Topmount v Undermount Sinks

Pearl_07 · May 25, 2007 11:06 am

Hi All

We originally chose a topmount 1.5 sink with drainer but because of space the drainer has to go on the left over the dishwasher which we don't want. We are now tossing up between an undermount double sink or a topmount double sink and we'll get the drainer accessory which sits over one sink. Our bench tops will be Caeserstone in Raw Silk.

I'm looking for your views/experiences on what looks/works better - undermount or topmount sinks.

We're concerned about the seal around the undermount sink getting dirty and mouldy over time.

Also can anyone tell me how and undermount sink is mounted to Caeserstone?

Thanks

Pearl

Casa2 · May 26, 2007 3:15 pm

Pearl,

I'm trying to make the same decision at the moment and have no expertise, but can give you my thoughts.

I like the look of undermount sinks, but then you have to pay more and you miss out on a separate drainer.

Also some undermount and topmount sinks look (much) better than others. The best topmount sink looks better than the worst undermount sink.

I image they both have cleaning problems - the undermount along the top edge and the topmount under the rim. Again I imagine that some undermounts are better at keeping clean than others.

mek has made a great selection with a very nice Smeg sink that I have in my sights. It's a bit expensive, but you've got to splurg on some things.

Have you found any nice sinks?

Cheers,
Casa

Pearl_07 · May 26, 2007 8:01 pm

Thanks for your response Casa. I love Mek's sink but unfortunately it is way out of our budget!

Very true about the best topmount sinks looking better than the worst undermounts.

We've only just started looking for undermounts. I've only looked at Oliveri, Clark and Blanco at the moment and although there is a couple which would do the job none of them have grabbed me yet. I still have to have a look at Franke and am not quite sure where to start looking after that.

One thing I have decided is that if we get an undermount I want a double sink with the stainless steel divide (like Mek's) rather than the stone divide. Less top edge to worry about and from what I've seen the stone in the middle gets splashed alot - although that could just be my messy MIL!

Have you seen any that you like?[/quote]

Casa2 · May 26, 2007 8:37 pm

Haven't had a good look yet. I have to select everything in the house so it's a long journey. Will let everyone know anything I find that I like.

mek · May 26, 2007 9:13 pm

If you like the look of the sink I've chosen, you might like Franke Planar:

http://www.franke.com.au/data/planar.htm

If I remember correctly, the double models are around RRP 1380 which is a bit cheaper than the Smeg.

Pearl_07 · May 28, 2007 9:37 am

Thanks Mek, I'll check them out.

Elizabeth · May 28, 2007 10:17 pm

One of the things I've been worrying about with the stone divide (and to a lesser extent the whole undermount thing) is that I'll end up with lots of smashed/chipped glassware and crockery. I'm not at all clumsy but I just have visions of wanting to quickly rinse something and accidentally banging it on the stone surround. These concerns also make me dubious about ceramic sinks.

Thoughts? Experiences??

e.