The kitchen sink is not just the utilitarian appliance but rather the powerhouse of the room being engaged in the activities of preparing meals as well as the clean-up process. The ability to pick the correct one is an essential step that will affect the functionality and the general looks of your kitchen. The most basic and initial decision you will make will concern not a material and size, but how you want to install it, either undermount or overmount.
Although this may pass as something matter of fact, the process through which your sink is mounted has far reaching consequences of cleaning, counter space, aesthetics, and budgets. We are going to take to the very bottom of the pros and cons of every one to find out which one fits your kitchen and lifestyle perfectly well.
Understanding the Basics
To begin with, it is important to explain the meaning of these terms.
An Overmount Sink
The most recognizable style is an Overmount Sink (also commonly referred to as a drop-in sink). It is inserted in a pre-cut slot in the counter as the name suggests. It has a rim or lip that is mounted on top of the counter and holds it in place.
The Undermount Sink
Undermount sink is an integrated style which is more modern. It is fitting below the counter desk attached to its lower side. The sink bowl is completely concealed beneath the counter surface and is devoid of a rim such that the counter and sink merge into one.
Keeping these definitions in mind, we may discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each of them in detail.
The Undermount Sink
Advantages:
Uncomplicated Clean and Maintain: This, definitely, is the biggest advantage of an undermount sink. By having no rim or lip sticking above the counter you are able to do any wiping of the crumbs, spills and liquids directly on the counter and into the sink with just one continuous motion. The sink and counter are joined at no crevices to harbor grime, mold, or food particles making them a much more hygienic and simple to clean up.
Clean, Slick Edges: The undermount sinks are the beau of the new-age and up-market kitchen remodeling. They form a streamline, taper line that forms a continuous, unbroken line of visual effect that makes the top of the counter appear longer and more unified. This smoothness adds the whole appearance to the kitchen and puts the emphasis on the beauty of countertop material, be it the granite, quartz or marble.
Increased Counter Space: Although it has no physical increase in the square footage of the room, the capability to utilize the very edge of the sink cutout is a significant advantage. You may also hang a dishcloth on the edge or make it a temporary heightening place to the vegetables, which are under the process of washing, and in effect create more space around your sink.
Disadvantages:
Greater total price: Due to their construction, undermount sinks generally cost more than the overmount sinks. This is not only because of the sink itself, installing it is not as easy or simple, it can even need a professional fabricator. Moreover, they can also be fitted with only solid-surface countertops such as granite, quartz, or concrete, which are also a major investment.
Complex Installation: It is not one of those do-it-yourself projects. It has to be a sharp cut with no roughness in it; the edge is exposed to the full. Special clips should be used in ensuring the sink is firmly fixed and that adhesive of high quality and waterproof in nature is used to ensure that there is no leakage under the counter. The improper installation would cause water damage and even the sink will be detached in the long run.
Countertop Damage potential: The exposed inner edge of the counter top cutout may be susceptible to chipping in particular cases with lower strength material such as marble. This is an edge that a professional fabricator will tend to polish to reduce the risk; however it comes in to play nonetheless.
An excellent and useful solution is the Overmount Sink.
Advantages:
Low Ronitory and Accessible: Before all, the Overmount sinks are usually cheaper to buy and install. They are popular with DIY-ers and those who are budget-conscious because of their easy installation. It is easy and therefore they are popular as a choice in many houses.
Universality: The outstanding feature of the overmount sink is its universality. The rim can be fitted on practically any material of countertop, as it is installed on the cut end of the countertop covered by rim. This would incorporate lower cost and more do-it-yourself solutions such as laminate, tile or wood, in which an uncovered and exposed edge will not work, or will be susceptible to moisture.
The easiness of installing and replacing: It is usually easy to replace a sink that is already installed. The replacement can be performed rather easily as long as the new sink fits into the existing hole (or is bigger to fit into the old one), which is why it is a fantastic solution in the situations when the kitchen is to be refreshed very quickly.
Disadvantages:
The Dreaded Crumb-Lip: This is the protruding rim of the overmount sink which is its Achilles heel. It leaves a raised platform which holds the crumbs, water and cleaning suds leaving it hard to wipe the counter clean into the sink. This lip needs special care to wash and may develop bacteria and gunk in case it is not taken care of.
Less Modern Aesthetic: The exposed edge is capable of providing some visual discontinuity within the countertop which is discontinuity which many people find disrupts the design. It may render the kitchen older-fashioned or less personalized as opposed to the smooth outline of an undermount sink.
Fausted Functionality on the Edge: It is the same rim that facilitates installation that gets in the way. You can not easily wipe with a counter rag the edge of the sink hole and the lip catches clothes or causes a hassle when clearing huge pots and pans.
The Marketplace of Choosing Your Home.
So, which sink is the winner? That is all up to you and your priorities.
Choose an Undermount Sink if:
- The major consideration you have is clean up and hygiene.
- You possess a counter-top of firm-surface and a budget to afford professional installation.
- You appreciate a smooth, contemporary and clear cut look.
- You would wish to create the most perceived and functional space around sink.
Choose an Overmount Sink if:
- You have a budget stricter or laminate counter top.
- You are a DIYer or require a less expensive and easier installation.
- The cleaning ritual required on the rim does not bother you.
- You want a traditional appearance or are already having a sink that you want to change without replacing a countertop.