Sinks are something that homeowners tend to take for granted in your kitchen, yet a sink can be both functional and visually appealing. Drop-in and undermount sinks are great options for a beautiful and functional kitchen.

Drop-in sinks are secured with hidden metal clips underneath your countertops and caulk under the edge of the sink. Some drop-in sinks are made of a heavier material – like cast iron – and don’t need metal clips. However, they’re still sealed with caulk.

Undermount sinks are mounted at the bottom of your counter and are held by hidden clips and caulk. An undermount sink will have a rim, but because the rim rests against the bottom of the counters, you won’t be able to see it. Instead, you’ll be able to see the edges of your countertops.

But is one better than the other? Which one should you pick? Here are some additional thoughts for consideration.

• Undermount sinks give you more countertop space. If you live in a home with a small kitchen, you know that every inch of countertop counts. Undermount sinks give you a bit more countertop space than drop-in sinks do.

• Drop-in sinks are easier to clean. Undermount sinks are prone to food buildup, whereas drop-in sinks are not. Everything you’ll need to clean will be visible when you’re cleaning a drop-in sink.

• Undermount sinks make cleaning your counters easier. Because there’s no lip, it is easier to wipe everything into it. This is one of the biggest selling points for undermount sinks.

• Drop-in sinks are easier to install. And typically, homeowners can do it on their own if it’s a simple trade out from one drop-in sink to another of the same size. All you have to do is clear away the old caulk, apply the new caulk, set the sink down and make sure it’s centered, and secure it with the same clips you had with the previous sink. It’s worth mentioning that sometimes, taking out an old sink can prove to be difficult, be careful, you may risk damaging your countertops.

• Undermount sinks need to be fitted in place and have temporary support while locations are marked for the clips. Holes need to carefully be drilled into the countertop, clips must be installed, and then the sink must be caulked and mounted. There’s very little room for error, and it’s a very delicate task that you might want to leave for the professionals.

• Drop-in sinks are compatible with all countertops, including laminate, solid surfaces, natural stones, composite stones, and tile. Undermount sinks are typically recommended for use with natural stone and are incompatible with laminate countertops.

• Undermount sinks have a higher resale value. Because undermount sinks have a more high-end, luxurious look than drop-in sinks, they can increase the value of your home. Though resale value is more affected by significant home upgrades, this simple sink can still up the resale value a bit.

Whatever you choose the costs are similar. An undermount will cost you a little more, but not enough to break the bank. If you’re working on a kitchen remodel and have questions about countertops and sinks, call Mandy at C and C Stoneworks, (252) 902-5535, and set up a consultation in our showroom.