We are remodeling our kitchen, and are trying to decide on the kitchen sink and counter tops. We are interested in an undermount sink for the clean look and the ability to clean up straight from the counter into the sink without a sink lip in the way.
As we try to balance looks and budget, one thing I'm having a hard time understanding is what materials you can actually use with undermount sinks. The most consistent recommendation I see is to use stone, stainless steel, or solid surface countertops with undermount sinks, for the following reasons:
- they aren't as susceptible to damage from water seepage that occurs with an undermount sink
- they are strong enough to support the fasteners and adhesive needed to hang the sink from underneath
However, I've also read in a number of places about DIY methods for installing undermount sinks in laminate and plywood countertops, and they usually involve something like the following:
- Using proper sealants and adhesives to protect the wood against water damage.
- Flush-installation methods where you cut out a groove from a wood counter for the sink to sit in, then install laminate panel over top and cut it away. So, not exactly undermount, but does achieve a countertop with no lip around the sink.
So is the issue just that a structurally sound and water resistant undermount sink is more work in wood-based counters than in other materials? Or that it's possible but not recommended? Or can it really not be done?
As we try to balance looks and budget, one thing I'm having a hard time understanding is what materials you can actually use with undermount sinks. The most consistent recommendation I see is to use stone, stainless steel, or solid surface countertops with undermount sinks, for the following reasons:
- they aren't as susceptible to damage from water seepage that occurs with an undermount sink
- they are strong enough to support the fasteners and adhesive needed to hang the sink from underneath
However, I've also read in a number of places about DIY methods for installing undermount sinks in laminate and plywood countertops, and they usually involve something like the following:
- Using proper sealants and adhesives to protect the wood against water damage.
- Flush-installation methods where you cut out a groove from a wood counter for the sink to sit in, then install laminate panel over top and cut it away. So, not exactly undermount, but does achieve a countertop with no lip around the sink.
So is the issue just that a structurally sound and water resistant undermount sink is more work in wood-based counters than in other materials? Or that it's possible but not recommended? Or can it really not be done?