Undermount sinks

The fundamental difference between overhead and mortise sinks for the kitchen

An inset sink can only be installed by inserting into the kitchen worktop or a separate kitchen table. The insert is made by sawing a hole in the table top plate, round, oval, square or rectangular, in the shape of a sink. And by installing the sink itself with a special fastening to the edges of the cut.

The difference between overhead and mortise sinks

The overhead sink does not require carpentry sawing. She (sink) is superimposed on a special, called "cabinet under the sink" and is fixed to it with special fasteners. In fact, the overhead sink replaces the countertop of this kitchen cabinet.

Mortise sink vs overhead model features

The kitchen is traditionally one of those places in the house where each person spends quite a lot of time.

The combination of efficiency and aesthetics in this case is extremely important when organizing the interior space.

The convenience of cooking, the possibility of installing a high-quality and efficient washing of food and dishes should be taken into account at the initial stages of planning and selecting kitchen components.

The choice of a dish sink is one of the most important stages in the formation of a general appearance for a long period of time.

There are 2 main types of them - mortise and overhead. It is important to understand the features and functionality of each of them, additional features or limitations

Installation of this type of sink is carried out on a specially selected cabinet or countertop. The upper all-metal edge is pressed tightly against the surface of the table top.

Modern high-quality models involve the creation of a desktop smooth surface without scars and gaps. The thin support rim provides additional integrity to the overall design. Among the advantages of this type should be noted:

Reliability of the design and the absence of "leakage" in the additional sealing of joints.
Overall durability and strength despite the sophisticated appearance. This is achieved by a greater thickness of the metal in comparison with overhead models.
The metal edging of the sink is extremely thin, which allows you to effectively integrate the model into the kitchen ensemble.
It is worth noting the compactness of the element, the possibility of free placement at any point, even in the smallest kitchen.

One of the features of using this type of kitchen environment is a one-time stable installation with the most accurate selection of elements or buying a countertop and sink as a set.

Any technical work may also require the dismantling of the countertop. Exquisite design and ergonomic placement, however, determine the corresponding price of the equipment. A mortise sink will cost a little more than a competitor.

If you prefer the versatility or economy of the applied solutions, then the best would be to use an overhead type of sink. Depending on the specific architecture of the component, it can be freely installed on the countertop or even replace it.

In this case, sufficiently large tolerances are provided. Pros:

The design features of the models cause a significantly lower use of metal for manufacturing, the use of simpler technologies, which also implies a low price.
A sufficiently wide side edge allows you to install a new sink to replace the old one without any problems, even if it is slightly smaller.
Models, which are a combination of sink and countertop, allow you to simultaneously solve several structural problems. When designing and installing a kitchen corner, this option is even more preferable, since water and detergents do not fall on adjacent surfaces.
This sink is extremely easy to install.Moreover, it can be installed separately. Lockers and a cabinet can even be adapted after. All dismantling and repair work is also easier and faster.

The negative features of overhead sinks include a much smaller volume of the sink, as well as thinner metal. This somewhat reduces the functionality and durability of products.

During the installation phase, additional cost and effort may also be required to ensure that the curb is completely sealed. Picking up a unique model is likely to be extremely difficult.

Almost all samples presented on the domestic market have a similar look and characteristics. The choice of a particular model largely depends on the actual characteristics of the kitchen, the scale and changes accepted, and the budget itself.

Creating luxury conditions, providing maximum ergonomics for use, of course, involves the installation of built-in models.

Ultimately, the choice of a particular model and type is a matter of personal taste.

Well-known manufacturers of kitchen sinks

European kitchen sinks have the best reputation. First of all, from Germany, Italy, Spain and the Netherlands. The most famous of them are FRANKE, TEKA, BLANCO, SCHOCK, NAYES, ALVEUS, REGINOX.

Discussion

Not so long ago, our seemingly long repair was finally over. I paid the most attention to the kitchen, because I just love to cook, and I spend most of my time in the kitchen. I made the same corner sink and looking at it myself. But before that I searched for different information for a long time (is it worth it, and what to look for when choosing a sink). I found an article useful for myself, it helped me decide on the choice and sink material. Our sink has been like new for two years, stainless steel! We immediately ordered a built-in kitchen with all the appliances in the Kitchen Lab on Saykina with the design project

They brought it on time, assembled it well and quickly, installed all the equipment. We have been using it, we are satisfied all this time, a good project. It is better to immediately take it in one place, without wasting time on fuss, than to travel to a hundred places and then tear your hair out because the oven did not fit into the place provided for its installation (the real situation is with our friends ).I'd rather spend time on earnings than on savings. Moreover, the experts will come up with everything better. A hundred times convinced that it is more profitable

Our sink has been like new for two years, stainless steel! We immediately ordered a built-in kitchen with all the appliances in the Kitchen Lab on Saykina with the design project. They brought it on time, assembled it well and quickly, installed all the equipment. We have been using it, we are satisfied all this time, a good project. It is better to immediately take it in one place, without wasting time on fuss, than to travel to a hundred places and then tear your hair out because the oven did not fit into the place provided for its installation (the real situation is with our friends ).I'd rather spend time on earnings than on savings. Moreover, the experts will come up with everything better. A hundred times convinced that it is more profitable

I am for stone or artificial stone, when the countertop and sink are one. This makes it easier to clean the work surface.

