Comparison of Undermount Sink Choices for Kitchen Countertops

When remodeling a kitchen and installing a granite countertop, homeowners often choose to replace their old kitchen sink with a new sink. At Arch City Granite, we recommend undermount sinks for use with granite countertops. Since these sinks are mounted below the countertop, there is a smooth line of granite counter, with the sink mounted underneath.

An undermount sink is the best choice for the kitchen, because it allows for easy cleaning of the countertops. You can wipe crumbs directly into the sink. Undermount sinks also allow for a clean and unbroken line of sight because they sit below the level of the countertop. This can make your kitchen appear to be larger than it is.

There are many different styles of undermount sink that complement granite countertops. Learn more about common undermount sink options, so you can choose the type of sink that meets your needs and your budget.

Stainless Steel Undermount Sinks

By far the most popular and most cost-effective option, stainless steel sinks offer a clean and sanitary look. The material is naturally nonporous, which makes the sinks very hygienic. They make the perfect complement to a modern kitchen with granite counters and stainless steel appliances.

There are many different styles and sizes available, so you can easily find a stainless steel sink that meets your needs. Additionally, most faucets are also stainless steel, so you will easily be able to find an attractive faucet that blends with your stainless steel sink.

Composite Granite Undermount Sinks 

Composite granite sinks are made using a mixture of crushed granite powder and epoxy resins. They come in a full range of colors, just like granite counters, and they work so well with granite countertops because they extend the look and feel of the countertops to the sink, as well.

Blanco makes a popular model called the Silgranit sink, which is stain proof, heatproof, and scratch-proof. Additionally, the sink is coated with a nonporous material, so food waste cannot penetrate the material. Blanco has managed to create a sink that looks as luxurious and upmarket as granite countertops but that will not stain or discolor from exposure to acids or alkalines.

The Silgranit sink comes in a range of shapes to accommodate your design preferences and your kitchen layout. Blanco’s Silgranit sink uses 80 percent real granite and comes in eight trendy colors that will complement most kitchens.

It might interest you to know that more and more home owners are choosing composite granite sinks these days. This is due to the many advantages that granite composite sinks have over stainless steel, the wider variety of colors available, ant that the prices are becoming more affordable.

Enamel-Coated Cast Iron Undermount Sinks 

Cast iron sinks are ideal for homeowners who have a historic home or want to get a vintage look for their kitchen. These sinks are very heavy and often require an additional support structure beneath the granite countertops to carry the extra weight. Over time, the enamel coating can begin to wear off of cast iron sinks, revealing the black metal underneath. At this point, you can have the sink re-enameled to refresh its appearance.

While the classic color is white, cast iron sinks are available in other colors, as well. You’ll find faucets with enameled handles that are a natural complement to these types of undermount sinks. These sinks are quite elegant and attractive, but they do cost more than other types of undermount sinks.

Copper Undermount Sinks

For an elegant, upscale kitchen, a copper sink makes an impression. These sinks are often highly decorative and can come with many different designs carved or stamped into the metal. The rich patina of the copper adds a warmth to the kitchen that you do not get with any other material.

Before you choose a copper undermount sink to go with your granite countertops, you should know that these sinks need more maintenance than other types of sinks. A luxury item, copper sinks are quite expensive. They are naturally antibacterial and antimicrobial, but they require regular cleaning. Copper sinks will not rust or corrode over time. However, they can develop a green patina from water exposure. This can be removed by cleaning the copper with an acidic solution designed to remove the tarnish. While decorative metal elements can be covered with a lacquer to protect against this type of aging, copper sinks cannot be coated with anything.

At Arch City Granite, we offer a full range of granite countertops and granite slabs for St. Louis homes and businesses and we stock wide range of kitchen and bath sinks.

We regularly advise that our customers select an undermount sink for use with granite countertops, as it best shows off the beauty of the natural stone. We are happy to help you select the right sink to go with your new counters and to connect you with a plumber who can professionally install your new sink.