There’s more to a kitchen sink than meets the eye, and we’re not just talking about style or how many bowls there are. For this post, we want to focus on the way the sink is installed in your countertop, and the visual and functional results of that installation.
Drop-in vs Undermounted Sinks
Unless you’ve created a Chicago kitchen design in the past, you might not even realize these two sink distinctions exist.
Drop-In Sinks. These sinks are installed into the countertop cut-out from above, and they have a rim of their own. Once installed, that rim sits over the tile or slab countertop, and leaves a visible lip. Because of this lip or rim, you may also have heard them called self-rimming sinks or top-mount sinks. Until the past 15-ish years or so, drop-in sinks were the standard. They continue to be popular as a result of their reputation as well as the finished look they achieve.
Undermount Sinks. These sinks are installed from the underneath-side of the countertop, which makes them slightly more labor intensive. Instead of having a finished rim that sets on top of the countertop material, the countertop material extends flush with the edge of the sink. While we mentioned above that the rim of drop-in sinks are thought to have a “finished” look, modernist and contemporary design enthusiasts might beg to differ, preferring the streamlined, sleeker look of an under-mount sink.
Points to ponder when deciding between drop-in & undermount sinks
Rather than do a pros and cons list, we’ll simply list the types of considerations that go into to choosing a sink, along with our preferences pertaining to each. This information will help you hone in on the type of sink that’s best for your kitchen or give you more fodder to discuss with your kitchen designer.
Which sink is easiest to clean?
Our answer: Drop-in
This is a tough one because the difference in clean-ability isn’t dramatic. However, because the top-mount sink is complete and wraps over the countertop, it’s easy to clean. The only thing easier than this sink would be a Corian sink that is incorporated into the Corian countertop.
Which sink allows for a cleaner countertop?
Our answer: Undermount
On the flip side, clean fanatics typically prefer undermount sinks and consider them more hygienic because everything from the countertop can be swept right over the edge of the counter and into the sink. If your sink is a drop-in, the rim that overlaps on the counter can wind up being a grime trap. The debris on the countertops can get mushed around in the grout or silicone seal that surrounds that rim and this can become unsightly.
Which is the most affordable?
Our answer: Drop-in
In almost all cases where you have an option between drop-in or undermount, the drop-in version will be more affordable. Also, the labor for an under-mount sink is also cheaper, but only by a fraction.
Which has the best resale value?
Our answer: Undermount
While you might save a bit on a top-mount sink, you may lose a bit when it’s time to sell the house. While we mentioned that top-mount sinks remain popular, the stats shift a bit when you get into the world of designer kitchens. Designer kitchens trend towards contemporary features, including slab countertops that look more streamlined with an undermount sink.
Which is better in a smaller Chicago kitchen design?
Our answer: Undermount
If you have a small kitchen, countertop space is at a premium. In this case, we recommend an undermount sink to save yourself the precious inches taken up by the overlapping rim of a drop-in sink. Also, the aforementioned streamlined look will minimize any appearance of “extra” detail or clutter on the countertop.
Having a difficult time deliberating over the wealth of decisions you have to make about an upcoming Chicago kitchen design? Contact the team at Kitchens & Baths Unlimited and we’ll make them all as simple and straightforward as possible.
