When it comes to renovating your kitchen or bathroom there are some important factors to consider. Perhaps the most important is your sink mount, and this needs to be decided before your fabrication. There are 4 basic sink mounts to consider:
Apron Sink Mount
Also known as the farmhouse sink, this sink is installed with an exposed front with a typically wider and deeper sink. This style is usually used in farmhouse or more rustic, cozy kitchen designs. The farmhouse sink is perfect for those who not only want the style, but also the functionality. The large basin of the farmhouse sink was originally designed for a more comfortable use, as it was a hotly used location in the early days when there was no running water. Not only does this sink allow you to stand directly over it for a more comfortable use, it is also typically larger, which is great for homeowners that spend a lot of time cooking, or have large pots and pans, and grill racks that are used frequently.
This attractive sink mount works best when it is under-mounted from the sink as it will make cleaning easier, with less risk of mold.
Undermount Sink
The undermount sink is one of the most popular selections when considering mounting your sink. This is perhaps because it looks clean, and timeless, and can be customized to many different styles as opposed to an automatic look like the apron mount. With this mount, the countertops are installed over the sink, to hide the seam between the sink and the counters, for a more flawless look. This minimalist mount looks great with granite and marble, and often has a wide selection of options when considering style.
The biggest problem reported with this mount is that it typically costs more than other mounts, and is needed with strong and sturdy surfaces that won’t build up water or mold underneath the seam, with leaves out surfaces like wood or laminate.
Drop- In Sink
The drop-in sink is the top choice for DIY’ers as it is the most cost-efficient and the easiest to self-install. Just like it’s name, this sink is “dropped-in” from the top of the counter, and then sealed around the seam, the lip holding it in place. Often times this sink mount is preferred when considering the sealant, which is typically easier to clean over the sealant from the undermount.
Be wary though, drop-in sinks cannot be installed on laminate. The particle board of the laminate isn’t strong enough to hold up the brackets of the sink.
Integral Sink
Integral sinks are made from the same material as the countertop, fabricated as a seamless unit within the countertop. There are several benefits of integral sinks, one is that they are typically easier to clean and no sealants to keep clean or re-seal, the second is that integral sinks give you the opportunity to be a little more creative. Some sinks have been shaped into circles, long rectangles, ovals, and triangles with a slope that get gradually shallower as it moves outwards.
The material and fabrication costs usually equate to this sink mount being the most expensive of the four.
No matter what choice you make for your sink mount, make sure to speak with your fabricator before any cuts are made with a decision, this will save you time and money. Consider the choice that will work best for you design, and for the way you use your sink. Remember, that the way and frequency of your sink use make a huge difference in which sink mount is right for you.