Most kitchen sinks are drop-in sinks, which means you drop them into a prepared hole and the rims rest on top of the countertops. This is the most affordable option, hence its popularity. However, many homeowners are beginning to appreciate the advantages of undermount sinks.
Undermount sink mounting options include installing sink under the countertops, so the rims are out of sight in these kitchen countertops with sinks. It makes for a sleek appearance, more countertop space, and ease of cleaning as well as more versatility in the placement of the faucets.
Installing under mount sinks is relatively a great consideration as it works with any stone countertop. It is also a perfect way to achieve a modern, sleek, and clean look and feel. Ease of cleaning is usually the biggest benefit of having an under counter sink.
However, undermount sinks do present some challenges when it comes to your choice of countertops. Here are some tips for choosing kitchen countertops for undermount sinks, and making the perfect undermount sink quartz countertop combination:
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What Countertops Go with Undermount Sinks?
Undermount sinks are compatible with stone countertops such as quartz, marble, and granite. Quartz countertops, being non-porous and versatile in design, are ideal for undermount sinks. However, marble and granite also prove to be durable and visually appealing options as well. On the other hand, concrete countertops might seem appealing, but their high porosity makes them less suitable for pairing with undermount sinks.
All in all, stone countertops are durable, resistant to water, and provide the necessary strength to support the heavier weight of undermount sinks. When installing, a combination of epoxy and silicone caulk is used to create a tight, waterproof bond.
Understanding the Installation of Undermount Sinks
Before we get into the details of the right countertop material for undermount sinks, let’s first understand how the sink itself is installed.
Installing Undermount sinks involved the use of both epoxy and silicone caulk. Typically, the installer will run a line of caulk all around the edge of the sink, to be followed by epoxy. Clamps placed through the drain holes will keep the sink edges in place against the countertops until the caulk and epoxy dry.
This combination of adhesives will produce a tight, stable, and waterproof bond between the undermount sink and countertop, capable of supporting a lot of weight.
Why Stone Countertops Are Your Best Options?
Undermount sinks with a full load tend to weigh more than drop-in sinks because they are deeper. So, it is important that the supporting structure (in this case the countertops) is enough to bear the weight. For this purpose, stone countertops are the best options, specifically quartz, marble, and granite.
Aside from strength and durability, you need kitchen countertops that can handle constant exposure to water. Since, undermount sinks attach to the underside of the countertops, splashing and even submersion in water is inevitable on a daily basis.
You also want something that will not absorb water and rot or encourage bacterial growth, and most stone countertops can do all that. After all, the idea of under the countertop sink hiding the edges of the sink becomes easier to clean and there is no mess.
Let’s explore how different countertop materials are suitable for undermount sinks under certain conditions:
Marble: The Timeless Stone for Undermount Sink
Despite what most people think, marble is not a “soft” stone. True, it is relatively softer than granite in that it is easier to carve. It also easily scratches and stains relative to granite, which would explain this impression.
Generally, however, marble is much more durable and flexible than other metamorphic stones, a category of rocks to which it belongs. Marble countertops weather very well under all conditions, and they last for generations without visible damage.
While you can scratch it with most pointed instruments, it will take a lot of force to actually damage the integrity of the slab. Most importantly, Marble countertops can handle any load that an undermount sink can put on them.
Granite: One of the Finest Options for Undermount Sink
Granite is a natural choice for undermount kitchen countertops with sinks because it is a tough nut to crack, literally. If you choose kitchen sinks with granite countertops, they will prove to be very durable, and capable of taking on heavy burdens without much trouble.
If your criteria are to go for a countertop option that is well-balanced for its price and practicality, granite is definitely in the running. However, if you also want variety in color and patterns to get the best sinks for granite countertops, you might want to look through the hundreds of granite types available.
This will help you seal the best combination of undermount sinks for granite countertops.
Try the under counter sink with your marble or granite countertop in your kitchen. The final look will definitely amaze you!
Quartz Countertops for Undermount Sinks: What Makes Quartz the Best Option?
Unlike marble and granite, quartz is not a natural stone and is non-porous. However, because it is very versatile in terms of color and design, and extremely durable, an undermount sink with a quartz countertop can be a great choice. So, you can always employ the best undermount kitchen sinks for quartz countertops owing to the versatility of quartz.
Concrete Countertops: A Modern Option for Undermount Sinks
Concrete is a relative newcomer to the stone countertop market, although it has been around for centuries as a building material. Improvements in coloring, refining, and texturing concrete have made it an acceptable option for kitchen countertops. In terms of durability, concrete countertops can definitely handle the load any undermount sink can throw at it.
The real problem with concrete is porosity. Despite being an engineered product, concrete is extremely porous, so it will absorb water and other liquids quite easily. This will not only result in stains and even cracks in the stone but also encourage bacterial growth around the edges of the sink. While it might seem a great idea to have unique concrete countertops for your kitchen, it is not a good pairing with undermount sinks.
Conclusion
Undermount sinks can give your kitchen a sleek, seamless look as well as make cleaning a lot easier. However, it poses unique challenges when it comes to choosing kitchen countertops that would be able to support undermount sinks. If you want undermount sinks for your kitchen, you should look to putting in stone countertops such as granite, marble, and quartz. You should also look for a reliable countertop specialist to supply you with the best materials as well as install your undermount sink and countertops properly.
The experts at Badger Granite know all there is to know about granite, marble, and quartz countertops and undermount sink problems. We are a local company specializing in all types of countertops, especially granite countertops.
Our staff will gladly walk you through our showroom so that you can see the actual slab before you buy. If you prefer engineered stones, we carry only the best brands at the best prices, and have a much quicker turnaround than big box stores. All our products have manufacturer warranties from the best quartz companies, including Cambria, Caesarstone, Silestone, and MSI.
We are also highly skilled at the fabrication and installation of kitchen countertops and all types of kitchen sink countertops. You can be sure that you will have no undermount sink problems when you contract with us.
We can offer you free in-home consultation and quote at no obligation to you. Give us a call or send us a message now to stamp the best kitchen sink countertops combination!