With people now finding their natural stone countertops best complemented by an undermount sink, this is becoming a more popular way of installing sinks. They are sleek and modern-looking, and they help to bring out the glamor of the high-end materials in the countertops. The more traditional top mount or overmount sinks have been found in many kitchens and bathrooms, since they are affordable and easy to install. You don't have to be as picky about sizes when you work with overmount sinks, but they don't have the upscale look, like undermount sinks do.
Undermount sinks are installed from underneath the bathroom vanity or from below the kitchen cabinetry. They are pressed against the countertop's bottom, and they will lay flush with the surface. The edges are not easily seen when it is installed, so it looks sleek and smooth. But it does fight gravity with the way it is installed, so you need to make sure that your professional will glue, caulk and seal it in place, to support its own weight.
People use undermount sinks because they look classier with high-end counters. They are often used in kitchens with countertops made of natural stone, to show off the classy style. Overmount sinks help yo cover up the counter where they are installed, and they hide the stone's polished edges. They are flush with the counter's bottom side, so that people in the kitchen can see the decorative and honed counter edges around the sink. In addition, the handles and faucets are installed from underneath as well, so they add to the effect of highlighting the stone rather than spotlighting the fixtures.
When you have an undermount sink installed, there won't be a lip overhanging, so they are easier to keep clean. No water or soap scum can hide between or beside the faucets and handles, or along the line where the counter meets the sink. When you clean the countertops, you can easily wipe the crumbs, etc., into the sink, without negotiating a lip to do it. Debris cannot go astray or get stuck under a lip that overhangs the counter.
Undermount sinks are generally more expensive than overmount units. This can even mean a few hundred dollars more than you would pay for a similar overmount sink. They also will generally need to be installed by a professional, which will mean extra money there as well. Water won't collect on the counter surface as much, since it's on level with the sink. But you will need to be careful not to overfill the sink by even a little – this will spill onto the counter and from there, possibly to the floor. Water over the counter on frequent occasions can cause the seal to loosen, or it can cause other issues.
Undermount sinks are usually made with the highest quality in materials, which will mean that they are heavy. So you will need your professional installer to seal the sink with the correct type of caulk, which will be water-resistant, as well as to ensure that the unit is held firmly in place by the use of properly spaced spreaders. These sinks are an excellent investment in your home, and elegant to look at, as long as you have them put in the correct way. An undermount sink can serve you for many years as long as it is installed properly.