A sink reveal is exactly what it sounds like: how much of the sink is “revealed” under the countertop. To clarify, this term only applies to undermount sinks, which are installed under the counter.
Should an undermount sink have an overhang?
The amount of overhang on an undermount sink varies, but typical measurements are 1/4 or 1/8 inch over the rim of the sink. Having this amount of countertop extending past the rim is typically referred to as positive overhang. Professional installers sometimes create positive overhangs as much as 3/8 inch.
What is a positive sink reveal?
A positive sink reveal is when the countertop edge sits back from the edge of the sink. This exposes a small portion of the sink rim. The countertop sits about 1/8th of an inch from the sink edge. This type of reveal is easier for fabricators to cut, as there is some leeway in the cut.
What is a negative reveal sink?
A negative reveal is when the countertop extends over the edge on all sides of the sink. For a zero reveal, the countertop meets the edge of the sink and fits flush with sink bowls.
What is the difference between an Overmount and undermount sink?
While a top-mount sink sits jovially above the benchtop, an undermount sink is holding on for dear life underneath the countertop.
Should an undermount sink have a lip?
The “hidden” edge of the undermount sink has an attractive, streamlined appearance, and the lack of crevice or a lip makes the edges less likely to catch dirt. Popular materials for undermount sinks include stainless steel, cast iron and copper, and they can come in single-bowl and double-bowl varieties.
Do you install undermount sink before countertop?
It’s very important to install an undermount kitchen sink before the countertop slabs are set down. Once the countertop slabs are set down, you usually will not be able to fit the sink through the hole, and you won’t be able to properly seal between the sink and the underside of the countertop.
Do undermount sinks chip?
The Kitchen Broker’s Brett Patterson cautions that stone benchtop edges exposed by undermount sinks can more easily chip. “They look great but in such a busy area, especially with large pots, it’s easy to chip the edges if you’re not careful,” Patterson says.
What is Overmount sink?
Also called top-mount or drop-in sinks, overmount sinks have a lip that sits above, and covers a small area of, the countertop. They also have both pros and cons. This is an example of an overmount, stainless steel, double bowl sink.
What is the difference between an undermount sink and drop in?
Undermount sinks are bolted to the bottom of a countertop. Drop-in sinks are installed directly through the top of the countertop. Drop-in sinks have a lip framing the sink which, over time, collects dust and residue.
What is a countertop reveal?
The reveal describes the style of how much of your undermount sink is visible below the countertop. Each sink can be mounted in three types of reveals: positive, negative or zero. Each reveal brings its own style and benefits to your kitchen.
Should granite undermount sink be flushed?
The inside walls of the sink, and the granite opening, should ideally be flush with one another once the sink is installed. If the granite must have a lip of any kind, it should be only millimeters over the edge of the sink. To have too large a lip will cause debris, such as mold to collect on the underside of the rim.
What is an edge sink?
EdgeSinks™ – the only stainless steel sink that can be integrated seamlessly into a multiple of worktop surfaces. The ultimate in Hygiene, Edge is easy to install & suitable for domestic, commercial & medical application.
Can an undermount sink be flush mounted?
It can also hide any mold and mildew growing underneath the countertop edge. Flush mounted: Seen with the sink below, the edge of the countertop and the edge of the sink bowl stop at the same point, so the edges align. This requires the most precision and skill during installation, but is easiest to clean.
Do undermount sinks get mold?
The undermounted sinks, with a negative reveal is the worst culprit for bacteria and mold growth. By far, the easiest to maintain is the molded plastic or composite type sinks where the sink is actually a seamless part of the countertop.
What are the disadvantages of an undermount sink?
Here are a few cons of undermount sinks:
They Require More Support. Sinks are heavy. Undermount Sinks Take Up Space. Although these sinks do not take up space above the counter, they do sit lower than drop-in sinks. They Are More Difficult to Replace.
Do undermount sinks fall?
A common issue with the undermount design is that they can be prone to sagging over time. When the sink starts pulling away from the countertop, leaving a gap, it needs to be hiked back up and secured in place. Undermount sinks work best with solid granite, marble, or concrete counters.
Are undermount sinks more expensive?
Undermount sinks are harder to install than drop-in sinks and are often more expensive. They work best when combined with a waterproof countertop, because the edge of the countertop will be exposed to water.
