Installing Undermount Sinks
When selecting a sink for your kitchen or bathroom, undermount sinks are among the most attractive types you can choose. These sinks are installed completely under the countertop or vanity, which not only makes the sink and countertop area easy to care for and keep clean, but also creates a very attractive appearance. This style of sink is combined with solid types of countertops, such as granite, marble or engineered stone, because the cut edge of the sink opening will be exposed.
Basic Undermount Sink Installation Instructions
Installing undermount bathroom sinks is usually done under the countertop surface by using metal anchors, which are glued to the bottom of the countertop using a two-part epoxy. It is important when installing an undermount sink to do a good job attaching the metal anchors, due to the fact that a sink full of water can be quite heavy. However, when the sink is installed correctly, it will remain permanently and securely attached to the bottom of the countertop surface, without any need to worry about water leaks or slippage.
When installing undermount sinks, the first precaution you will want to take is making sure that the underside of the countertop is completely free from dust and dirt. Be especially careful with this step, since there was dust created when the sink opening was cut into the countertop, and there still may be some residue of this dust on the countertop. Epoxies simply cannot adhere correctly to any surface that is covered in dust or dirt, so removing this is essential to achieving a good and solid bond. You will probably also be instructed to run a bead of clear silicone caulking around the lip of the undermount sink before it is installed. This will insure that there is a waterproof seal between the countertop and the sink.
Because of the epoxy and clamping techniques that are used to install undermount sinks, many homeowners hire a professional installer to get the job done correctly. However, if you do want to install one of these sinks yourself, it is certainly within the reach of the do-it-yourself homeowner. However, it is important to follow all of the installation instructions carefully, to make sure the installation is performed correctly.
The basic process of installing an undermount sink involves putting the epoxy on the lip of the sink, and then pushing it up from underneath so that it is centered and attached to the underside of the countertop surface. The sink is then clamped in place using bar clamps and a 2×4. Once it is securely tightened and clamped in place, the two-part epoxy is mixed and used to attach the hardware that will support the sink to the underside of the countertop. Then, everything should be allowed to cure and dry for at least a day before any plumbing is attached to the sink. This process should not be rushed, since if the epoxy is not allowed an adequate amount of time to cure and harden, the entire sink installation process could fail.
Undermount Kitchen Sinks
Undermount kitchen sinks are a very popular choice, and are often installed during new kitchen construction as well as kitchen remodeling projects. There are many attractive types of solid construction kitchen countertop materials available, which look striking with an undermount kitchen sink. This style of kitchen sink looks very sleek and modern, and is especially easy to take care of and keep clean, due to the fact that that the top edge of the sink does not have a lip above the countertop. Sink lips often accumulate dirt, making it more difficult to keep both the countertop and sink clean. With an undermount kitchen sink, countertop cleanup is simple, since you can just wipe the countertop and brush the debris directly into the sink. There are many different sizes and styles of sinks which are designed to be installed under the countertop. One of the most popular types of sink for undermount installations is a stainless steel sink, due to its light weight. However, an enamel finished cast iron sink can also be installed in an undermount fashion, as long as the proper supports are installed to support the heavier weight. Other more expensive metal sink materials are also available.
Undermount Bathroom Sinks
Undermount sinks are also a popular choice when installing a new bathroom or updating an older one. This type of sink can add a lot of modern style to the bathroom, as well as making the bathroom sink and countertop easier to keep clean. Undermount bathroom sinks are commonly made from materials other than stainless steel, such as perhaps granite or copper. Although these sink materials are more expensive, expenses are constrained because of the smaller size of the typical bathroom sink. Just as is the case with a kitchen sink, an undermount bathroom sink will need to be installed in a countertop which has solid material construction, since the cut edge will be exposed around the top of the sink.
