One of the first decisions a sink shopper needs to address is how the sink will be mounted to the countertop. Fortunately, knowing whether you’re looking for a top-mount or undermount sink will cut the universe of options to consider in half.
To figure out what’s right for you, ask yourself two questions…
Q. Are you replacing a sink?
A. You’ll probably want a top-mount model. A top-mount sink just drops into the existing space in your countertop. The finished rim holds it in place (with the help of concealed screws and clips) without damaging the counter material.
You’ll be glad to know that there have been some improvements since the last time you (or the people who designed your kitchen) bought a sink. Some of today’s stainless steel sinks have incredibly slim, flat rims—about a third as thick as a traditional enameled cast iron sink. Not only does this make it easy to sweep water and crumbs into the sink (helping keep your countertop clean and dry), the slender profile suits a wide range of kitchen styles, from traditional to trend-setting.
Q. Are you getting new countertops, too?
A. Consider an undermount option. These sinks are attached beneath the countertop for a seamless look. According to a recent survey, undermount sinks have become the standard among interior designers.
You can pair an undermount sink with granite, natural stone, quartz or other solid countertop materials. As you have your counter fabricated, you can decide whether you want a bit of the sink edge to extend beyond the counter material, or have it recessed a bit for a more commercial, streamlined effect—you can even opt for a stainless steel sink with an apron front.
Whether a top-mount or undermount sink is right for your project, rest assured that you’ll have all the options you can dream of, including more sizes, bowl configurations, accessories and special features than you can imagine. Don’t worry. We’ll tackle those next.
