Undermount vs Top-mount sink - What’s the difference?
With undermount sinks currently leading the market due to its clean finish and design, top-mount sinks can still be the better choice depending on your countertop.
Undermount sinks
Like the name says, undermount sinks are sinks that sit under your countertop. All edges are hidden, so only the sink is visible. Giving you more counter space and providing a cleaner finish, undermount sinks are generally deeper sinks and are easier to clean.
Top-Mount sinks
Again, like the name says, top-mount sinks are sinks that have edging that sits above your countertop. Top-mount sinks will cover a small area of your countertop and therefore protect your countertop from water. Some countertops that require protection from water include wood or butcher block counters.
Types of Undermount Sinks
Undermount sinks are versatile and comply with many countertops. Whilst different material and designs may be preferred for different rooms, you can find an undermount sink in your bathroom, kitchen and laundry.
Sink Size
Undermount sinks are available in a range of sizes. With bathrooms seeing smaller sizes, kitchen and laundries will often see medium to larger sizes. Double sinks are also popular in the kitchen. You will find these typical undermount sink sizes:
Common Kitchen Sink Sizes
- 25 Inches
- 27 Inches
- 30 Inches
- 33 Inches
- 36 Inches
Common Bathroom Sink Sizes
- 16 Inches
- 17 Inches
- 18 Inches
- 20 Inches
- 22 Inches
- 24 Inches
Common Laundry Sink Sizes
- 21 Inches
- 22 Inches
- 25 Inches
- 31 Inches
- 35 Inches
Sink Material
Over the past 50 years, the most common undermount sink material is stainless steel. However today we’re seeing other materials, including granite, stone, fire clay, cast iron and even glass. The design and style of your kitchen, laundry or bathroom will impact what undermount sink material you choose. For example, hamptons or French style rooms will often see a fireclay undermount sink, whereas an edgy modern room might see a granite sink.
