Undermount Kitchen Sinks: A Stylish Alternative to the Ordinary Sink
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are more popular than ever, with porcelain clad iron sinks considered passé in some circles. To be sure, stainless steel undermount sinks offer tons of style and value, with durability that last will for decades, with proper maintenance. For these reasons, many certified kitchen designers and architects recommend undermount stainless steel kitchen sinks.
Just like the name suggests, the sink itself is mounted under the surface of the countertop. They are also called “bottom mount” sinks. Many sinks of this type are also self-rimming, which means that they can be installed above the countertop as a drop-in sink. As with any other sink, installing one of these beauties requires some skill and the proper materials; aside from the weight of the sink itself, a typical undermount sink filled with water can weigh one hundred pounds. In other words, such a job calls for some serious skills.
There are a wide variety of single bowl and double bowl undermount kitchen sinks available, as well as double or single handle faucet designs. If you are doing a kitchen remodel, you may want to sit down with a kitchen designer and brainstorm. At the very least, you can make some sketches of your own to figure out what your style and function needs are, and how to best meet them, then go from there.
Undermount Kitchen Sinks – Some Samples
Installing Your Undermount Sink
After the installer cuts your countertop, he’ll clamp the sink to a two by four and set it in the sink hole to mark the clip placement locations and drill the holes that will hold the sink in place. Then the sink is removed, the clips are set in place, and a bead of silicone is run around the perimeter of the undermount sink, which is then lifted into place.
It’s important to know that undermount sinks require a solid surface to be set in. Unlike a drop in sink, the undermount sink has a bead of silicone set on the top, and is set from underneath the counter surface. Once it’s set, 1 ¼ inch holes will can be drilled for the plumbing fixtures. Next, it’s time to set the plumbing fixtures in place. Hot and cold connections are plumbed, and the trap underneath the basin is attached. These steps, though they require some expertise, are within the grasp of the more experienced landlord or homeowner – certainly more so than the task of cutting the hole in the countertop or drilling holes for the plumbing fixtures.
Remember, setting the sink itself is an advanced job and must be done right to ensure a sink that will deliver long lasting, trouble free service for years to come.
Kitchen Sink Manufacturers
 Kraus Kitchen Sinks |
 Fontaine Kitchen Sinks |
 Vigo Kitchen Sinks |
 Moen Kitchen Sinks |
 Kohler Kitchen Sinks |
 Blanco Kitchen Sinks |
 Elkay Kitchen Sinks |
 Franke Kitchen Sinks |
 American Standard Sinks |
