The Undermount Sink

You might be wondering what in the world an undermount sink is.  This is a type of sink that is installed under the countertop.  Most sinks have a lip that goes over the counter, but undermount sinks have their lip under it.  The main reason people want this type of sink is because it makes it easier to clean the counter.  All you have to do is take a sponge or kitchen towel and wipe things into the sink.  Since there is no lip for food to get caught in, it just goes right into the sink.
Before you go out and buy a new undermounted sink however, make sure you have the right kind of countertop.  You can only use this type of sink with a solid countertop.  Granite, Marble, or a solid composite countertop will work fine.  Some counters are made of glued-together particle board, and these will get moisture in them and swell up.  In addition, undermounted sinks are fastened to the countertop, which needs to be solid and strong enough to support the weight of a large sink full of water.

This type of sink can be made using a few different materials.  By far the most common is a stainless steel undermount kitchen sink.  They are lightweight, simple to sanitize and keep clean, and are inexpensive.  If you don’t want a stainless one however, they come made from granite, cast iron, ceramic, or composite materials as well.  While stainless steel undermount sinks are always silver, those made from one of the other materials can be a different color.  Most of them are either white or black, although it is possible to find other colors as well.

Undermount Kitchen Sinks

The most common location for this type of sink is in the kitchen.  Solid rock and composite counters are very common these days so many people are opting for an undermount kitchen sink.  Although there are a few different types, the stainless steel undermount kitchen sink is the most common because most people like the convenience of cleaning the counter into the sink.

Undermount Bathroom Sinks

The kitchen isn’t the only place where this type of sink is used.  Many people prefer the look of an undermount bathroom sink to the normal kind.  While an undermount stainless steel sink may be great for the kitchen, they are normally not used in the bathroom.  Most people prefer ceramic, cast iron, or composite sinks in their bathrooms.  These can be glazed with a white finish, making them look great for bathrooms.

Undermount Sink Prices

There is a lot of price variation in sinks.  At the low end of the spectrum, you can find a cheap stainless undermount sink for under $100.  These sinks will work fine for most households, if you are satisfied with the basic style they offer.  On the other end, there are some very luxuriously priced models.  One example of this is a Franke undermount sink, which can cost hundreds of dollars for some models, and even climb over $1,000 for their most prestigious lines.  Some people want only the best for their kitchens or bathrooms, and designer brands fill that need.

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