If you’re not a kitchen sink aficionado, or if you don’t spend a lot of time hand-washing dishes, you might have never even noticed that sinks can be mounted in your kitchen a multitude of different ways. Crazy, right? But fortunately if you’re finding yourself remodeling or building a home and unsure of what type of sink to get, our kitchen sink mount type guide will help break down the different sink types available to you to make your sink shopping experience a little less intimidating.
For more about what mount types will fit your home and budget best, consult our guide below to learn more.
Mount Types
Drop-in
Drop-in sinks, also known as top-mount or self-rimming sinks, are undoubtedly the most common sinks purchased by homeowners. When you purchase a drop-in sink, the sink manufacturer will provide a template for your contractor, so the countertop can be cut to allow the sink to be dropped-in from above, hence the name.
The only major downside of drop-in sinks is that the rim created by the sink edge doesn’t allow for liquids and debris to be swept into the sink from the counter, which some homeowners find to be burdensome.
Undermount
Unlike drop-in sinks, undermount sinks are raised into place from beneath the countertop and attached to the counter using specially-designed clips. Undermount sinks eliminate the sole frustration of drop-in sinks, allowing water and debris to be pushed right from the counter into the sink. However, instead of debris buildup around the rim, it’s possible for debris to build up between where the sink and countertop are attached.
Farmhouse / Apron Front
Apron sinks, additionally known as farmhouse sinks, give homeowners large, deep basins to utilize. The front of the sink remains exposed, doubling as the front of the countertop. These sinks can offer retro and rural looks to kitchens, which gives them the “farmhouse” moniker.
The downside of apron sinks is that they are typically more expensive than other sink types and require a specially-designed cabinet to accommodate their large size and shape.
Integrated
Integrated sinks offer the best of both drop-in sinks and undermount sinks. Integrated sinks are made from the same materials as the countertop and fused together with it to create a sink that is built in to the counter. They eliminate the rim that prevents easy cleaning in top-mount sinks AND the seam that collects debris in undermount sinks.
The major cons of integrated sinks are that they are expensive and can’t be removed and replaced. They must be repaired in the event of damage since they are one with the countertop.
Even just when exploring mount types for kitchen sinks, the decision process can become overwhelming. Choosing between drop-in, undermount, apron and integrated styles, you will have to weigh the needs of your kitchen with any budgetary restraints you may have. It is our hope that this guide will help you in the process.
