Although there are many different types of kitchen sinks, drop-in or self-rimming sinks, and under-mount sinks, for most homeowners remodeling their kitchens, the options come down to just these two. Undermount sinks were expensive and considered difficult to install by professionals and do-it-yourselfers when they first entered the consumer market.
However, the choice has gotten harder now that professionals are equally at ease installing under-mount sinks as they are drop-ins, and under-mount sink prices have become more competitive. If so, where should you begin? Do you want to update your RV’s kitchen sink? You’ll learn about important factors to consider when purchasing an RV sink in this article, along with some contemporary, space-saving options.
What's an RV Kitchen Sink?
Similar to any other sink, an RV sink is also. Fixtures turn on and off the tap to deliver hot and cold water when it is connected to the sink’s plumbing system. The plumbing system and fixture operation in an RV sink and a sink in a stick-and-bricks house are essentially identical in this regard. However, the materials used to make sinks designed for use in RVs might differ from one another.
What Is A Drop-In Sink?
Installing a drop-in sink involves resting the sink into a hole in the countertop. It is also known as a self-rimming sink or top-mount sink. The sink is supported by a rim or lip that surrounds its edge and rests on the countertop as it is placed on top of the countertop. There are clips to secure the sink in place beneath the countertop firmly.
Drop-in sinks are a common choice for do-it-yourself homes since they are comparably easy to install and can be utilized with various countertop materials. Typically, they are less expensive than under-mount sinks.
Drop-in sinks have the disadvantage of possibly being harder to maintain because of the lip that can collect dirt and grime at the sink’s edge. In addition, a glance at the countertop reveals the sink’s rim. In general, drop-in sinks are a sensible and affordable option for many homeowners in a variety of kitchen styles.
What Is An Under-mount Sink?
Under-mount Vs. Drop-In Sinks
Depending on your style preferences and how long you plan to live in your home, you should decide between drop-in and under-mount sinks. When considering your kitchen sink options, think about a contemporary under-mount sink to give your room a sense of functional style. Drop-in sinks have long been a preferred option for kitchen design. They are a straightforward answer that can accommodate practically any style preference while also serving functional needs.
Countertop Space - Under-mount Sinks Win
The countertop goes all the way to the sink—and then some—with under-mount sinks. Undermount is the best option if you’re short on space and need every square inch of counter space possible.
The drainboard sink is one type of drop-in sink that can, however, free up some counter space. This sink basin extends 8 to 10 inches past the side of the sink basin and has an integrated drainboard or food prep area. This counterintuitive decision—adding more sink rim instead of less—might actually be more space-efficient if you’re short on counter space.
Cleaning The Counter: Under-mount Sinks Win
Under-mount sinks are the undisputed champions of countertop cleanup. The main benefit of the under-mount configuration is actually how simple it is to clean. Food scraps can be swept directly off the counter and into the sink since there isn’t a lip to create an obstruction around it.
It is easier to swipe from the counter into some drop-in sinks than others because of their lower-profile rims, but the experience still pales in comparison to an undermount sink seamlessly integrated into the countertop. Sinks made of enameled cast iron have a tall rim that you must swipe around rather than over, whereas RV stainless steel sinks typically have the lowest rims.
Drop-In Sinks Win – Sink Cleaning
The gap where the sink joins the counter at the top is one of the more annoying aspects of under-mount sinks. While a bead of silicone caulk is typically used to close this gap, it is not typically filled all the way to the surface. There is still a depression, which attracts food buildup by nature. Greg Fox of Fox Granite Countertops suggests removing the caulk from the under-mount sinks every three to five years and replacing it in light of this problem.
Drop-in sinks make all of the sink’s functional areas visible and reachable. It should be noted that the countertop’s small, visible seam where the lip meets the countertop can also collect grime. The drop-in sink is identical to a standard sink, except that it provides better access and visibility.
Win for Drop-In Sinks in Installation
When replacing one-for-one, homeowners can install a drop-in kitchen sink themselves. After removing any existing caulk, apply a bead of caulk to the area, insert the sink, center it, and secure it with clips under the countertop. Although it is typically easier to replace something exactly in size, there are certain things to consider. The old sink can be challenging to remove at times. There’s a potential that the countertop will sustain damage.
Additionally, the depth of the sink must be considered. As a result, it may be necessary to replace the plumbing drain connection underneath the sink. Contrarily, careful installation of under-mount sinks necessitates much more effort. During the time that the clip locations are being marked, they must be temporarily fitted in and supported. To install the clips, carefully drilled holes must be made in the countertop.
Almost no room for error exists when caulking and mounting the sink. Undermount sinks are normally advised for all countertop materials except for laminate (they can also be problematic with custom tile countertops). The MDF or particleboard base underneath is the problem, not the laminate itself.
Due to its high susceptibility to moisture damage, MDF does not hold clip fasteners very well. Contrarily, drop-in RV Sink Covers can be mounted on any countertop material, including laminate, tile, solid surface, all composite materials, and natural stone.
Drop-In Sinks Are Cheaper
Undermount sinks are typically more expensive than drop-in sinks. This is because drop-in sinks are made to be easily installed by simply resting them into a hole in the countertop. As they are mounted beneath the countertop and must be firmly fastened to the underside of the counter, under-mount sinks, on the other hand, require more exact installation.
Under-mount Sinks Win For Resale Value
The value of your home won’t change based solely on whether your kitchen has an under mount or drop-in sink. Major renovations, such as room additions, whole-house flooring, or finished rooms, have a greater impact on resale value than individual components, such as a kitchen sink or bathroom vanity.
However, under-mount sinks have a more distinctive, upscale appearance compared to traditional drop-in sinks. It can be argued that the under mount sink conveys greater value to potential buyers than a drop-in sink as one component of a highly valued designer kitchen.
Under-mount Or Drop-In Sinks—Which Is Better Overall?
Generally speaking, personal preference will determine which type of sink is best for you. Drop-in sinks are an example of a sink style that is reasonably priced, adaptable, and simple to install. However, drop-in sinks are aesthetically dated and have little resale value. Comparatively speaking, under-mount sinks require a larger upfront investment but are significantly more popular, aesthetically pleasing, and have a significant amount of resale value.
Bottom Line
Your kitchen countertops will largely determine whether you choose an under-mount sink or a drop-in RV kitchen sink. The bottom-mount sink should be considered if the counters are durable, like granite or marble. The overlay sink is something to think about if your countertops are made of tile or laminate or if you simply want to install the new sink yourself.
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