When remodeling a bathroom or kitchen or building new, you will have to decide between putting in a standard drop in sink or an undermount sink. Each one has its advantages and you will have to decide which one is right for your application.
Undermount Kitchen Sink
-The advantages that an undermount sink has over a drop in sink are that it has a very nice and clean look with no edges protruding above the counter. It is also very easy to keep clean for this reason. When wiping off the counter you can just swipe any water or crumbs right over the edge and into the undermount sink. The disadvantages of this sink on the other hand are that you can not install it onto any counter but typically solid surfaces such as granite. They are also more difficult to install and a little more expensive.
-The advantages of a drop in sink therefore are that they are usually cheaper and easier to install, but do not have the same appeal and are more difficult to keep clean.
For these reasons undermount sinks are become ever more popular.
Drop-in Sink
If you plan on installing an undermount sink into a granite counter top it’s not advised that you cut the hole yourself. You should talk to the counter top company you are dealing with and tell them the make and model of the undermount sink and faucet that you are using. They will have the proper tools to make a smooth and accurate cut in the right place. Some companies will even mount the sink as well if you give it to them. If you are installing the sink by yourself then here are the proper steps to take…
- Get the granite company to cut the sink hole based on the specifications from the model of sink that you have provided for them. Have them install the counter.
- Using a cleaning alcohol and a cloth gently rub and clean both the sink and counter surfaces where they will be joining together.
- Evenly distribute some high strength epoxy or silicone caulking around the underside of the counter where the sink will be mounted.
- Put a board on top the counter across the sink opening (Place a cloth under to prevent scratching). Put a small board also under the drain opening and as you put the sink in place tie the boards towards each other with a piece of wire “clamping” the sink to the counter.
- To pinch the silicone a little extra, shim the board on the counter on each side to make a snug fit.
- Wipe off excess silicone that has pinched out the side of the sink.
- Allow the silicone to dry for at least 24 hours before you take the boards off and connect the plumbing.
As always, if you do not feel comfortable doing the work properly, hire a professional. You will save yourself time, money and head aches by getting it done right.
I just use the new Cinclips.com product to mount sinks with. They are sooo easy to install and NO wait time to hookup and use! Please do not use epoxy or polyurethane sealer in place of 100% silicon for the seal on top of the sink! Use Denatured alcohol to clean up the silicon that oozes out between the sink and mounting surface. Use those cinclips and then your done!
Thanks for the tip Dow… they look like a great product! Cheers.
Installing an undermount sink not to hard to do. Anyone can do it but do your home work 1st. Then get all the tools that you will need. Also go to your plumbing store and ask questions. And then read articles and watch videos online. I think if your good with your hands your going to be find doing your own plumbing. Thanks from Boston Plumber!!!!
Thank you so much glad for this blog! And this is a good post for our kitchen sink equipments.
Great site. A lot of useful information here. I’m sending it to some friends!