When upgrading your countertops to granite countertops or another natural stone material, it’s the perfect time to also upgrade your sinks and faucet. One thing you will have to decide for yourself is whether to get overmount or undermount sinks. At the Complete Kitchen and Bath Design Studio, we are committed to helping our customers make the best decision possible when it comes to countertops. This article will provide some insights to help you with your sink selection.
What are undermount and overmount sinks?
Basically overmount sinks are mounted on top of countertops whereas undermount sinks are mounted underneath countertops. An Overmount sink does require more upkeep since the sink lip (seam) that meets with the countertops needs to be calked periodically. The exposed seam with an overmount sink is prone to mildew and calking failure because food debris and liquids tend to get stuck there when wiping food crumbs into the sink.
Choosing a sink based on your countertop material
If you are getting natural stone countertops like granite and marble or even quartz, you can have either an overmount or undermount sink installed. If you are getting laminate Formica countertops, your only choice is to have an overmount sink installed because the inside, or filler, of Formica is actually made of paper that has been treated with resin and therefore more susceptible to rotting from water.
Benefits of undermount sinks
By far, undermount sinks are the preferred type of sinks among homeowners. Undermount sinks are simply more practical, functional and aesthetically pleasing than overmount sinks.
With undermount sinks, it is really easy to wipe food crumbs from the countertops into the kitchen sink. There is no edge, no seam and no calking in the way. Another major benefit of undermount sinks is that they can be much deeper than over mount sink. With a deeper sink, it is much more practical to clean dishes without splashing water everywhere. Undermount sinks make countertops look slicker, more attractive and minimalistic looking because they are “hidden” and do not detract from the overall look of the countertops.
The most popular types of under mount sinks are stainless steal sinks. The reason is because they are economical, durable and match stainless steel appliances. They also require little maintenance and scratches / scuffs can easily be removed. Porcelain and cast iron sinks are the most expensive to purchase and maintain and require additional labor to install since they are heavier than stainless steel sinks.
