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Are Undermount Sinks The Best Option For Your Kitchen Remodel?

Kitchen sinks are all about two things: functionality and aesthetics. But which one comes first depends on your preferences and lifestyle.

From our experience remodeling kitchens, we can tell that homeowners would rather get an undermount sink for their kitchen, but there are some cases where a drop-in sink is more favorable.

In this article, we’ll discuss undermount sinks and drop-in sinks, and which one of them will better suit your needs.

Let’s begin.

An undermount sink with an expensive faucet on a black countertop

What Are Undermount Sinks

Undermount kitchen sinks are sinks that are installed below the countertop. They have a smooth, flat surface that makes them easy to clean and they’re less likely to harbor bacteria because there’s nowhere for dirt and grime to accumulate.

They come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, and granite, and they come in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that will fit your kitchen countertop perfectly.

Undermount sinks are the best option for kitchens that have granite or marble countertops, because the sleek surface of the sink will match the sleek surface of the countertops. They’re also a good option for modern kitchens, because they give the kitchen a sleek, minimalist look.

The only downsides is that the undermount installation requires custom or semi-custom cabinets designed to fit this kind of sink, and their higher price point.

An undermount sink with stone countertop and silver faucet
A granite counter and an undermount sink

What Are Drop-in Sinks

Drop-in sinks are sinks that are installed on the countertop. Like the name suggests, all you need to do to install this sink is drop it in the countertop and get all the plumbing done. The lip of the sink goes on the countertop, so the counter will take away some of the weight.

They’re easy to install, and they come in a variety of materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, and granite.

Drop-in sinks have nothing to do with style. We’ve seen beautiful drop-in sinks (like the one below), but we’ve also seen unimpressive drop-in sinks that made little to no difference in style. Drop-in sinks are great if you’re on a tight budget and you don’t have the time to customize your cabinets for an undermount-sink.

A drop-in sink with light blue cabinets
A black drop-in sink with a black faucet

Should You Get An Undermount Sink or Drop-in Sink?

The answer to this question depends on your lifestyle and your kitchen countertop material.

For example, a granite, marble, or quartz countertop, will make an undermount sink look like it’s made to fit there. It will give your kitchen a sleek, modern look, and it’ll make the flow of the counter space feel seamless.

On the other hand, it’s difficult to get an undermount sink for a laminate or tile countertop. The inside edge of the cut laminate will be difficult to cover and look beautiful, so it’ll remain exposed to water damage, one of the main enemies of laminate.

If you’re not sure which sink is right for your kitchen, then we recommend that you speak to a kitchen remodeling expert. They will be able to help you choose the best sink for your needs and lifestyle. We offer professional kitchen remodeling services, so you can be sure you’ll get the best insights on your upgrades!

You’ll see most of the kitchen sinks on NKBA are undermount sinks, so that has to be a sign that these sinks are simply the most favored among homeowners.

Here's What Actually Matters On Your Sink

The sink is essential, but it’s not the sink itself that makes it functional or not. There are several things that need to be done properly to make your sink fully efficient.

Kitchen Faucet

The kitchen faucet is actually the most important thing on the sink, and it’s what will make your kitchen truly functional.

While basic faucets can get most of the jobs done, it can’t compare with an extendable faucet with multiple spraying options. 

These will help you reach various spaces that a normal faucet won’t, and they’ll help you select from different pressure levels that’ll make washing the dishes so much easier.

An extendable black faucet for a kitchen sink
A kitchen sink drainage

The Drainage

Drains for sinks come in a variety of shapes and sizes, and you can find one that will fit your sink perfectly. Most drains have a U-shaped trap that will catch food and gunk, and they also have a stopper that will keep the water in the sink.

Some drains come with a strainer that will keep large objects from going down the drain, while others come with a disposal that will grind up food waste. If you have a disposal, be sure to get a drain that is compatible with it.

Be sure to clean your drain regularly to keep it functioning properly. You can use a plunger to unclog it if it becomes blocked, or you can use a snake to clear out the gunk.

The Plumbing

One of the main reasons why the plumbing needs to be properly installed on a sink is because if it’s not, the sink can become clogged. This can happen if the drains are not fitted correctly or if they are not cleaned regularly.

Clogs can also form if food and gunk accumulate in the U-shaped trap or in the disposal. If this happens, the water will not be able to drain properly, and it will eventually overflow.

In a damp space like a kitchen, it’s better to be careful and prevent water spills from happening if you want to avoid mold and mildew.

new sink with plumbing in focus

Conclusion

So, are undermount kitchen sinks the best sinks you can get for your kitchen sink? We dare to say yes. They look beautiful, are highly functional, and they’ll create a seamless transition on the entire counter space, making it feel more upscale.

While drop-in kitchen sinks are a great option as well, these are more difficult to maintain and fail in delivering the same vibe like undermount sinks do. Besides, the lip that goes on the counter will collect debris that’s difficult to clean.

Here at Pellak Construction, we recommend all our customers to get undermount sinks if their budget allows them. They’ll cost a little more, but they simply look great. And if you want a truly functional sink, go for a modern faucet, efficient drainage, and properly installed plumbing as well.

If you’re having trouble with choosing the right sink, give us a ring and we’ll help you choose the sink that’ll best match your lifestyle and needs. Call us at (610) 543-2479 or request a free quote right now!