Pros and Cons of Drop-In Sinks
May 14, 2020When it comes to the kitchen, the sink is one of the most important elements. There are a lot of options to choose from and it can be hard to determine which one is the best fit for you in both form and function. Here is some information about drop-in sinks and some pros and cons of drop-in sinks to help you determine if this is the right type of sink for you:
What is a Drop-In Sink?
A drop-in sink, which is also sometimes called a top-mount sink or a self-rimming sink, can include several other types of sinks. What makes a sink a drop-in sink is the lip or rim around the edge that allows it to rest on top of the countertop. Drop-in sinks get their name because they are placed or “dropped” into the countertop and the edge rests on top of the countertop to help carry the sink’s weight.
3 Pros of Drop-In Sinks
This type of sink offers several benefits. Here are a few pros of drop-in sinks:
1. They Are Versatile
One of the big benefits of drop-in sinks is that they are versatile. Not only are they available in a wide variety of materials, but they are also customizable. Drop-in sinks come in porcelain, granite, stainless steel, and more.
They can be single, double, or even triple basin. Depending on the design of the sink, faucets can be mounted directly on top of the countertop or they can be made with holes to accommodate other types of faucets and fixtures.
2. Drop-In Sinks Are Easy to Install
Because drop-in sinks simply insert into the countertop and rest on top of it, they tend to be easy to install. On top of that, their installation tends to be faster than other types of sinks.
And, because their edges rest on top of the counter and there are clamps underneath, a drop-in sink does not usually need extra support underneath it.
3. They Tend to Be Cost-Effective
Because drop-in sinks are one of the most common types of sinks, they tend to be cost-effective. The sink itself tends to be less expensive and the installation usually is as well. Plus, it’s easy to clean them and re-caulk as needed for maintenance.
3 Cons of Drop-In Sinks
As with anything, there are both benefits and drawbacks. Here are some cons of drop-in sinks:
1. They Require Heavy Countertops
Although drop-in sinks are built to help carry their own weight, they are still heavy sinks. And, because they rest on top of the counter, they require durable, hard, and heavy countertops to support them. This usually isn’t a problem as most countertops tend to be durable enough to support this traditional style of sink, even laminate.
2. Drop-In Sinks Take Up Counter Space
Because drop-in sinks have a visible lip that rests on the counter, they do take up slightly more counter space than an undermount option would. Depending on the design of the sink, this could be minimal, so it may not be an issue for your kitchen design.
3. They Add a Barrier When Cleaning Countertops
The drop-in sink may be easier to clean and maintain because the seams are more visible, but they also add a barrier when it comes to cleaning the countertops.
Food, moisture, etc. cannot always just be wiped into the sink as it may get stuck on the lip. Oftentimes, you have to clean the counter up to the sink’s edge and then work around it.
Evaluating the pros and cons of drop-in sinks can be a great way to figure out if they are right for you. And, if not, there are many other types of sinks available, so you’re bound to find a good fit.
Partnering with the right custom home builder, especially one that has an in-house design/build process, can help you find the right fit for you in every aspect of your custom home. If you’re ready to start bringing your dream home to life, contact Custom Home Group at 717-284-4090!