Having the right kitchen sink can make a major difference in your day-to-day life. Just ask anyone who does a lot of cooking and they’re sure to have some heartfelt opinions on which type of sink basin and nozzle is the best for preparing food and washing dishes.
As important as sinks are, installing them on your own can be challenging if you don’t have a decent amount of plumbing knowledge. Thankfully, the friendly professionals in Neighborly’s family of brands can help you install the perfect sink for your needs.
Types of Kitchen Sinks We Install
When it comes to kitchen sinks, service providers install all three main types:
- Drop-in sinks: A drop-in sink (also known as top-mount or self-rimming) sits partially on top of your kitchen counter. To install this type of sink, a hole is cut into the countertop and drop the sink into it. Most of these sinks support their own weight and are held into place with clips, screws, and some sealant to prevent leaks from water that splashes out of the sink.
- Undermount sinks: Undermount sinks sit beneath the counter and do not have a lip that sits on the countertop. This provides a sleeker appearance that goes well with solid countertop surfaces like marble, quartz and granite. The lack of a lip also makes for easier cleanup.
- Farmhouse sinks: Farmhouse sinks (also called apron sinks) are large, deep sinks with an exposed front edge. Three of the four edges on this sink look identical to an undermount sink, but the front edge is cut all the way out of the counter, leaving the wall of the sink basin exposed. This style is preferred by people who have to clean a lot of large items, and it requires a specialized base cabinet.
While drop-in, undermount, and apron are the primary types of sinks, many other specialized sinks fall within each of these categories, including workstation sinks, bar sinks, and all-in-one sinks. No matter which type of sink you want to add to your kitchen, our helpful team can get the job done right.
What to Consider Before Kitchen Sink Installation
When choosing a sink as part of your kitchen remodel, you should consider the following:
- Sink purpose: Your kitchen sink dictates the pace and operation of your entire kitchen, so it’s important to consider how you will use it. If you don’t cook often, or use small dishes when you cook, a shallower sink with two basins might be the best option. If you cook frequently and use large cookware, you will want a deeper sink with more room. You may even want a prep sink that allows you to prepare ingredients cleanly and efficiently.
- Sink appearance: Most sinks can stand up to whatever you throw at them, so choosing a material is based mostly on cost and aesthetic preference. Common sink materials include stainless steel, copper, cast iron, fireclay, and granite quartz composite. Each material has its own advantages. For example, fireclay sinks are smooth and chip-resistant, while copper sinks are visually striking and anti-microbial.
Kitchen Sink Installation FAQs
How much does it cost to install a kitchen sink?
The cost of kitchen sink installation varies widely and depends on the material, installation location, and size. In general, sinks are cheaper to install if the plumbing is already in place and no new holes need to be made in the countertop.
Can I install a kitchen sink myself?
It is possible to install a kitchen sink yourself, but it is generally advisable to hire professional help. Professionals can help ensure that neither your counter nor the new sink basin gets damaged and can also properly set up any plumbing components.
Will a plumber install a kitchen sink?
Yes. Plumbers are typically the professionals who install kitchen sinks, although handymen will occasionally install them if there is no need for demolition or major plumbing setup.
Rely on Neighborly® for Trusted Kitchen Sink Installation Services
Installing a new kitchen sink is a significant undertaking, and it can make a huge difference in your kitchen’s functionality. Don’t leave the quality of your sink installation up to chance. Contact the friendly professionals from the Neighborly® family of brands for guaranteed kitchen sink installation and sink repair.