Are you curious about the differences between undermount vs overmount sink? Keep reading to discover more about both types of sinks so you can make a choice which one is right for you.
Basins were the first basin sinks, drainless tubs that were placed on shelves and provided people with water without having to walk to a river or lake. Most contemporary sinks are still just basins attached to a countertop from below or above.
Undermount sinks are a relatively new development, with just 50 or 60 years of popularity. On the other hand, drop-in sinks are the product of centuries of plumbing patterns.
Today, the decision between overmount and undermount is mostly a matter of personal preference. Choosing the countertop material and installation will influence the final product, so it should be made during the design stage.
Let’s discuss in detail both types of sinks to know better to make a better choice.
What is an Undermount Sink?
An undermount sink is the one attached with metal clips, anchors, or posts from beneath the countertop cutout. Due to its technical installation requirements and streamlined design, an undermount sink is often a high-end alternative. This sink provides homeowners with a high level of practicality while also highlighting the countertop materials.
What Is a Drop-In Sink?
A drop-in sink is a type of self-rimming sink that fits into a recess in the countertop for a bathroom sink or a kitchen sink. Unlike an undermount sink, which is installed from beneath the countertop, a drop-in sink is placed on top of the kitchen counter after being lowered into the cutout. The sink basin is then secured to the top of the counter by gravity and the outer lip at the sink’s edge, but you may add further stability with secure clips or glue.
Drop in sink vs Undermount
The presence of a rim is the major distinction between an undermount and a drop-in sink. The rim of an undermount sink is hidden from view since it is put below the sink. This expands the amount of counter space available while also making cleaning much easier. A drop-in tub is one with a visible rim that is positioned over the counter. Drop-in sinks are considerably easier to install yourself, and since the bulk of the sink is visible, they are much easier to clean than undermount sinks.
Pros and Cons of an Undermount Sink
There are several subtypes of undermount sinks. The way a sink is installed under the counter defines it as an undermount sink. Unlike drop-in tubs, this gives a very sleek and seamless look. The counter has no edge that extends beyond it.
Pros of an Undermount Sink
Undoubtedly, undermount sinks add an aesthetic appeal to any home. Because of the way they’re installed, they’re hidden from view, making the rest of your house look more appealing. Some of the advantages of an undermount sink are listed below as:
- Easier to clean: Cleaning the countertop is considerably simpler because the sink is put below it. When compared to a drop-in sink, which obscures part of the surface, an undermount installation allows you to clean the whole length of the countertop. Because the countertop is smooth, any debris or grime may be wiped or pushed into the sink and disposed of.
- Popular Style: As undermount sinks are far more aesthetically pleasing, this style is more popular. Their installation method, unlike an over-mount sink, allows your counter or vanity to stand out more. As a result, this design is thought to be considerably more contemporary and popular than its predecessors.
- Better Resale Value: Undermount sinks are much more popular so most home purchasers prefer an undermount sink over a drop-in sink, this equates to a higher resale value in the future.
Check out the Recommended Undermount Sinks
Cons of an Undermount Sink
In addition to the benefits that an undermount sink may provide, it also has a few drawbacks. The installation procedure is maybe the largest disadvantage of an undermount sink. It is far more difficult to install than a drop-in sink, and as a result, the materials accessible for this model are limited due to the installation procedure. Let’s discuss this further in detail.
- Difficult to Clean: Cleaning the edges and sides of the real sink becomes more difficult with the majority of the sink positioned below the countertop. Furthermore, because certain locations are not readily visible, dirt and other debris can build in the gap between the countertop and the sink, making it difficult to reach and clean.
- Difficult to Install: An undermount sink is installed underneath the countertop This method requires a deeper understanding of the sink’s weight as well as the bonding chemical needed to secure it to the countertop. In comparison to a drop-in sink, which is simply placed in a recess and fastened, installing an undermount sink is a considerably more involved process that may require expert assistance.This installation method also restricts the materials that may be used to make an undermount sink, as some materials are incompatible with all counter-tops.
