Undermount sinks appear to be in-built into the lower levels of your countertops, which often allows for deeper basins and a more polished finish within your kitchen.
Pros
Increased counter space. Whether you’re a culinary pro who likes to use every inch of space available when preparing a meal or simply dealing with limited kitchen space, Undermount Sinks are a great way to maximize the amount of space you have available to you.
Seamless finish. Undermount sinks blend seamlessly into the rest of your countertops, which is ideal for those who are looking for a more polished look when it comes to interior design. It can also prevent the build-up of crumbs on the perimeter of the sink, which means it's much easier to clean (and maintain) both your sink and kitchen.
Easy to clean. Undermount sinks are also relatively easy to clean and maintain, and their deep basins mean that it's harder for water to overflow onto your kitchen surfaces when in use. As a result, you’re less likely to encounter issues such as the build-up of damp and mold in your kitchen - an issue that tends to be more prevalent in this area of the home.
Cons
While there are many benefits associated with installing an overmount kitchen sink in your home, there are some potential cons, often relating to your design preferences.
Simple design. The simple designs used in undermount sinks may not be favored by those who prefer bold designs within their homes. After all, they are rather simplistic and understated, designed to blend in as opposed to standing out. However, this does not mean that undermount sinks do not look good, they just tend to be a little more understated.
Take up a lot of space. While Undermount sinks are useful when it comes to maximizing countertop space, they are in-built into the counters themselves, which could take up some much-needed storage space.
Overmount Sinks Pros and Cons.
Overmount sinks rest on top of the counter of your kitchen and are available in a wide range of styles, sizes, and designs.
Pros
Easy to install. Overmount sinks do not require any extensive or complicated work to be carried out during the installation process, which means that they’re often cheaper and easier to install.
More designs to choose from. While undermount sinks are available in a wide range of colors, finishes and materials, there are only so many different ways in which they can be styled. However, Overmount sinks do not suffer from the same limitations, meaning that there are often more designs to choose from during the installation process.
Cons
Harder to clean. As overmount sinks tend to have a raised surface or ‘lip’, crumbs and other debris can gather here, making it a little harder to keep your kitchen clean. If not well-maintained, this could also cause mold to build up on your countertops, which can lead to a range of problems relating to both your health and kitchen maintenance.
Pricing. Overmount sinks are sometimes more expensive than undermount due to the fact they require professional installation, whereas you may be able to take a DIY approach when installing an undermount sink. However, it's worth noting that they are designed to be durable and long-lasting, which means that they’re definitely worth the money in the long-term.
How to decide between Undermount vs Overmount Sinks.
When renovating your kitchen, it's crucial that you make the right decision when it comes to selecting different appliances and features, especially when it comes to fixtures such as your sink. After all, it's one of the items within your home that will be used the most frequently - and the wrong choice - in terms of both style and design- could therefore have long-lasting implications.
As a result, it's important that you think practically about the decision when deciding between an undermount vs overmount sink, taking into account factors such as budget, counter space, and the overall ‘look’ of your kitchen.
Of course, if you are unsure of where to proceed, calling in an expert, such as a member of the team at World Copper Smith, can also come in handy. We’d be happy to answer any questions you have about our range of undermount and overmount sinks, which could help make the decision a little bit easier. We’ll also be able to provide you with practical advice and guidance when it comes to installation, maintenance, and more.
When deciding which style of mounting you are considering for your kitchen sink, your design will likely be influenced by the countertop material style, budget, and appearance preferences. At CopperSmith we have years of experience creating beautiful, high-quality custom copper works, including copper kitchen sinks, range hoods, and more! Let us help you make the right decision for your space.
Appearance
Copper undermount sinks are attached to the underside of the countertop material, and the hole cut into the counter is the same size as the basin. This will allow you to wipe food directly into the sink without getting hung up on the lip of the sink. The over-counter installation allows the sink to be supported by the outer rim.
Compatibility
Typically you will see under-counter kitchen sinks installed with wood, granite, or stone countertops. Vinyl countertops are not best suited for under-counter installation since you will see the (inside) of the material at the cut, so you need to use materials that are natural throughout.
Budget
Undercounter installation is best done when purchasing new countertops, or your existing cut will be larger than your old sink, and you have a natural countertop material such as granite, stone or wood. You should plan on additional installation costs of $50-$250 due to the more precise nature of the counter-cut.
The right choice for you: We recommend under-counter installations when installing new counters. It’s a trend in modern home construction that we don’t see going away. It’s a small investment that will add a cleaner look and more functionality to your kitchen. If you’re just seeking to replace a sink, and budget is a concern, over-counter might be the best solution for you.
