Drop In Vs Undermount laundry sinks – What is the difference?

undermount laundry sink

Choosing how to mount your laundry sink will come down to a few different factors such as space, storage needs and usability. While there are a variety of options available, this guide will explore two of the most common mounting options, drop ins and undermounts. Exploring the difference between each as well as the pros and cons to help you decide which is better for your laundry.

How Drops Ins and Undermount Sinks are Installed

As the name suggests the main difference between undermount and drop in laundry sinks is how they are installed. Drop In sinks (also known as top mount sinks) are placed within the countertop and have a lip that goes around the sink and sits on the benchtop. When it comes to installing this type of sink it is important to make sure that all measurements are exact in the cut out on the benchtop and that the sink is held in place properly. This is done through not only ensuring the lip of the sink lays comfortably on the countertop (and sealed around the edges) but that clips are utilised underneath to ensure it stays in place. With heavier sinks the clips underneath are sometimes not needed as the weight alone is enough to hold it in place.

Undermount sinks on the other hand are placed slightly differently. These types of sinks are situated underneath the countertop with no lip being visible. As there is no leverage to the countertop, these sinks are usually held in place through mounting clips as well as caulk, silicone or another adhesive agent. The rim of the sink is covered in the adhesive agent and stuck to the bottom of the cut-out in the counter top. Once it is dried in place, supporting clips are also added to help ensure the sink remains in place. Depending on whether you are replacing an existing sink or putting in a new one into a renovation, installation can be slightly more or less challenging. When there is cabinetry there is a lot less room to manoeuvre, so if you can install it before attaching the benchtop to the base cabinetry it can make the job a lot easier.

Drop In Laundry Sinks Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Cost effective option – relatively inexpensive materials
  • Easy installation and generally less expensive
  • Work across all countertop types

Cons

  • Can collect dirt around rim over time
  • Takes up more countertop space

Undermount Sinks Laundry Pros and Cons

Pros

  • Easy to clean – no hidden dirt or food
  • Takes up less bench space – can also function as a hidden sink
  • Seamless aesthetic – blends in with countertop and kitchen

Cons

  • More expensive
  • Professional installation required
  • Only works on certain sinks – benchtop material needs to be able to support the sink (not recommended for laminate or tile)

Choosing how to mount your laundry basin will always come down to personal preference and individual requirements. Do you have a large budget? Which option do you prefer aesthetically? All of these questions will help to decide not only how you want to install your laundry sink but in turn which laundry sink you will choose. Abey’s wide range of laundry sinks can help alleviate this issue with experts on hand at each of their selection galleries who can help you find the perfect laundry sink that meets your mounting requirements, visit in store today.

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