Sink Styles

In the kitchen, your sink is the most prominent feature. Choosing the best sink to suit the style of your kitchen can seem daunting. There are several different styles of kitchen sinks. This guide covers some of the most popular choices and the pros and cons of each.

Drop-in Sinks

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Drop-in sinks are also called rimmed, self-rimming, or top-mount sinks. When they are installed, a hole is cut into the cabinet material, and the sink is “dropped in” from above. The sink is supported by its rim resting on the countertop.

Pros

This type of sink is easy to install, making it a great choice for those trying to keep it simple. Drop-in sinks are also very affordable. This simple style can work with traditional as well as modern kitchens.

Cons

The rim on a drop-in sink keeps you from being able to wipe water or food crumbs into the sink, which can be annoying. The rim also needs to be cleaned since it is exposed. Many people dislike the look of drop-in sinks because they can feel outdated.

Undermount Sinks

Unlike drop-in sinks, undermount sinks are not mounted on top of the countertop, but underneath. They are installed with special clips or brackets to hold them in place.

Pros

Undermount sinks are easier to clean than drop-in sinks because the rim doesn’t get in the way. They tend to be more stylish and are often made of high-quality materials. They are also fairly easy to install, and there is no caulking required like with drop-in sinks.

Cons

This type of sink requires more support since they aren’t held up by a rim.  They also sit lower under the sink; this causes them to take up more space. Water can get in between the sink and the counter, especially if poorly installed, causing damage.

Farmhouse Sinks

A farmhouse sink, also called an apron sink, has an exposed front. This kind of sink breaks up the monotone look of your kitchen cabinets nicely.  This style of sink was popular for centuries for a reason, and it’s had a comeback.

Pros

This style of sink adds vintage charm to your kitchen. The basins are usually wide and deep, making this type of sink ideal for washing large items.

Cons

Farmhouse sinks take up more space than other types of sinks, above and below the counter. They are also usually heavier, which can make them more complicated to install.

Integrated Sinks

Integrated Sinks are built-in sinks made from the same material as the countertop. Since they are part of the countertop, they come in a variety of materials. Common materials are marble, quartz, and granite. Some people use other materials such as concrete.

Pros

Integrated sinks are easy to customize, and they are seamless as well as beautiful. They are also very easy to clean since they are just made of one material.

Cons

Integrated sinks can be pricey, especially since they are usually made of a large piece of quartz or marble. They can also be very difficult to replace since the whole countertop would need to be removed instead of just a sink.

Choosing the perfect sink when remodeling your kitchen can be challenging, but if you weigh the pros and cons of the different styles, it’ll be easier to see which one is right for you. For more information on remodeling your kitchen, please explore our blog or browse our extensive collection of cabinet colors.