Undermount Sinks Vs Drop-In Sinks

If you’re remodeling your kitchen, you’re faced with a ton of decisions. Whether you have your eyes on a stylish farmhouse sink or you’re looking for something more traditional, you need to consider whether you want an undermount sink or a drop-in sink. 

Let’s take a look at the difference between undermount sinks vs drop-in sinks to help you decide which works best in your dream kitchen or bathroom.

What’s the Difference Between Undermount Sinks Vs Drop-In Sinks?

Drop-in sinks are by far the most common type of sink, and they’re also the oldest. You simply cut a hole in the countertop, drop in the sink, attach it with clips, add a little caulk, and you’re good to go! Drop-in sinks always have a lip around them, making it difficult or impossible to wipe crumbs from the counter into the sink.

Undermount sinks are a relatively new style and were designed to look better with stone countertops. As the name implies, undermount sinks are attached to the underside of the countertop. These are more difficult to install, but they have a more seamless look, give you a little more counter space, and make it easier to clean the counters around your sink.

Pros and Cons of Undermount Sinks

Most farmhouse and apron sinks are undermount sinks, although undermount sinks are available in a variety of styles and materials. Here are the pros and cons of undermount sinks.

Pros:

• It’s easier to clean countertops since you can wipe crumbs right into the sink, and there is no caulk around the outside of the sink to collect dirt and debris.
• You get a little more counter space since precious inches aren’t taken up by the lip of the sink.
• Most people agree that undermount sinks look better, especially when you have stone countertops.
• They can increase your home’s resale value when combined with other high-end kitchen or bathroom upgrades.

Cons:

• They’re harder to install, and it isn’t recommended that you install them yourself.
• Undermount sinks don’t work with all counter types. You can’t use an undermount sink with counters that have an MDF or plywood core, like laminate or tile. Also, you can’t install heavy undermount sinks on counters that aren’t strong enough to support them.
• They can sag if they aren’t supported properly. Undermount sinks rely heavily on brackets and support posts, and a failure of those parts can cause the sink to sag.
• The silicone can collect dirt and mold if not cleaned properly. 

Pros and Cons of Drop-In Sinks

Since drop-in sinks are the original sink type, they are available in just about any size and style you could ask for. That doesn’t make them the right choice for everybody, though. These are the pros and cons of drop-in sinks.

Pros:

• They’re cheaper. Drop-in sinks are about half the cost of undermount sinks, and that doesn’t include the increased labor costs of installing undermount sinks.
• Drop-in sinks work with any countertops. Since drop-in sinks are easier to support and don’t leave any counter showing, you can use them with any counter material.
• They’re easier to install. If you’re doing much of your remodel yourself, you’ll want to stick with a drop-in sink because it’s easier to install yourself.

Cons:

• Counters are harder to clean. Since you can’t easily wipe crumbs right into the sink, it’s more difficult to clean your countertops.
• The rim collects dirt and debris. The caulk around a drop-in sink, and even the rim itself, can gather dirt and debris, making it difficult to keep clean.
• You lose valuable counter space. If you don’t have a lot of room, every inch of counter space matters, and you lose important inches to the lip of a drop-in sink.

Replacing Your Counters? Contact Absolute Stone Today

Have you already picked the perfect countertops to go with your new sink? If not, contact us today to get the countertops of your dreams. Request a quote, call us at 919-462-8084, or visit our showroom in Cary, NC to get stunning countertops for your kitchen remodel.