Our choices of kitchen sink supplies may seem an easy one, but it comes with many considerations.
But this would only be an issue if you know about several sink types and their features. It’s a normal thing to always ponder on what your customers would like best.
Simply put, if you know your options and the different factors you need to consider, the decision will be a lot simpler.
Yet, you’d discover various sinks and their numerous differences on the internet. This result would make it harder for you to decide.
This is precisely what we’re going to discuss here. This article highlights the important factors you should consider before adding new varieties of sinks to your collection.
It talks on Top-mount vs Undermount sinks; their features, benefits and downsides.
Top-mount Sink
The first category you could consider offering to your customers is the top mount sink.
This sink is different because of where the lip (top edges of the sink) rests as compared to the benchtop.
A top mount sink has its lip on top of the benchtop. This means that the customer would be able to see the lip edge of the kitchen sink.
The benchtop of the sink is rested upon by the lip of the sink. The lip of the sink holds it up on the benchtop.
There are several other variations you can offer of a top mount sink. You can choose whether you want to sell pressed sinks or hand-made sinks. Moreover, you have to choose between Granite sinks or Stainless Steel sinks.
Before considering top-mount vs undermount sinks, you need to consider your selling options in terms of whether you want to sell handmade sinks or pressed sinks.
Pressed Sinks
Pressed sinks are made by a machine that presses a single sheet of steel into a variety of shapes. These sinks are thinner and cheaper to make but they aren’t of high quality.
Hand-made Sinks
On the other hand, laser welding is used to make hand-made sinks. This makes the manufacturing process much more expensive but also makes the sink thicker and of higher quality.
Undermount Sink
An undermount sink is slightly different in its making. These types of sinks have their lips located below the benchtop. Instead of being on top of the benchtop, the lip is hanging onto the benchtop. This is how it’s different from top mount sinks.
However, undermount sinks require more planning. The cabinet maker has to put in additional effort and create a substrate for the sink to sit on. You have to make the lip of the sink stick in between the support substrate and the benchtop.
After that, the customer would have to get a cut of the exact size with precision so that the sink could fit in his kitchen.
Types of Undermount Sinks
There are different types of undermount sinks based on the material used in these types of sinks.
The different materials you could use are:
- Stainless steel sinks
- Granite composite sinks
- Copper kitchen sinks
- Cast iron kitchen sinks
- Fireclay kitchen sinks
Benefits of a Top-mount Sink
Top mount sinks are easy to install
The reason for that is because top mount sinks require lesser precision as compared to undermount sinks. Someone could grab a jigsaw and cut a hole in the sink.
It just needs to be big enough to fit the sink and needs to be cut in such a way that the lips sit on the bench. The lip needs to sit on the bench on all edges of the sink.
Top mount sinks are cheaper to install
As it is easier to install a top mount sink, it will also be more affordable. The customer won’t have to spend a lot of money on the installation of the sink.
They are easy to replace.
People have different reasons to change sinks. Some people want to go for a double bowl as compared to a single bowl. Others want to change from stainless steel sinks to granite sinks.
When you have bought a top mount sink, this change is more comfortable to execute.
You just need to find a sink that is bigger than your current sink. This is because you can adjust the present hole to fit in a more massive sink. This is generally not true for undermount sinks because they are much more prominent in size.
Lesser residue.
When you keep washing dishes, gunk starts building up in your sink. The gunk usually builds around the edges of the sink or in the hidden places you have no access to. With top mount sinks, these blind secret spots are almost non-existent.
It’ll be easier for the customer to clean the entire sink as he will be able to see it all. There are no hidden spots built around the stone.
Many Names Know Top-mount Sinks.
When it comes to branding, people have branded top mount sinks a lot. They have a lot of different names, which can potentially increase the value of the sink.
Top mount sinks are more protective of the bench top’s edges.
The constant knocks of the pans and pots you’re washing in the sink are sure to damage the stone.
Over a decade, the stone will probably become so weak that it would eventually chip. If the customer has a top mount sink, the edge is stainless steel, and it is much less likely to sustain damage over time.
Downsides of a Top-Mount Sink
Top mount sinks are usually pressed sinks.
It would help if you were careful with this as most top mount sinks are pressed sinks. This means that they only have a thin sheet of steel of higher gauge, and you punch it in shape with a hydraulic press.
It is effortless and cheap to make such sinks. However, they are not as durable because the sheet of steel is often fragile. This could potentially cause your business to miss out on some customer loyalty points.
Also, for customers that go for aesthetics, aesthetics might not be a good option as it isn’t as good looking as an undermount sink.
Moreover, it makes much noise as well. The customers want to make sure to make a good investment and get the right sink installed in their kitchen.
More chunks of food get stuck in the sink.
This can cause mold and bacteria to grow on the sink. So for that reason, these sinks would need to be cleaned regularly. I’m sure no one wants a sink with mold and bacteria developed in it.
Benefits of an Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks look good.
Undermount sinks allow you to maximize your benchtop. Also, it appears as if the benchtop is flowing right into the sink. With a top mount sink, it looks as if someone detached the benchtop from the sink.
On the other hand, undermount sinks look more integrated with the benchtop and offer a sleeker look.
Cleaning an undermount sink is more effortless.
You can clear all the kitchen spills and food right into the sink without any obstacles. The edge of the sink also stands clear, and no food bits will get stuck there.
Undermount sinks are often hand-made.
Hand-made sinks use thicker steel in them. When it comes to stainless steel sinks, most of the undermount sinks these days are hand-made. This adds to its durability and longer life.
On the contrary, a pressed sink is of much lower quality as you make it with thinner and more fragile steel sheets.
So, a salesperson might try to sell you a pressed sink because it is a cheaper option. Remember, it is only less expensive because of inferior quality. The customer might not prefer a pressed sink over a hand-made sink.
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Downsides of an Undermount Sink
They are harder to install.
Undermount sinks will require more planning as they are harder to install. Your cabinet maker will have to take into account the substrate as well, which has to hold the sink up.
Additionally, your stonemason will also have to know the exact measurements of the sink bowl.
This is so that they can smoothen the edges of the stone.
So your customer will have to make an advanced purchase to speed up the installation process.
Undermount sinks aren’t recommended when it comes to wooden or laminate benchtops.
If the customer already has a laminate or wooden benchtop, an undermount sink is not recommended
This is because the customer would expose the sink to water, which will cause damage to the sink.
Since the sink has no edges, don’t fill up your sink.
If you do that, the water will spill right out of the counter and onto your clothes. Also, the cement that holds the sink is usually not waterproof. It can loosen up upon coming into contact with water. This can make the sink fall, and the customer unhappy.
They are more expensive than top mount sinks.
The labor costs attached to these sinks are more significant as compared to undermount sinks. Also, since these are usually hand-made, they’re more expensive.
They must be installed in the right way.
You will get many complaints down the road if you don’t correctly get your undermount sink installed. This is because the shape of the sink demands that you install it correctly. You will most probably incur substantial labor costs when installing this sink.
Finally
There is no perfect sink that addresses every single need. It all depends upon your client’s specific needs and what they expect from the sink. The benefits and downsides have been stated clearly and should aid you in making your decision.
You can easily find buying options online. Make sure you make an educated decision and don’t just buy whatever you see first.
Good luck!
