Undermount sink – Discover the advantages of the undermount sink for your kitchen

Combine dark undercounter quartz sink and kitchen cabinets with white kitchen worktop

Modern manufacturers have integrated the technology for the undercounter sink into their products because it is easy to install. The undercounter sink is also available in a variety of materials, designs and sizes. This allows this installation to meet your needs in choosing the perfect sink. A popular benefit for consumers is the fact that these products are very easy to clean. Since there is no border on the sink substructure on which such deposits can settle, cleaning is therefore a fairly simple task.

Advantages of undercounter sinks

white-colored modern kitchen design finish made of cherry wood and kitchen island with dark granite worktop undermount sink

If you look at the latest kitchen trends that have been designed over the past few years, you can see a clear trend towards undercounter sinks. It’s easy to see why these are so popular. A kitchen sink attached to the bottom of the countertop instead of the top makes for a clean, minimalist look. You can wipe or sweep the crumbs straight into the sink this way, which is also a handy perk.

Granite kitchen sink underbench unit with stainless steel grid element for draining dishes and pots

Because of the way you install a flush sink, there is almost always an edge where the countertop meets and slightly overlaps the sink. Most of you probably know from experience that this border can get dirty quickly. The good news for anyone obsessed with cleanliness or who just wants a minimalist look is the undercounter sink. You can install this directly under the worktop so that there is no edge.

Undermount sink style and characteristics

marble worktop with undermount stainless steel sink for contemporary design in the kitchen

The perimeter of this type of basin is mounted under a solid surface countertop so the sink effectively hangs under the counter rather than sitting on it. So this creates a continuous flow from the countertop to the sink. Furthermore, the compatibility with the kitchen worktop must be taken into account. Materials such as granite, soapstone, marble or concrete are ideal for this. However, the undermount sink is not suitable for tiles or other similar surfaces that have many weak points at the joints.

Brown blanco undermount sink as a modern flush-mounted sink

In general, such kitchen sinks are more expensive than conventional built-in models. In addition, they only work with stable and waterproof materials. A small disadvantage could also be the condensation under the counter, which can lead to mold. As a rule, however, the undermount sink offers many options. You have to mount the faucet on the countertop or on the wall.

white kitchen sink in combination with wooden worktop and black kitchen rear wall

Proper installation and sealing is critical to preventing leakage. This also ensures that the sink is properly supported. A full kitchen sink gets really heavy and you don’t want it to peel off the underside of your countertop and fall to the floor. Undermount sinks are usually attached with a two-part epoxy adhesive and sealed with a silicone gasket. Because of this, make sure you find a professional or someone who knows what they’re doing. Most professionals can install an undercounter sink in less than 30 minutes.

Choose the right size

Combine undercounter sink or undercounter sink made of ceramic in white with a glossy black kitchen worktop

You will be better off with an undercounter sink that is big enough to comfortably clean the dishes and pots in them. It also has to fit in the cupboard of your kitchen. In fact, your cabinet plays a crucial role in determining how big or small your sink will be. A good model should be wide enough to handle your pans and pots in.

Combine the modern kitchen rear wall in gray tones with the sink underneath

Most undermount sinks are made of stainless steel, with the thickness being measured at the appropriate width. In simple terms, the narrower the kitchen sink, the thicker the steel can be. This leads to a longer shelf life. Of course, you get more value if you choose a smaller width. This way you will reduce the dents. We therefore recommend that you adhere to these at 45 cm and below.

Heat resistance

handmade antique undercounter sink made of copper in retro style with double rustic faucet

It is not uncommon for you to have to put hot pots and pans on your sink. For this reason, it is advisable to invest in a model that can handle the heat. Many quality brands and manufacturers offer adequate heat resistance accordingly. A resilient undermount sink not only lasts a long time, but also keeps its clean appearance for years. True, it is difficult to say whether a particular model is heat-resistant or not. However, you can always read the reviews to get an idea of what the sink you are looking to buy has to offer.

Noise level and noise protection

Marble worktop with stainless steel sink underneath and faucet with running water noise level

Most likely you don’t need a sink that makes a noise every time you put the cutlery in it, do you? In addition, water flowing through the tap can create unnecessary noise. The steel in your sink can affect the noise level, but you should not use models that do not have a noise control feature. Choose a sink with sound pads and insulating foam to avoid or at least dampen noise. Some, like the Kraus Standart PRO, use special technology to keep the noise level as low as possible.

Choosing the right material

rustically designed kitchen sink made of concrete and stainless steel with kitchen rear wall made of wooden planks

Integrated worktops and sinks are available in all types of materials: stainless steel, stone, solid surface, etc. In the case of marble or granite, the undermount sink is almost always a different piece that is “sewn” together with the worktop. However, since there is no border, the effect is the same. Granted, none of these options are particularly cheap. However, if you want to use one of these materials anyway, a sink integrated below is definitely worth considering.

double sink made of stainless steel as an undercounter sink in the kitchen with a modern design

With mineral composite panels, you not only get a sink base, but also an integrated drainage system. The look is very clean, with no visible edge between the sink and worktop. As mentioned above, marble washbasins or kitchen sinks are often made from a different material or assembled from several pieces of marble. When done professionally, the effect is very similar to having the countertop and sink all in one piece. The sink itself can also be made from a piece of marble, with the adjacent countertops carefully aligned with it. Your kitchen may also have another type of built-in stainless steel sink. The effect is a bit industrial, but the adjoining countertop made of a different material can add a touch of warmth.

Use a noble look with a stainless steel worktop with a sink underneath as a counter in the kitchen

A built-in stainless steel sink in the kitchen can also be part of the worktop or the rear wall of the kitchen. The stainless steel countertops and sink, for example, go well with kitchen appliances made from the same material. An undermount sink can also be made from a popular new material – terrazzo. It is even possible to pour a concrete countertop with a built-in sink, although this is much more common in the bathroom. This is understandable as the bathroom sinks are shallower and the countertops are much shorter. The design will surely be very eye-catching in any kitchen and look both minimalist and luxurious.

Undermount sink design

double vanity kitchen sink with drainage and luxurious worktop in black

A modern kitchen with such an installation should above all look attractive and stylish. You want a model with which you can complement the appearance of your kitchen. This means that it can also be perfectly integrated into the rest of the decor. When buying a stainless steel sink, you need to look beyond the shiny or polished finish. While this sparkle will add shine to your kitchen, it’s a little more difficult to maintain.

luxury kitchen sink with an attractive design as a substructure, stainless steel sink with an unusual shape

Also, keep in mind that smudges and fingerprints can affect the look as well. For this reason, you should consider a satin or brushed surface for easy maintenance. These can hide water stains and scratches better than their counterparts made of stainless steel. Also choose a wipe-proof undermount sink that is easy to clean. You also need to make sure that you can pour wine or ice on your sink without affecting the strength. In addition, you are investing in a model that is rust and corrosion resistant.