Why should you get an undermount sink? How should you install it all by yourself?

Undermount kitchen sinks have been trending for quite a few years now. Almost all homeowners and interior designers prefer them to top-mount and drainboard sinks. They are not only sleek, but they also allow easy clean-ups. They impart a streamlined look to the kitchen without taking over an irrational amount of space.

An undermount kitchen sink differs from a top-mount one by way of its installation. Instead of dropping it inside a cut-out on the countertop, you mount it from the bottom of the counter. Its rims or upper edges are not visible from the top, and the rim between the countertop and the sink is absent from view. Undermount does not define the number of bowls in the kitchen sink. You can find a single basin, double bowl and even three basin systems under the “undermount” category.

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Why do all homeowners love undermount sinks?

One of the leading reasons homeowners are in love with the undermount design is the lack of a crevice that can potentially catch dirt or grime. We know the struggle of cleaning up grime from the kitchen sink, especially if you have a top-mount natural stone or composite sink. So, when you go with an undermount kitchen sink, irrespective of the make and model, we say “great choice!”

Besides, the invisible rim adds to the appeal of any modern kitchen. Any of the undermount sink designs in stainless steel you can see here https://www.kraususa.com/kitchen/kitchen-sinks/undermount-sinks.html is perfect for the sophisticated look you desire for your cooking space. It can go perfectly well with old-school kitchens with lots of open space and a kitchen island, as well as modern kitchens with less space.

In the real estate market, homes with undermount sinks are often easier to sell at higher prices, as compared to houses with old-school drop-in sink designs. They can be the signifier of your creative output inside the cooking space without demanding too much upkeep. The clean lines and the simplistic look are perfect for experimenting with faucet placement. These sinks don’t come with pre-cut holes for faucets, and since their rims are not visible, it provides the homeowner with the perfect opportunity to get creative with the faucet design.

How to install an undermount sink in your home?

Installing an undermount sink can be a challenge for the first-timer. Many homeowners prefer seeking the appointment of professional installers after purchasing an undermount kitchen sink. However, if you are looking forward to saving a few bucks, you should read the instructions of mounting the sink thoroughly before beginning your work.

Expert advice – purchase saws, goggles, denatured alcohol, boards, clamps or harnesses, caulk, sink clips, wingnuts, epoxy, and sandpaper before you get down with the installation process. The requirements will vary depending upon the method of installation.

We have listed two of the simplest ways to install an undermount sink for every kitchen –

Installing/replacing a sink on a pre-cut countertop

Measure the cut-out, if there’s a cabinet under the cut-out, measure the depth before purchasing the sink. If you are replacing an old sink with another, the easiest way is to buy the exact same make and model to save extra work.
Select the reveal style of your sink – positive reveal, negative reveal, and zero reveal. The last one is most popular among all.
Trace the outline of the sink on the countertop by flipping it over. It is necessary even in case of a pre-cut countertop if you have purchased a new sink. Make sure that the outline is at least 0.5 cm smaller than the sink’s opening.
Cut the countertop using a jigsaw or circular saw. Or resize it, if you are working with a pre-cut countertop.
Depending on the sturdiness of your countertop, choose a drill to make a hole for the faucet.
Clean the countertop with denatured alcohol to remove the sawdust, old caulk, and other debris.
If you are replacing a sink, use the old wingnuts and clamps to hold the new one in place.
If the old waterlines are in usable condition, you can use them to connect the faucet to the in-wall water supply lines.

Installing the sink over the countertop

This method is applicable to new homes or remodeling projects where you can flip the counter.

Turn the countertop to reveal the underside. Measure and mark the outline of the sink and use a jigsaw to cut the placement hole.
Remember that when you turn it right side up, everything that you can view now will go to the bottom. Therefore, center the sink as correctly as you can.
Tape the sink with masking tape. (Look for sink templates inside the packing box. They are much easier to handle than the real sink).
Trace the edge of the sink with a pencil. This outline needs to per as perfect as possible since it will serve as a template for the adhesives and clips that will hold the sink to the counter.
Position the sink clips according to the edges of the outline. Glue the studs of the sink clip in place with epoxy glue.
Add 100% silicone caulk on the countertop along the outline.
Place the sink and clip it as soon as the epoxy is dry. Tighten the alternate wingnuts, so the sink doesn’t slip out of place.
Wipe off excess caulk with denaturing alcohol after the process. Caulk takes about 24 hours to dry.
Flip the countertop once everything is perfectly dry.
Place the faucet and other accessories similarly.

Always remember to give your sink at least 24 hours after installation before you begin using it.

Whether you are replacing an old sink or placing a new one, you will already have waterlines and pipes. Feed them through your new faucet for installation. Remember to get some steel braided flex lines at the hardware store when you are buying the rest of the supplies. Connect the other end of the water pipes to the existing supply lines in your kitchen walls.