So, you need a new sink.
That’s good news and worrisome news! Let’s explain why –
It’s great news because your kitchen will finally have a touch of new that your kitchen décor deserves.
The worrisome news is, you will be confused. Before you can decide which sink is ideal for your countertop, you will have to consider the different sink styles and types. Foremost, you need to consider the different mounting styles that define kitchen sinks – top mount and undermount.
What are the different types of sinks you need to consider before purchasing?
Drop-in sink
Drop-in or top-mount sinks are the ones that you “drop” into the cutout on the countertop. They are the ideal choice for laminate countertops. However, due to the fuss-free installation, most drop-in sinks are compatible with granite, marble, tiled, and solid wood countertops. Irrespective of the theme of your kitchen, you can choose to go with a top-mount sink.
Dual-mount sink
A dual-mount sink is not a new concept, although it is mighty helpful for anyone who cannot decide which mounting style is ideal for their kitchen. A dual-mount sink is one that you can choose to top-mount or undermount. These have flat but wide edges that can sit firmly under the cutout of the counter, and they can sit square on the sides of the cutout. These sinks typically come with pre-cut holes like the standard drop-in sink. If you choose to undermount them, you might have to cut out holes for the faucets on your countertop that match the holes on the edge of the sink.
Apron front sink
Another sink type that offers both top-mount and undermount options is the apron front sink. These are farmhouse sinks that come with an “apron” that hangs out in the front past your cabinetry. Since most homes in the US have cabinetry made of wood, an apron front sink can be an investment that protects your cabinetry from water splashing and dripping from the sink. Apart from this function, they offer significantly large capacity. You can fit your biggest thanksgiving pots and pans in the sink without any fuss! Besides, they are statement sinks that every modular and minimalist kitchen of the 21st century deserves.
What sink materials can you explore under the top-mount category?
Top-mounting only refers to the installation or mounting style. It does not define the material of the sink. Self-rimming sinks are the perfect choice for homeowners who want a budget-friendly sink that demands low maintenance. You can find top-mount sinks in stainless steel, granite, granite or quartz composite, fireclay, and cast iron. In fact, if you want to install a heavy sink in cast iron or granite, any experienced contractor will suggest top-mounting it instead of going with an undermount style.
How can top-mount sinks save you money during installation?
Top mount sinks are perfect for smaller homes and apartments that have limited kitchen space. If your countertop is small, and you have limited storage space, you need to think about installing a top-mount sink. The edges of this sink sit on top of the countertop giving at least 2-inches of extra space under the sink. Adding two extra inches to your under-sink cabinetry can mean fitting the paraphernalia of cleaning supplies under the sink or dedicating another corner of the house for your wipes, squeegees, and cleaners.
It is a given that drop-in sinks lack the charm of undermount or flush-mount sinks. However, drop-in installation does save a significant amount that you can use to restore your kitchen cabinets, get a new juicer, or even replace your old cooking top! The difference in price between top-mount and undermount kitchen sinks can be quite a lot. The average price of a drop-in sink can range from $50 to $800, depending upon the material, size, and bowl style. On the other hand, the cost of top-mount sinks can range between $75 and $1,000. These prices do not include the cost of installation. The cost of installation of an undermount sink can add another hundred dollars to the total expense easily.
If you are looking to install a sink or replace an old one, on a pocket-friendly budget, you should consider drop-in sinks. They are not only cheaper than undermount sinks, but their installation charges are much lesser as well. Moreover, top-mounting is not as complicated as under mounting a sink. Therefore, you can find thousands of DIY guides on YouTube to guide you through the process. As long as you are handy with tools, you don’t have to worry about the expense of installing a top-mount sink at all!
Maintenance guide for top-mount kitchen sinks
Irrespective of the mounting style, you will need to care for your sink according to the manufacturer’s manual. For example – granite sinks might require you to reseal and re-polish the surface at least once per year. If you are using composite sinks, you need to steer clear of strong acids and alkaline solutions to preserve the top resin layer. For stainless steel sinks, you must refrain from using steel scrubbers and bleach-like oxidizing solutions.
The care manual for each basin style will vary according to their material and molding. Your choice of mounting will do little to influence the level of maintenance necessary for a particular material. Therefore, be very careful while choosing your sink. If you need a heavy-duty sink, stay away from ceramic or porcelain and other delicate materials. For more information, visit https://www.kraususa.com/kitchen/kitchen-sinks/top-mount-drop-in-sinks.html.
An overmount kitchen sink is also easier to clean in comparison. The rim and joining area are completely visible. You can wipe the visible area on the countertop with silicone caulk with a dry cloth every time you finish washing the dishes. That will remove any dry and wet debris from building up. You will also minimize the threat of mold, algae, and bacteria buildup near the kitchen sink almost wholly. Cleaning under the sink is not as frequently necessary as it is for undermount sinks. Minimal water drips under the kitchen if the sealing between the sink rim and the countertop is secure.
