Undermount sinks are without a doubt the best sink choice when you are installing granite countertops in your kitchen. An undermount sink provides a sleek and smooth transition from countertop to sink, allowing you to easily maintain the cleanliness of your kitchen without food particles getting stuck in seems. Since an undermount sink is recessed under the counter, as the name suggests, the sink better highlights the astonishing beauty of the granite countertop design. With granite countertops being so durable, choosing an undermount sink that is installed with the same strength and durability ensures your kitchen will last.
What is an undermount sink?
An undermount sink is just like the name sounds – a sink that fits underneath your countertops. This sink has many benefits compared to other options and makes task work in your kitchen much easier. Undermount sinks work best when they are installed in conjunction with natural stone countertops, like granite. The weight and strength of the sink, along with the durability required to support the basin, requires the heaviness and durability of natural stone. Because of this sink’s durability, it does not weaken over time and will not affect your granite countertops with seam separation like other sink options.
What are the benefits of an undermount sink?
When used with granite or other natural stone countertops, an undermount sink provides a multitude of benefits. One of the biggest benefits an undermount sink offers is ease of cleaning. Since there is no seam between the counter and the sink, you can easily wipe food crumbs and spills directly into the sink without having to navigate over the lip of the seam. This prevents food and liquid particles from getting stuck in the seam, causing mold and other moisture issues.
Another benefit to installing an undermount sink is the depth the basin provides. Because you are installing it under the counter, you have the freedom to choose a sink that has a much deeper basin. This is particularly nice when you are washing casserole dishes, cookie sheets, or cleaning up after Thanksgiving. The depth provides an added benefit of not splashing water onto the backsplash, counter, cabinet fronts, or the floor, preventing the spread of moisture that can cause future issues.
The durability of the undermount sink is a perfect match to your granite countertops. If you were to pair an undermount sink with laminate, for example, the weight of the sink would pull the countertop over time, destroying the structure and seaming. Granite can withstand the strength of an undermount sink and, most importantly, work with that strength. As long as you have it properly installed by a professional, there is nothing to worry about.
What is important to consider when installing an undermount sink?
There are many factors to consider when you are installing an undermount sink in conjunction with your granite countertops. Part of the entire granite countertop installation process revolves around the sink, so to make it easier you should install the sink at the beginning of the buying process. Let your designer and remodeler know upfront about your undermount sink decision and they will be able to cut the granite to fit exactly around the undermount and support the structure. Undermount sink installation requires proper sealing of the granite that surrounds and supports the sink. This prevents moisture from slowly eating away at the seams over the years. Because of the cut and sealing required for proper installation, it is important to hire an expert. While it is possible to do it yourself, the strength, support, cutting, and sealing requirements of the undermount sink gives a lot of room for error. A professional knows the roadblocks when installing an undermount sink and can navigate around them easily to ensure a high quality and durable installation.