the available skillset. Expert advice states that you should pick ada undermount kitchen sink for your home if you want to increase its market value, or enjoy these installations for decades.
