Jeff "King of the Castle"
A refreshed kitchen can make your whole house feel more luxurious. And a beautiful sink sits at the middle of a great kitchen design.
If you’re looking for a way to update your kitchen sink, you might feel overwhelmed by all the options out there. There are thousands of sinks to choose from.
Pick the wrong one, and your brand new reno could end up looking cheap or dated.
So, where do you start?
Undermount kitchen sinks have sleek lines and a seamless look that can deliver modern, high-end results without breaking the bank.
Why Are Undermount Sinks So Popular?
Undermount sinks have become the go-to mounting option for many designs. So why do people love them so much?
High-End Looks
First and foremost, undermount sinks look expensive.
They add a touch of luxury to any kitchen design but usually don’t cost significantly more than a traditional drop-in option, especially if you go with the right materials and manufacturer.
Easier Cleaning
Undermount sinks don’t just look great; they’re functional, too.
Without a lip hanging over the top of the counter, you’ll be able to sweep crumbs and debris directly into the basin, making clean-up a breeze.
Maximum Space Inside the Sink
Since the sides of an undermount basin sit flush with the edges of the countertop, you get the most room inside the sink without taking up extra real estate in the kitchen.
This is key if you have a small kitchen or counter space at a premium.
What Should I Know Before Choosing an Undermount Sink?
An under-mount sink can make your kitchen more luxurious and functional at the same time.
But there are a few things you should know about the design before you dive in.
They’re a Little More Complicated to Install
A drop-in or top-mount sink has a lip that hangs over the top of the counter.
As the name implies, you can just drop it into place, which means top-mount sinks are the easiest to install.
Undermount sinks need to be attached to the underside of the counter with a bar clamp and specialized mounting brackets.
The process can be a bit complex, so you may be better off getting professional help, especially if you choose a heavy material like fireclay or cast iron.
Stainless steel under-mount sinks are lightweight, making them easier to install, but the process takes a little extra know-how, regardless.
You’ll Need a Countertop with a Finished Edge
Because the edges of the countertop around the basin will be exposed, they need a finished edge.
So, undermount sinks aren’t the best fit if you have custom tile or laminate counters.
But they’re a great fit for granite, marble, soapstone, and most other countertop materials.
If you’re replacing a drop-in basin with an under-mount sink and want to use your existing counters, you may need help finishing the edges of the countertop. In many cases, your stone countertop may have a rough cut under the lip of a top mount sink.
That means the edges around the basin may be rough or uneven, and you may need specialized tools and know-how to create a perfect, polished edge.
Again, it’s possible as a DIY project, but it may be better left to the pros.
Your Countertop Needs to Be Prepped for a Faucet
Speaking of countertops, your faucet will need to be mounted directly onto the countertop with an under-mount sink.
This can be a great feature because you can pick exactly the faucet you want without worrying about whether or not it’s compatible with your basin.
But it also means your countertop will need holes for your faucet. Just like creating the finished edge around the basin itself, this can be a bit challenging for a DIY project.
Getting the Most Out of Your Undermount Kitchen Sink
We’ve already seen why people love undermount sinks. So, how can you get the most function and style out of your new basin?
Pair It with a Great Faucet
Undermount kitchen sinks make a lot of jobs easier. You can maximize that functionality with the right faucet.
Pull-out and pull-down sprayers make it easy to direct water exactly where you need it. This can be especially helpful if you have a large sink and need to be able to rinse all areas easily.
It’s also a great feature if you need a smaller basin where it might be hard to fit large pots. With a pull-out sprayer, you can set the pot beside the sink and bring the spout to it.
Consider a Workstation Sink or Double Bowl Design for More Versatility
With a versatile sink, you can do many jobs in the same place and even work side-by-side with a partner.
If you have the space, double bowl kitchen sinks give you the flexibility to do multiple jobs at once. You could put a dish drying rack on one side and still have a second bowl available for prepping food or washing up.
However, it can be a bit challenging to find undermount sinks in double bowl designs. And many people prefer the look and extra space of a large single bowl.
In that case, you could look for a workstation sink. Workstation sinks have a ledge to support accessories like a drop-in cutting board, colander, or drying rack. This gives you the versatility of a double bowl sink and the spacious style of a single.
Consider an Eye-Catching Color
Classic neutrals like stainless steel bring timeless style to any kitchen sink. This is a great choice for under-mount sinks because it looks high-end and is easy on your wallet.
If you want something more unique, you could always opt for an eye-catching color like gold or high-contrast black in stainless steel or composite.
Even better, you may be able to find a matching faucet to give the entire sink area a stylish look.
Go with an Undermount Apron Front Design
One of the great things about under mount sinks is that they give you the most space inside the basin.
There’s one option that can make your sink even roomier: an apron front design.
Apron front sinks come all the way to the front edge of the countertop. That means you can get several extra inches front-to-back without taking up more room side-to-side.
That extra space inside the sink makes it even easier to fit large cookware or loads of dishes without feeling cramped or crowded.
Apron front undermount kitchen sinks in stainless steel have a retro look that brings a stylish detail to any design. It’s a great option for rustic, industrial, Scandinavian, and even traditional kitchens.
Now you know what to look for in an under-mount kitchen sink and how to get the most out of your new basin.
The next step is to start your search for the perfect undermount sink!
Buying from a trusted manufacturer with quality assurances and extended warranties is always a good idea. Even better, you can buy your faucet and basin from the same distributor to ensure everything will look right and work well together.
Enjoy your stylish new sink!