Antarrid stainless steel sink of excellent quality. The metal is thick, so the water does not make noise and the mixer holds well in its hole, does not move and, accordingly, water does not leak. The metal has such a property that water does not linger on it, droplets are not noticeable.

Good and useful tips for choosing a sink. I will definitely listen to them. A modern kitchen sink is a real working area, which must be equipped with everything necessary and created in the most convenient way for the hostess.

I could never understand the advantages of a side wing, so the author’s opinion about ideality in this case is something purely personal.

In general, nothing new, some general words. Weakly.

Comment on the article "Sinks for the kitchen - a buyer's cheat sheet"

Kitchen sink shape.Washing - mortise or invoice? kitchen sink. And the corner cabinet will not interfere and everything will be convenient if the sink is correctly positioned. kitchen sink. Advise, pls, which sink is better to buy: stainless steel, kuramogranite, enamelled.

Discussion

Everything is simple. Right-handers hold the plate with their left hand and wash with their right. Therefore, the wing for right-handers should be on the left. To put the plate on the right wing, you need to make an extra movement, shift it from your left hand to your right. Therefore, the PMM car is placed for right-handed people to the left of the sink, if there is space.

They made repairs, I need a sink in the kitchen, so I’m thinking which one to choose stainless steel or a lawsuit. stone? Very nra made of stone, but I think how is it in operation / care? and whether the dishes will beat more often in it. Now we have an old enameled one, from Soviet times.

Kitchen sink shape. Washing - mortise or invoice? kitchen sink. And the corner cabinet will not interfere and everything will be convenient if the sink is correctly positioned. Come to the salon at Marshal Rybalko 5, there is such an option (corner…

Choice of porcelain stoneware sinks. - get-togethers. Economy. Housekeeping: advice on housekeeping, cleaning, buying and using household appliances, repairs, plumbing. And then everywhere from porcelain stoneware or from Moyka - mortise or invoice?

Discussion

Molecule, thank you very much for your feedback. I'm just in the process of choosing a sink for the kitchen. I want porcelain stoneware. Husband for a budget stainless option. I choose exclusively BLANCO. It remains to convince her husband that we need her ... Do we need her? Rhetorical question... Are you happy with yours this time? It's been more or less 4 years :)

What sink are you using? Has the kitchen already been assembled or is being assembled? You can try to agree during assembly that according to the documents you buy how to SEAL the sink? Washing insert seemed to be inexpensive with us. And we found out%) We have a mortise sink in the countertop and from the edge ...

Selection Tips

The countertop sink is made of stainless steel. It is an all-metal or welded construction. Installing the overlay model does not take much time - it is simply installed on top of the countertop. In some designs, the countertop sink replaces the countertop or serves as its continuation.

The advantages of a surface sink are its low price and ease of installation. However, there are also significant drawbacks. First of all, this is a standard, ordinary design. If you want your kitchen to be equipped according to the latest design standards, then it is better to refuse such a model. In addition, you will need to work hard to securely seal the curb edge.

The difference between a mortise sink and an overhead sink is that it is mounted in a kitchen furniture or countertop that has already been fitted to it. Now more and more people are interested in mortise sinks. It may take more time to prepare and install this model, but the kind of kitchen in which you spend a lot of time will only benefit from this. Mortise sinks in the countertop can have different shapes and sizes. Their peculiarity lies in the fact that with their upper edge they are tightly pressed against the surface of the countertop.

The support rim of the inset sink is made extremely thin, which creates a sophisticated, integral design of the kitchen.

If you want to have a beautiful kitchen design, then a recessed sink is the best option.

Types of materials

A countertop kitchen sink can be made from a variety of materials. The most commonly used materials in the production of kitchen sinks are stainless steel, artificial stone, ceramics and composite. When choosing, it should be remembered that the mortise sink must be made of a material that will be in harmony primarily with the flooring and countertop.

Stainless steel

Mortise sinks made of stainless steel have an affordable price, they are resistant to mechanical damage.A stainless steel recessed sink will fit well into the interior if the appliances in the kitchen have a metallic tint. Such designs are easy to maintain and practical - the plaque formed on the surface can be easily removed with any abrasive detergent. Mortise sinks of this type have a long service life.