- More expensive: Undermount sinks are more costly than drop-in sinks. This is due to the fact that the material used in their construction is not too heavy. An undermount sink’s material demands a high level of quality and durability, resulting in a high-quality sink that is both durable and visually beautiful, despite the fact that you may have to pay for it up front.
The Pros and Cons of a Drop-In Sink
Drop-in sinks are the ones that are dropped into a recess and then secured. This installation method is basic and straightforward, allowing them to be made out of almost any material. Fireclay, Stainless Steel, Composite Granite, Cast Iron, Quartz, Natural Stone, Porcelain, and Copper are all common sink materials.
Pros of a Drop in Sink
The primary advantage of drop-in sinks is their accessibility. Drop-in sinks are simple to install and can be made of almost any material, making them suitable for any homeowner with a small entryway.
- Price Range: Overmount sinks are among the most cost-effective options available. This sink style is cheap at any price range since it comes in a variety of materials. In addition, because installation is straightforward, many homeowners choose to do it themselves, which saves them a lot of money when compared to hiring expert help.
- Installation: A drop-in sink installation is quick and straightforward. It can be mounted on any countertop, making it suitable for any home. Furthermore, because the installation is simple, it is quite easy to do it yourself, minimizing the overall cost of the sink and installation.
- Variety of Materials: Another advantage of drop-in sinks is their material versatility. Drop-in sinks are simple to install and come in a wide range of materials, allowing a homeowner to spend as little or as much on their sink as they like.
Check out the Recommended Drop-in Sinks
Cons of a Drop-in Sink
There are a few drawbacks to a drop-in sink, in addition to its versatility and benefits such as:
- Reduced Popularity: Their accessibility makes them less distinctive, despite the fact that they are simple and quick to install. The majority of consumers prefer an undermount sink versus an over-mount sink and are ready to spend a premium for it. As a result, its general popularity has dwindled, as a drop-in sink is perceived as a more archaic look in contrast.
- Difficult to clean: Cleaning around the edges or the rim can be difficult because food can become trapped or jammed in the gap between the sink and the countertop since the rim of the sink protrudes out from the countertop. If left unattended, this might lead to the growth of germs or mold over time.
- Take up More Counter Space: The sink’s rim extends outwards, limiting the amount of counter space available. The major disadvantage, despite the little amount of space, is that the countertop isn’t flawless, and you’ll frequently brush up against the rim of the sink when washing, causing food or other items to become caught in the crevices.
Factors to consider while buying Undermount vs Overmount Sinks:
When choosing the right sink, there are many other factors to consider like your budget, style, and resale value are the most important factors to consider.
Budget
Budget is a crucial consideration because it is quite simple to go overboard while remodeling your kitchen or bathroom. You must balance the cost of the sink with the rest of your buying when selecting the ideal sink for your home. While a sink is important, buget is also important to consider.
Style
Which style appeals to you will vary greatly depending on your personality. Remember that this is your home, and you should select a design and sink size that suits you, regardless of style guidelines or what other people tell you. Undermount is more in style these days but you must strike a balance between your budget and the design you choose for your sink.
Resale value
If you’re thinking of renovating your home, you should think about the resale value of your improvements. An undermount sink has a significantly higher resale value than a drop-in sink. As a result, if you’re upgrading your property, think about what would increase its worth the most.
Materials
Both drop-in and undermount sinks come in a variety of materials, and they may be combined and matched. A granite drop-in sink, or vice versa, can be put in a wooden countertop. With so many materials to pick from, your sink/counter pair may have a wide range of appearances and designs. So choose a material which suits your overall design feel and aesthetics and which is in the price range.
Overall, which is better: Our Take
In general, the best sink type for you is a matter of personal choice. After the comparison of drop in sink vs undermount, Drop-in sinks are a sink style that is inexpensive, adaptable, and simple to install. Drop-in sinks, on the other extreme also have little resale value and are visually outmoded. Undermount sinks need a higher initial investment but are far more popular, visually beautiful, and have a high resale value.
Sinks, both undermount and drop-in, are excellent additions to any home. However, which one is best for you will be determined by your budget and requirements. As usual, do your homework and check for all the points mentioned above before purchasing a sink for your home.
