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Up to your Elbows – Choosing the Right Sink Installation for Your Kitchen

With the possible exception of the stove, nothing in the kitchen is used more than a sink. Sinks have been used for everything from potting plants to bathing babies.  And not only are they useful, they can add drama and style to any kitchen design.  A quality sink will last 30 years or more, so choosing a sink should be an important part of your kitchen remodel. The design of the kitchen can also affect the type of installation you choose.

Here are five types of sink installations you might choose for your kitchen: 

1. Undermounted – Undermounted sinks create a smooth look which blends with modern designs.  The bowl is attached underneath a countertop. No rim shows above the countertop.

2. Integral – Both the sink and countertop are fabricated from one material (for example, stone or solid surface).  There are no visible seams on the surface. It is a sleek, modern and low maintenance design. 

3. Self-rimming or flush mounted – This sink has a rolled edge which is mounted over the countertop.  Because its rim sits on top of the countertop, Its overall dimensions are larger than the opening for the sink bowl. This design looks well with any type of décor.

4. Rimmed – Rimmed sinks require a flat metal strip to seat the sink to the countertop. This is the most common and least expensive sink design. It is multipurpose, but adds little drama or style to the room.

5. Tile-in – Tile-is used as its name suggests.  It used with tile countertops.  Tile-in sinks are designed to mount even with a tiled surface so that there is no visible separation between the sink and the surface. This sink is great for French Country or Tuscan style decors.

Whichever installation style you choose, make certain that the installation is appropriate to the sink material (soapstone, for instance, will be installed in a different manner than stainless steel). If you are uncertain, check with your local DIY store. If they can’t help, you should probably consider professional installation.

Pamela Cole Harris is an editor and writer with 35 years experience. She and her new husband live in a log cabin on a lake in Oklahoma. Visit her website, http://www.homeandgardenmakeover.com, for a free newsletter with remodeling, home improvement and decorating ideas for the financially challenged, creatively deficient and technologically illiterate.