Top-mount or under-mount sinks, which one is your preference? Before purchasing a sink and installing one, you should understand the difference between top-mount and under-mount sinks, whether you are building your house from scratch or remodeling. Below is a breakdown of the difference between the two models. We also cover how to choose the right one for your new kitchen or bathroom to remodel.
Sinks are agreeably a highly essential part of your kitchen or bathroom. While there is a whole debate on which of the two is best, making the right choice largely depends on how well you understand the features of each.
What is a Top-Mount Sink?
A top mount sink has its top edges sitting above the kitchen counter. It covers a large area of the countertop. This type of sink is also known as an over mount sink or a drop-in sink. Ideally, when installing a top mount kitchen sink, place the sink inside the hole left on the kitchen countertop. The extra material will form the rim on top of the kitchen counter.
Wondering how the sink sits firmly in its place? Well, after placing the sink in the available space, you can secure it by clamping the sink under the kitchen cabinet. All the plumbing work goes under the cabinet, creating a neat, finished look.
This type of sink works on any countertop. Essentially, the edges of this sink cover a significant amount of the countertop, preventing any potential moisture damage. This type of sink is available in different shapes and sizes. To increase its functionality, you can choose to have two or more tubs in your sink.
Pros and Cons of a Top-Mount Sink
Top mount sinks have gained so much popularity. Subsequently, they have become a common choice in modern homes owing to the many advantages they come with.
These include:
- Durability. You will appreciate how long-lasting the mounts are. Whether you choose to have a top mount bathroom sink or a top mount kitchen sink, you will undoubtedly use it for years.
- Easy to clean: As someone who enjoys spending quality time in the kitchen, you will love how easy it is to clean it.
- Affordability: This type of sink will favor you when planning a kitchen or bathroom remodel on a budget. It gives you quality at an affordable price. The fact that it’s DIY-friendly also provides more opportunities to save on installation costs.
- Protective: As mentioned earlier, top mount sinks will help protect your countertops from water damage.
Top-mount sinks offer numerous advantages, including water conservation and greater storage space. There are also some disadvantages to this type of sink, including being harder to clean. Although these downsides aren’t enough to make you stray away from choosing a top-mount sink, they are still worth noting.
The cons of top mount sinks are:
- High chances that food particles and water can get stuck under the edges
- Less befitting for high-end countertop material such as granite counters. It covers the beautiful edges of such counters
- Its raised edges interfere with the surface level of the kitchen counters
What is an Under Mount Sink?
As the name suggests, this is the kind of sink that sits under the counter. You will be happy to learn that it will not lie on top of your counter but hide under it instead. Interestingly, this type of sink is often bigger than the hole set aside for the sink space on the counter.
Like the top-mount sink, this type of sink stays in place by clamping it underneath. Hide the plumbing within the cabinetry for a neat look.
However, it’s worth noting that this type of sink sit lower than a top-mount one, thereby covering more space under it, which directly impacts the storage space left. Consequently, installing an undermount sink may vary based on your personal preferences. You can have a flush installation that ensures the edges of the sink and the countertop stay aligned.
Alternatively, you may choose to have a positive reveal. In this case, the edge of the countertop will stop before the edge of the sink creating a kind of extension. Another option is a negative reveal. Here the countertop will cover the sink slightly
No matter the type of installation you settle for, one thing is certain, undermount sinks ultimately result in a classy design. This explains why they are a preferred choice for many upmarket homes.
Pros and Cons of an Under Mount Sink
Similarly, having an undermount bathroom sink or an undermount kitchen sink has its upsides and a fair share of downsides.
Let’s start with the good part:
- Undermount sinks are a beautiful sight for both your kitchen and bathroom. By hiding the edge of the sink under the countertop, you create a sleek and seamless look that is pleasing to the eye.
- Provides you with more counter space. Considering that the sink covers no part of your counter, you will have all the counter space to yourself.
- They are versatile. They give you more installation options and have many materials to choose from, like stainless steel, copper, or porcelain.
On the other hand, the downsides of undermount sinks are:
- Requires more solid countertops to support its weight
- Occupies much space that you prefer to utilize for storage
- They are more challenging to install and replace
- They are more expensive
- They require you to have a water-proof countertop due to the underlying water damage
Conclusion
We have presented you with the arguments for both top-mount and under-mount sinks. After reviewing the pros and cons of each choice, you can now decide which type of sink to choose.
For your bathroom remodel, or kitchen remodels, trust NYKB. We are here for you, regardless of the kind of sink you decide to go with. We will bring our expertise and experience to your space and leave it renovated to your utmost liking and satisfaction. Contact us on 212-242-3500 today!
