Drop-in vs Undermount Sink – Head to Head Comparison

There are many choices in kitchen sinks. However, most homeowners remodel their kitchens with some basic options: drop-in, undermount sinks, and farmhouse sinks. In this article, we will compare drop-in vs undermount sink.

While undermount sinks have a certain appeal, they are more attractive for their aesthetics. However, topmount is better for long-term durability and compatibility with certain countertop materials like wood. In addition to the extra depth they provide, undermount sinks are loved for their seamless look and their ability to blend well with solid surface countertops.

Undermount Sink vs. Drop-In Sink – Which is Right for Me?

This article will help you make the right choice between style, convenience, trend, and budget so that you make your final decision of having an undermount or a top-mount sink. But, first, let us understand the basic configurations of both top mount and undermount sinks.

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Topmount Kitchen Sinks

Drop-in sinks, also known as self-rimming and top-mount, remain the most widely used type of kitchen sink. Drop-in sinks are designed with a visible lip around the perimeter. The lip rests flat on the countertop. The sink basin is inserted directly into the countertop. The perimeter lip keeps everything in place.

Hidden metal clips and silicone caulk are used to seal drop-in sinks.

However, not all drop-in sinks need clips to secure them. For example, cast iron sinks, which are heavier than other types, do not need clips. Instead, they use the sink’s weight and caulk to seal. As a result, two people may be required to assist with installation in certain cases.

Undermount Kitchen Sinks

Undermount sinks are attached to the countertop by using special adhesive or heavy-duty clips and caulk. An undermount sink may have a rim, but this is not noticeable because it rests below the counter. Moreover, the countertop edge running along the sink cutout is fully exposed. Undermount sinks can only be used with solid countertop materials.

The undermount sinks can be more trendy than traditional drop-in sinks, which have been around for many years.

Undermount vs Drop-in Kitchen Sink

Here is the head-to-head comparison that will help you reach your ultimate decision.

Both cost of supply and the cost for installation should be considered when comparing prices for these two sinks. For example, an undermount sink with the same shape and materials will cost more than a top-mount.

The installation of undermount basins is also more expensive. This is apparent when you consider all that work involved keeping these sinks from losing their stick and dropping to the floor. Additional materials cost, labor, and any additional costs for third-party work are all included. Additionally, undermount sinks should be paired with a strong countertop such as engineered stone. This allows for polishing to take place on the inside edges to smooth out any rough surfaces.

Installing an undermount sink will cost you between $50 and $75 more. Drop-in sinks can save you a lot more if you do it yourself. However, installing undermount sinks yourself is not recommended as it can cause damage to expensive countertops.

You can easily clean the edges and get rid of any crumbs or water. However, the lip on the top mount can block your ability to sweep away any dirt or crumbs. There is another style of sink, which technically can also be called a top mount. These are the flush-mount. These sinks look sleek, with a groove running around the edge where the sink is inserted. This ensures that the sink’s lip, when dropped into place, is at the same elevation as the countertop. The extra work involved in installing flush mounts is why they are more expensive.

The gunk that forms around the joints connecting the metallic sink and the countertop isn’t as obvious to casual eyes. The silicone seal around a drop-in sink may lose its appearance and need to be replaced. However, this is much more noticeable, so we can see when it gets ugly. Undermount sinks are a different story. All sorts of dirt and filth can build up beneath the countertop when water and food scraps are thrown into the undermount sink.

Homeowners can install drop-in sinks on their own, provided that it is an exact replacement. Once you have removed any old caulk from the surface, apply a thin layer of caulk to the hole. Next, attach the clips beneath the countertop.

It is easier to replace the exact size of the sink, but there are some more things you need to keep in mind. It can be difficult to take out an old sink. Sink replacement can also cause many potential problems with the countertop. Also, consider the depth and size of the sink. This can lead to having to change the plumbing drain connections below the sink.

In comparison, undermount basins require more care in order to be installed correctly., Undermount sinks must be placed and supported temporarily while the clips are marked. You must drill holes into the countertop carefully and then install the clips. You must then caulk the sink and mount it.

Read: How to Install a Drop-in Kitchen Sink – Easy Installation Guide

However, this may be due to the fact that they take up less space than top-mount sinks. Undermount sinks are best suited for small kitchens that require a lot of counter space. The Undermount sinks are a great way to save centimeters without the hassle of having your chopping boards laid flat and hanging above the sink.

Undermount sinks allow you to extend the countertop all the way to your sink. So, this is the best choice if you have limited space and require every square inch of counter space.

However, the drainboard sink is a type of drop-in sink that can help save counter space. This sink has an integrated drainboard and/or food prep space that extends 8-10 inches beyond its basin.

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Undermount sinks cannot be used with all countertop materials. Therefore, these sinks are not recommended for laminate countertops. Custom tile countertops can also have problems with undermount sinks. The problem is not with the laminate; the problem is in the underlying base of MDF. MDF is highly susceptible to moisture damage and cannot hold clip fasteners. Although the MDF core can be protected by laminate, the seal between laminate and sink must be perfect in order to keep water away.

Drop-in sinks, however, are compatible with any countertop material, including laminate, tile, solid surfaces, composite, and natural stone.

Your kitchen’s drop-in or undermount style will not impact the resale value of your home. However, major home improvements greatly affect your home’s resale than single elements, such as a kitchen sink.

Undermount sinks, however, have a more unique, high-end feel than conventional drop-ins. The undermount sink is the key component of an exclusive designer kitchen. It can be said that it gives potential buyers a higher value than a standard drop-in sink.

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Pros and Cons of Undermount Sinks

Pros and Cons of Drop in Sinks

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So, Which is the Better Option?

It all boils down to personal choice. While comparing Drop-in vs Undermount sink, it is clear that undermount sinks tend to be more popular than their fellow top-mounts due to their marketability, it is not a bad idea to ignore the latter. The price, color, durability, and other factors may all play a role in your decision to buy a kitchen sink.