Undermount sinks are installed underneath the surrounds as opposed to an overmount sink, which is installed from above. It comes in various shapes and can be square, round, oval, or rectangular. The edge lip of the undermount sink mounts below a solid surface countertop. Hence it effectively hangs underneath the counter. The rim attaches to the bottom of the counter. Therefore it is not visible. Thus, the lip or rim does not act as an obstruction during cleaning and provides you with more countertop space. It is suitable mainly for kitchens and bathrooms. Such an under-mount sink looks very sleek and gives your kitchen a modern look.
Stainless Steel Undermount Sink
Selecting the right under-mount sink when remodeling your kitchen can be daunting. Undermount kitchen sinks come in different materials, and it can be difficult for you to choose the correct option. To find the right sink that will best suit your purpose, you need to find the right size and color and decide on its material. Stainless steel is a popular choice for undermount kitchen sinks. You can purchase under-mount stainless steel sinks online by referring to the catalog offered by various companies. Accordingly, choose the right fit that best suits your requirements and budget. About 70% of kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel. It is affordable, durable, and easy to clean. The stainless steel products are classified according to gauge. The higher gauge is expensive compared to the ones with lesser ones. The gauge or thickness of stainless-steel sinks is generally between 15-24. The thickness of these sinks lies typically between 0.48 to 0.30, respectively. Other commonly used materials are granite or quartz, copper, cast iron, fireclay, enamel, marble or granite, and acrylic.
There are various advantages of opting for a stainless-steel kitchen sink. It is perfect for homeowners who want a cheap but durable under-mount sink. The sinks with thick gauges make minimal noise when you run water or prepare food. Also, this material does not crack or chip, which renders it highly durable. Stainless steel sinks are relatively lightweight as compared to other sink materials.
Moreover, you can easily maintain or take care of it. Using a regular household cleaner with a cloth, you can easily clean the polished surface. It is also highly corrosion-resistant, and hence it will not rust or corrode. It also has a longer lifetime, which makes it one of the most valuable options. These are the various advantages of opting for stainless steel as the suitable material for your under-mount sink.
How To Choose the Right Stainless Steel Undermount sinks?
Stainless steel under-mount sinks deliver satisfactory performance and are known for their longevity. However, when purchasing such sinks, you need to consider the following essential aspects. It includes:
- Stainless Steel Grade
- Stainless Steel thickness (also known as gauge)
- Insulation and coatings for the sink
- Sink finish
- Grade: Stainless steel consists of iron as its base and contains chromium, carbon, and other alloying elements. The composition of various metal elements in the alloy provides valuable properties, such as corrosion resistance, durability, fabrication, temperature resistance, and more. When purchasing stainless steel sink, the two primary materials you need to check are chromium and nickel. These two elements help in enhancing its various valuable properties. Grade 304, which belongs to the austenitic stainless steel family, is considered the best grade. The 18/8 label on this sink indicates that it contains 18% chromium and 8% nickel, with 50% iron. Grade 304 is the most versatile and is most notably present in industrial applications and kitchen equipment. Hence, this grade is suitable for your under-mount kitchen sink.
- Gauge (material thickness): Gauge indicates the stainless-steel metal thickness for the sink. The lower the gauge, the more its thickness will be. The gauge of stainless steel sink ranges from 16-22 gauge. The product with 16-gauge is the thickest. A thicker sink is more sound-absorbent. It absorbs the sound of running water in your sink or when you activate garbage disposal. Stainless steel sinks of high quality have a gauge range between 16 to 18.
- Insulation And Coatings: Stainless steel sinks have a covering of sound insulation layers for minimizing noise. Coatings also help to reduce condensation buildup on the sink’s bottom. The coating helps to eliminate moisture issues under your sink, which may otherwise develop due to the presence of moisture. Insulation or coatings are generally add-ons; hence, you need to choose the right covering to reduce noise production when purchasing a sink.
- Sink Finish: The surface of the stainless-steel material is its finish. A mirror finish gives a polished, sleek, and smooth look to the stainless steel sink. In a matte look, the surface looks “brushed” instead of smooth. Without polished mirror finishes, the grain direction of a stainless steel sink because visible. Hence, ensure that the sink is smoothly polished before making your purchase.
To Conclude:
These are a few crucial aspects you need to consider when purchasing an under-mount stainless steel sink. Considering these factors will help you make the right choice and select high-quality materials for your kitchen appliances. It will offer a more sleek, contemporary, and elegant look to your kitchen.