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304 Series 18/10 Chromium Nickel Stainless Steel

Double Bowl Undermount Sinks
from $199

SiennaSinks.com Double Bowl Undermount Sinks SiennaSinks.com Single Bowl Undermount Sinks Single Bowl Undermount Sinks
from $109

SiennaSinks.com Single Bowl Undermount Sinks SiennaSinks.com Single Bowl Undermount Sinks Matching Faucets from $219
SiennaSinks.com Matching Stainless Faucets

arrows Another Happy SiennaSinks.com Customer:
Beginning Quote Hello, I just wanted to let you all know that I received my sink and it is gorgeous. I am so impressed with your company. I have recommended you to all my friends and coworkers. Your delivery was fast, your product is very high quality, and your prices are outstanding. I am so lucky to have found you. Thanks for improving the look of my new kitchen! End Quote

SiennaSinks.com- Lana H., MISiennaSinks.commore testimonials

What is an Undermount Sink?

October 12th, 2009
-SiennaSinks.com Staff

Undermount sinks are more popular these days for a variety of reasons. One reason is because of the surge in homeowners who are upgrading to solid surface countertops.

Solid surface countertops can be any countertop made of stone, or a very hard stone like material, the most popular material being granite. Quarts, marble, and concrete are some of the other popular solid surface countertop materials you might be installing in your home.

The other reason for undermount sink popularity is the unique benefits undermount sinks offer compared to the conventional drop in sink. But not everyone knows what an undermount sink really is. Many people order them only because their countertop fabricator told them they need one. Sometimes customers order an undermount sink when they really need a drop in sink.

There are two basic styles of kitchen sinks

The purpose of this article is to briefly explain what an "undermount sink" actually is. There are two basic styles of kitchen sinks. The most common kitchen sink is what is referred to as a "drop in" sink. Image of a drop in sinkThis style of sink is found in ninety percent of all kitchens. The easiest way to determine if a sink is a drop in sink is to check for a lip that sits on the countertop. If the sink has a lip on top of the counters that you can stick your fingernail underneath, it is a drop in sink. Also, most of the time drop in sinks have holes in the back of the sink that the faucet mounts to.

Drop ins do what their name implies, they are dropped into the countertop from above. The lip of the sink sits on the countertop and that is what keeps it in place. Drop in sinks are usually cheaper than undermount sinks, and most of the time they are sub quality.

When a hole is cut in a granite countertop for an undermount sink, the hole is very custom to the sink it was cut for. And, of course, the hole is permanent. So the sink that is installed in that hole must last a very long time. If your sink fails, it is very hard to find a replacement sink that will fit a custom hole cut in a granite countertop. Notice Sienna Sinks only sells 18 or 16 guage sinks made of solid 304 series stainless steel. We also use an 18/10 Chromium/Nickel content. This is the reason why.

But when a hole is cut for a drop in sink in a laminate countertop, it isn't as permanant. Most drop in sinks (not all) are very conventional shapes and sizes. And you can't see the edges of the hole so it isn't as necessary to have a perfect hole. If you need to replace the sink, just purchase one close to the same size and drop it in the hole you already have. Even if the hole isn't the exact size, the lip of the sink should cover up any discrepancies. And if the sink is larger that the hole, it's easy to cut the countertop larger to make room. This is not possible (or should we say "feasible") to do in solid surface countertops.

How to tell which is which

The easiest way to tell if a sink is an undermount sink is if it's hanging underneath the countertop. The sink will not have a lip sitting on the countertop. You will be also be able to see the edge of the counter in the hole cut for the sink. Most of the time an undermount sink will not have holes at the back for the faucet to mount to. Instead of mounting to the sink, the faucet will sit on the countertops behind the hole cut for the sink.

The benefits of an undermount sink versus a drop in sink

The benefits of an undermount sink compared to a drop in sink are both aesthetic and function. As far as function goes, undermount sinks are easier to keep clean because you don't have to deal with the lip on the countertop. For instance, when wiping your counters clean it is common to wipe any food debris straight from your counter into the sink. When there is a lip, it makes it more difficult to get the debris over the lip and into the bowl. Often times food particles can build up under the lip of the sink. Over time it can become unsightly, smelly, and unsanitary. Undermount sinks don't have this problem because there is no lip. The food particles just fall from the counter directly into the bowl.

