Undermount vs. Drop-In Sink: Pros and Cons of Both Sink Types

You install an undermount kitchen sink from underneath the countertop cutout, securing it with metal clips, anchors, or posts. An undermount sink is usually a high-end option, owing to its technical installation requirements and streamlined aesthetic. This type of sink offers homeowners a high degree of functionality while also highlighting the countertop materials.

Undermount sinks can add countertop space and increase resale value after your remodel. There are additional benefits, too. Undermount sinks are:

• Easy to clean: Countertop cleanup is more streamlined with undermount sinks since you can wipe any spills or crumbs directly into the sink.
• Highly durable: Undermount sink types can be worth the price for their durability and quick countertop cleanup. The longevity of your undermount will depend on the methods of installation and maintenance.
• Space-saving: This type of sink can be the preferred choice for a smaller bathroom vanity or a kitchen with limited counter space since there is no visible, overhanging lip of the sink.

Undermount sinks are popular choices for their quality and longevity, but they are not without their issues. Possible drawbacks of undermount sinks involve:

• Buildup around the sealant: Some undermounts have sink edges sealed with silicone caulk. This caulk sealant protects the area from water damage or leaking, but it can also cause buildup of gunk and other food debris unless you clean it regularly and replace it every five years.
• High price points: Undermount sinks are typically more expensive than top-mount sinks—especially when you choose a copper, granite, or fireclay sink material.
• Professional installation: Undermount sinks are typically harder to install for the average customer. Installation typically takes two people to perform, and if you are not comfortable with handling such an expensive material, you should add the cost of professional installation into the budget.

A drop-in sink is a common, “self-rimming” sink style that you set into the bathroom sink or the kitchen sink cutout in the countertop. Unlike an undermount sink option, which you install from underneath the countertop, the drop-in sink rests on the kitchen countertop after you lower it into the cutout. Gravity and the outer lip at the sink’s edge will secure the sink basin to the top of the counter, but you can add extra stabilization using secure clips or adhesive.

Drop-in or “top mount” sinks are more common than undermount options and can save costs on materials and installation. Drop-in sinks are:

• Budget-friendly: Drop-in models are typically more affordable than undermount sink options. If you wish to branch out from the classic stainless steel drop-in sink, there are various natural stone or enameled cast-iron choices available. A cast-iron option might be on the pricier end, but the rustic look and functionality might be worth the extra cost.
• Easy to install: Drop-in sink installation requires only one person and is therefore far easier than installing an undermount sink. The weight of the basin will hold the sink lip to the counter surface. You can add securing fasteners underneath the sink to ensure a sturdy positioning.
• Simple to clean: The entire sink surface is exposed in drop-in models, allowing for a thorough sink cleaning. However, it is important to focus on cleaning around the seam between the rim and the countertop, as this area can collect dirt and buildup.

Drop-in sink models are common and budget-friendly options, but they also present a few downsides. Consider these potential cons of drop-in sinks:

• Less counter space: Kitchen or bathroom countertops with limited space might not be the best choice for drop-in installation since the perimeter sink lip will take away countertop surface area. The average drop-in lip is only a half-inch wide at most, but with limited space to start you might discover it’s an issue.
  
• Limited countertop compatibility: Drop-in sinks require structurally sound countertop materials for installation since a majority of the weight will rest on top of the countertop. This means it’s only an option with heavy, highly durable counters. Installation on less sturdy counters, such as laminate counters, could cause water damage to the plywood base if there is leakage from the faucets or if spills seep underneath the sink lip.
• Lower resale value: A drop-in sink can provide your kitchen with considerable functionality for the price point. However, in regards to resale value, you might want to consider an undermount sink that will increase the value of your home to prospective buyers.

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