The disadvantages of this mortise model include:

the need for grounding;
the occurrence of high noise of the water jet when it hits the surface (especially if the mixer is too high);
frequent appearance of limestone deposits and traces of dried water drops.

Fake diamond

Artificial stone consists of a composite, which includes a filler and binding elements. A natural mineral can serve as a filler, and binder polymers (resins) are used for joining. The advantages of mortise sinks for countertops made of artificial stone include:

thanks to a special protective coating and production technology, easy surface care is provided;
low noise level when a jet of water hits the surface;
beauty and naturalness, small dirt on the surface is almost invisible;
a wide range of shapes and colors;
resistance to high temperatures;
hygiene and environmental safety;
the view does not deteriorate during long-term operation;
the possibility of grinding when scratches appear;
fit perfectly into any interior.

Disadvantages of mortise sinks made of artificial stone:

high cost of quality models;
heavy weight, installation is best done with the help of a specialist;
surface cleaning only with a rag / sponge and gentle detergents;
the need for quick cleaning in case of contact with tea, coffee or other coloring substances.

Ceramics

Benefits of ceramic mortise sinks:

environmental friendliness: no specific smell;
resistance to temperature extremes and scratches;
the possibility of using various chemicals for cleaning;
the surface has a dirt-repellent property, so it is easy to clean;
no noise when water gets in;
color fastness;
decorative look.

Flaws:

heavy weight of the structure, installation will require several people;
high price;
the possibility of chipping the mortise shell as a result of being hit by a heavy object.

Composite

Mortise sinks made of composite materials have the following advantages:

impact resistance, dents will not appear on the surface, even if a heavy object falls on the sink;
resistance to high temperatures;
wear resistance - the appearance does not deteriorate over time;
no noise when water gets in;
ease of care.

Disadvantages of a mortise sink made of composite materials:

high price;
the possibility of damage by abrasive agents;
deformation upon contact with hot dishes.

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Advantages and disadvantages

Mortise kitchen sinks have their undoubted advantages:

thanks to its design, it prevents the penetration of water under the sink;
you do not need a lot of money to seal the joints;
mortise sinks for countertops are strong and durable;
the possibility of placing even in the corner of the kitchen;
due to their compactness, they can be mounted in various countertops;
mortise sink looks more impressive and harmoniously fits into any kitchen ensemble.

However, there are also disadvantages:

higher cost (compared to overhead models);
the need for individual selection of kitchen furniture for washing;
complete dismantling of the countertop during plumbing work in the kitchen.

Inset sink installation

Installing a recessed sink does not take much time. For installation, you will need the following tools and materials:

a pencil (it is not recommended to use a marker, because traces of it are difficult to remove from the surface of the countertop);
roulette;
ruler;
drill;
electric jigsaw;
screwdriver;
wrench;
special knife for mounting;
sealant.

Prior to installation, you must have a faucet available

Remember an important rule: the distance between the sink and stove, and between the refrigerator and the sink must be at least 40 cm.

Having chosen a suitable place, apply all dimensions. For marking it is necessary to turn the sink upside down and level it. Outline the outline. Bedside tables or a cabinet for a mortise sink must be installed in advance.

Be sure to measure the width of the side of the mortise sink and, in accordance with the value obtained, draw an internal contour along which the cut line will run.

To facilitate the cutting process, you need to make technological holes. Holes are made with a drill at the corners of the internal markings. It is necessary to correctly cut the required hole, for this you must adhere to the following rules:

The maximum play should not be more than 3 mm.
To prevent chipping, it is better to use a file with the reverse direction of the teeth.
In order not to damage the front surface of the countertop, you should glue the places along the cut line with masking tape.
To prevent the cut part from falling ahead of time (this can damage the cut line), insert self-tapping screws into the cut line every 10-15 cm.

After you remove the cut out part, the surface should be thoroughly cleaned of dust and sawdust. The saw cut is covered with a sealant (most often silicone is used for this purpose). This procedure will protect the material from water ingress and prevent deformation of the countertop. The mortise sink always comes with a foamed polyethylene sealant, it must be glued to the inner side of the sink so that it does not go beyond the edges. The protruding part of the seal is cut off with a mounting knife.

The attachment point must be degreased in advance with gasoline or acetone. Only after that you can proceed with the installation of the mortise sink. Mounts to the sink are included, with their help, fixation to the base is made. To prevent damage to the mortise sink, experts recommend using a screwdriver, not a screwdriver, during installation.

Fasteners under the countertop are tightened alternately crosswise. After all fasteners are tightened, check to see if the clamp sealant is protruding. If the sealant comes out, it must be removed immediately with a soft cloth or sponge. You can use the mortise sink only after the sealant has completely dried.