Choosing an Undermount Kitchen Sink

Rather than showing the lip of the kitchen sink over the countertop, undermount sinks install on the underside of the counter. This adds a sleek look that makes it much easier to clean and wipe off kitchen counters. According to Tim Carter of the Ask the Builder website, undermount sinks work best with countertops made of solid-surface materials such as granite and marble. As you build or remodel your kitchen, consider an undermount sink to complete the design.

Things You'll Need

• Tape measure

Instructions

1. Measure the space you have available for your new undermount kitchen sink using a tape measure. Write down the width and depth of the space available. Choose an undermount sink that fits these dimensions. Most sink are 25, 33 or 43 inches wide according to the Blanco America website.

2. Evaluate how you treated previous kitchen sinks. If you're prone to throwing pots and pans into the sink bowl, choose an undermount kitchen sink material that can withstand the impact, such as stainless steel. Though enamel-coated cast iron sinks are heavy, the enamel can chip and scratch with regular impact, according to the HGTV website.

3. Consider whether you'll be doing most of your dish-washing in the undermount kitchen sink as opposed to a dishwasher. If you like to wash everything by hand, choose a sink that has two or three sink bowls to make cleaning dishes easier. If you use a dishwasher for most heavy washing, choose an undermount sink with one large bowl for added space.

4. Buy an undermount kitchen sink with a low gauge thickness. The lower the gauge number, the thicker and more durable the sink will be. Most residential homes use 18 gauge undermount sinks according to the Blanco America website.

5. Buy an undermount sink with a reveal that matches your favorite design esthetic. Although all undermount sinks install underneath the countertop, the reveal determines how you can see the rim of the sink. Choose a sink with positive reveal if you'd like to see the sink's edge. Pick zero reveal if you want the edge of the sink flush with the edge of the countertop. Buy an undermount sink with a negative reveal to avoid seeing any of the sink's edge once installed.

Tips & Warnings

• Give the exact dimensions of the undermount sink you choose to your builder so a custom sink shape can be cut into your granite countertop.

References

• HGTV: Choosing the Right Kitchen Sink and Faucet
• Ask the Builder: Undermount Kitchen Sinks
• Blanco America: Choosing Your Kitchen Sink