This bring us to the aesthetics of an undermount sink. The main reason people choose undermount versus drop in is the minimalistic look it can bring to the kitchen. Without a lip around the edge there is nothing "sitting" on the countertop. Even though the lip of a sink isn't technically an object sitting on your counters cluttering them up, it is raised up so too the eye it just looks like another thing taking up space. You might not have ever thought about the lip of a sink this way, but when you compare the two it is obvious.

Add that to the fact that the faucet doesn't have to mount to the sink so you don't have that space in the back of the sink for the faucet to mount. To make the space look clean and well maintained, less is better.

It's also nice to have the freedom to choose exactly where your faucet is going to sit. For the most part, people will put their faucets in the same general places. But everyone's habits in the kitchen are unique. You might not want your faucet exactly in the middle. You might use one certain bowl ninety-nine percent of the time, so you can put the faucet closer to that bowl but where it can still swing over to the other bowl when you need it. It is also more popular now to offset the faucet to the corner of a single bowl undermount sink to break up the monotony. Of course, you don't have to do anything special with your faucet placement. But it's nice to have that freedom if you want it. You can't do that with a drop in sink because it has precut holes for faucets and soap dispensers.

Undermount sinks are easier to use, look nicer and less cluttered, and are usually better quality that a conventional drop in sink. Just make sure you are installing a solid surface countertop such as granite before you order one.


Custom Value Pack Builder

$29.95 GratesPurchase one of the four sinks below and receive a set of sink grates and a strainer with your order for only $29.95! (a $70.95 value)

SS108 Double Bowl Undermount SinkSS108R Double Bowl Undermount SinkSS208 Double Bowl Undermount SinkSS334 Triple Bowl Undermount Sink


Undermount sink with low divider

SiennaSinks.com is the #1 online place for stainless steel undermount sinks and matching faucets and accessories. And since we have been in the solid surface countertop industry for over a decade we have plenty of experience to help you through your kitchen construction.

Preparing for your stone countertop and undermount sink installation

Too often a new countertop and undermount sink installation is delayed for a reason that could have been avoided. Here are a few things for you to consider before your installation appointment with your stone countertop fabricator... read more

What exactly is an undermount sink?

Undermount sinks have grown in popularity over the last five years for a few reasons. But many people order an undermount sink not really knowing what it is, or how it's different from a conventional sink. If this type of sink is somewhat new to you... read more

What holds my undermount sink in place?

Hands down, this is the most common question people have when shopping for an undermount sink. There are four common ways these sinks are mounted underneath solid surface countertops, and here we briefly describe these methods and thier pros and cons... read more

Why should you choose stainless steel for your undermount sink?

Many people ask us what material they should choose when selecting an undermount sink. There are a few different types of undermount sinks to choose from, and it is probably obvious that we prefer stainless steel for a number of reasons. Stainless steel sinks have been accepted widely as the sink of choice for kitchen remodels. For years the cast iron sink was the number one... read more

 

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Why SiennaSinks.com is the top provider of stainless steel undermount sinks.

At SiennaSinks.com we are proud to offer top quality designer undermount sinks at wholesale prices. Our sinks are a perfect addition to any high end stone countertop, such as granite, marble, quartz, or concrete in any decor or style of home.

We offer over 25 different styles and sizes of undermount sinks to fit whatever your application requires. Whether you need a single bowl, double bowl, or triple bowl sink, you will find it here.

With brushed satin finishes on 18 and 16 gauge steel, our stainless steel sinks are beautiful and elegant, and are made to withstand the test of time. We use only 304 series certified stainless steel in all of our undermount sinks. Your countertops will last a lifetime, and so should your sink.

For a uniform look to accentuate your kitchen, we also offer matching designer faucets and undermount sink accessories. Our custom value pack builder lets you add matching items to the sink of your choice, and every item you add to the value pack brings additional discounts to your sink, and the accessory as well.

Why waste your money on an expensive department store undermount sink that costs twice the price? Our efficiency in marketing, business, and logistics gives us the ability to offer you high end products at low prices - and ship them to your door for free!

SiennaSinks.com makes ordering quick, easy, and secure. And if you have any questions, feel free to call us. Our staff has decades of experience in the solid surface countertop industry and we would love to answer any questions you might have about your project and installation.