Undermount vs Drop-In Basin: What’s the Difference?
Despite the vast and diverse range of sinks available, drop-in or self-rimming sinks and undermount sinks are the two popular methods of installation options for the majority of homeowners remodelling bathrooms. Undermount sinks are more expensive and requires more effort to install by professionals and do-it-yourselfers when they first debuted in the consumer market.
However, with the increase of popularity in undermount sinks, experts are now equally at ease installing undermount sinks and drop-in sinks regardless, and undermount sink prices have become more competitive. As such, the decision is now even more difficult between an undermount and drop-in basin installation method.
If you’re currently in the market for a new basin, here are the comparisons of the two installation methods to help you decide.
What Is An Undermount Basin?
Instead of being mounted on top of the countertop, an undermount sink is fitted from below. As such, the sink’s edge is attached to the underside rather than sitting on top of the countertop like a drop-in sink.
Generally, undermount sinks are installed using specialised mounting clips that secure the sink to the countertop’s underside. The sink is then caulked to the countertop to form a watertight seal. Undermount sink installation may cost more than drop-in sinks due to the precision needed.
What Is A Drop-In Basin?
A drop-in sink, sometimes called a self-rimming sink, or a top-mount sink, is placed by lowering the sink into a hole in the countertop. The sink is positioned on top of the countertop by a rim or lip around its edge and rests on the surface. To keep the sink firmly in place, there are clips below the countertop.
Since they are versatile and relatively easy to install, drop-in sinks are popular for do-it-yourself homeowners. Moreover, they are frequently less expensive than undermount sinks.
Undermount vs Drop-In Basin: The Differences Explained
To pick the perfect basin for your bathroom, it is vital to understand the distinction between the two.
Space
The countertop reaches the sink and even a little bit beyond with undermount sinks. Undermount is the best option if you’re restricted by space and need every square inch of counter space available.
Installation
Unlike undermount sinks, which must have enough room to be fitted from the bottom up, drop-in sinks are installed from above. Other than that, the essential principle of installation remains the same. Caulk seals the seam between the counter and sink, and mounting brackets secure the sink against the countertop.
The items surrounding the sink are where there are the biggest installation variations. With an undermount basin, the countertop must be prepared differently. As such, changing between the two mounting systems during a renovation is uncommon but not impossible.
Counter Compatibility
In comparison to undermount sinks, which have some restrictions on certain countertop materials, drop-in sinks have the advantage of being compatible with almost any countertop style.
A solid slab countertop material is advised because the edge of the countertop cutout is visible when an undermount sink is placed. There are still many options available, including:
- Solid surface countertops
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartz
However, because laminate worktops’ edges are unfinished, undermount sinks don’t go well with laminate counters. Depending on the design, tile surfaces may also be more challenging to use with undermount sinks.
Sink and Countertop Cleaning
The space where the sink connects to the counter at the top is one of the more challenging parts of undermount sinks. While a bead of silicone caulk is used to close this gap, it is not typically filled to the surface.
With drop-in sinks, all of the sink’s functional sections are visible and reachable. However, it should be noted that the countertop’s small, apparent seam created by the lip can also collect grime. The main difference is that you have better access and vision when cleaning the drop-in sink.
In terms of countertop cleanup, the undermount sink is the uncontested pioneer. The main benefit of the undermount design is precisely how easy it is to clean due to the lack of a lip that can create an obstacle around the sink.
While some drop-in sinks have lower-profile rims than others, which make it easier to clean from the counter into the sink, the seamless undermount experience remains superior.
Cost
Generally speaking, drop-in sinks cost less than undermount sinks. This is due to the fact that drop-in sinks are made to be easily fitted by just resting them into a hole in the countertop.
Undermount sinks, on the other hand, require more precise installation because they are positioned beneath the countertop and must be properly fixed to the underside of the counter.
Which To Choose?
The choice of sink design is ultimately up to you. When considering possible resale value, undermount sinks are an ideal pick for homeowners who want to emphasize their solid-body counters with a sleek, modern appearance.
Drop-in sinks are ideal for people with laminate countertops, a tight budget, or those who appreciate its traditional appearance.
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