How to Mount Undermount Sink to Granite Countertop
A drop-in sink can easily be installed on the precious granite counter-top. However, setting up an undermount sink on the granite counter-top is not so simple like drop-in sink .
Even so, you have the option of doing it on your own if you have the expertise.
The installation of this sink will require extra care to ensure that the granite countertop does not get damaged while you are getting your sink into place.
Throughout this article, I will provide you with information on how to mount an undermount sink to a granite countertop properly, starting from the very beginning.
When granite countertops are combined with undermount sinks, it creates a stylish look. With its stylish look, it creates a lasting impression in your bathroom or kitchen while also making countertop cleaning easier.
Before we talk about how you can mount your undermount sink on top of granite, let’s review a few general ideas about the project, and then we will get to the specifics of the installation.
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What is an Undermount Sink ?
- In the undermount sink, you will find a basin made from solid surface material, including steel, copper, brass, and cast iron.
- In general, you can install it on the kitchen countertop or in the basin area of the kitchen. Nonetheless, it will serve best as a deep kitchen basin.
- Undermount kitchen sinks can easily be installed in this pre-cut hole in the countertop.
Pros of Undermount Sinks
This type of sink has lots of benefits. Here’s what they are:
1. Undermount Sinks Are Attractive
- In an undermount sink there is no visible edge, because the sink sits below the countertop. Undermount sinks give a smooth, attractive look to your kitchen.
- They also help to avoid dust particles, moisture and tiny pieces of food particles from getting trapped while you are cleaning.
2. You Can Customize It
- The flexibility and customization of undermount sinks make them a smart choice. Stainless steel, cast iron, copper, porcelain, and many other types of materials are used to make them.
- Depending on your needs, you can also get them in single bowls and double bowls.
3. Provide More Counter Space
- Undermount sinks do not have any visible edges, so it does not take up any counter space on the counter for them to be installed.
- It is much better to use the leftover space for an edge instead of giving up a little bit more room for your sink.
- Aside from adding more space to your kitchen, an undermount sink also comes with an attractive look and has grown in popularity over recent years.
Cons of Undermount Sinks
Regardless of whether it is a sink or any other device, there are pros and cons to each. Let me give you a few cons of undermount sinks:
1. Undermount Sinks Take Up Space
- They don’t require as much space above the counter as drop-in sinks, but they’re lower than those.
- As a result, you will have to bend over more in order to reach the interior, and the cabinets underneath will likely take up more space. This is especially true if they are very heavy.
2. More Support Is Needed
- The sink weighs a lot. There is absolutely nothing above the counter to support the weight of undermount sinks, so we have to provide more support in order to carry their weight.
- It is also very necessary to have sturdy countertops that are not easily damaged by water.
- This often makes them a more expensive sink than other options and also makes installation more difficult.
3. It’s Harder to Replace Them
- The reason for this is that a customized hole must be drilled into the counter in order to completely fit an undermount sink.
- Because of this, it may be less easy to change a sink or replace it in the future.
- As a matter of fact, faucets for undermount sinks are typically installed on the countertops of the walls and not in the compartments of the sink.
- The next time you wish to purchase a sink, you may be able to find a model that is suitable for the space that your counter has, however, you may also be limited in your selection.
Things to consider before mounting undermount sink to granite countertop
In order to avoid messy installation, you should pick an undermount sink that fits in your granite countertop space.
In case you’ve already purchased the sink, but it doesn’t fit in the granite top, I suggest you hire someone to cut it for you.
There might be a case where you do not find the appropriate sink size that will fit in the current hole.
If the hole you need for the sink does not exist, we recommend consulting a professional who can cut the top of granite to match the sink you have.
There are some homeowners who attempt to carry out the cutting by themselves, but it is not recommended unless you are familiar with how to handle such a task.
If you opt for this method, you might damage your granite counter tops, which are very expensive.
Once you have prepared everything properly and have everything in place, you can easily install your new sink by following these steps.
How to Mount Undermount sink to Granite Countertop
Installing your sink may seem like a simple task, but you will need to check that you have all you need so that you do not get stuck half way through doing the job.
Materials Required
- Clamps
- Undermount sink with all the necessary mounting hardware
- Power drill
- Screwdriver
- Silicone sealant
Step 1
- In order to choose the right sink for your granite countertop, you should measure the opening. Outside the rims, it should be 33 X 22 inches.
- If you plan to purchase a new sink, make sure that you take your measurements along with you.
- It will be helpful to choose your sink in the home improvement store.
Step 2
- It is important to select the reveal style that is right for your sink.
- The degree to which the sink rim want to be visible after installation will be determined by this factor.
- In most cases, people prefer the zero reveal style, but it’s really up to you and your style of kitchen.
- A reveal like this looks elegant and leaves no room for the accumulation of dust, grime, or germs.
Step 3
- It is very imperative that you center the sink on the countertop as precisely as possible.
- If you want a zero reveal sink, line up the rim with the edges of the countertop.
- Place the undermount sink on the countertop and mark the locations of the holes for drilling on it.
- Put holes in the marked areas using a drill after removing the sink.
- You’ll need denatured alcohol to clean the ridge and let it dry.
Step 4
- Take out the sealant and apply a pinch to the sink lip and install the sink from below.
- Position the sink beneath the granite.
- For granite countertops, especially those with dark colors, clear caulking is recommended.
- In this way, the installation will appear more professional once completed.
Step 5
- Make sure that the wingnuts are tightly screwed into the available screw heads.
- Install the fittings after a few days to allow everything to set properly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to connect the sink to the plumbing beneath the cabinet.
- Caulk should be applied around all threaded connections in order to create a watertight seal.
Step 6
- The best way to ensure a good seal on the sink is by pushing down with your hands around the edges, around the top and then applying some pressure to remove any trapped air.
- Finally, make sure to wipe off any sealant or caulk that is visible around the edge or top of the sink with a wet cloth.
- Following the installation of the undermount sink, you need to confirm its proper installation.
- To ensure that the sink is properly adjusted, try pulling it from the upper side.
- Furthermore, it is important to press the sink down firmly to ensure that there are no bubbles or air pockets in the sealant.
- Test the faucet by turning it on and observing whether it drains properly.
- In my opinion, these are the most important aspects that should be taken into account.
Congratulations! you have successfully mounted an undermount sink to your granite countertop.
How to Install an Undermount Kitchen Sink to Granite Countertop – Video
How to Maintain an Undermount Sinks
Well, you have to learn how to clean and maintain undermount sinks in order to achieve optimum performance.
Depending on the material of your sink, you will have different cleaning and maintenance requirements.
One of the easiest sinks to maintain is the stainless steel sink.
Additionally, keeping the silicone caulking clean and dry is essential for preventing deterioration over time.
The old silicone sealant can be removed and re-caulked and a new one can be applied if it had become damaged. Any damaged clips can be changed easily with a screwdriver.
Wrapping Up!
It can be a bit difficult to mount an undermount sink on a granite countertop if you aren’t familiar with how the process works. The sink must be installed on the underside of the counter, and it must be sealed properly to prevent leaks.
Moreover, you should make sure that the sink is properly supported, so they don’t fall off the countertop when they get loaded with dishes.
