A: This is a good question. When selecting a new undermount sink, regardless of type (stainless steel, composite, farmhouse) the key thing you should verify is the INSIDE dimension of wall to wall (left to right) of the existing cabinet. This dictates what size sink you can mount in the cabinet. Unlike a drop in or top mount sink which has the widest dimension visible on top of the counter (typically 33”), the undermount’s widest point is under the counter and must fit in the cabinet base. The flat edges or rim of the undermount must allow for the overlength of the sink plus an additional inch or two for the mounting clips used to secure the sink to the underside of the solid surface being used for the countertop.

Additional tip: If you are installing new cabinets, we recommend you find the sink of your dreams prior to the layout and selection of your cabinet, so if it is an oversized sink ( larger than 32-33” width) your cabinet supplier can incorporate the additional length kitchen cabinet to accommodate the larger length sink. Good luck and enjoy your new kitchen sink!!

A: Stainless steel – Doesn’t matter if it’s a $100 sink or a $1,200 sink. Stainless will scratch. The quality of the stainless steel does make a difference, look for sinks that are 304 Series, Surgical Grade, and 18/10 (first number is chromium content providing hardness and the second number is the nickel content which prevents rusting). A satin polished finish is your best bet.

The good news of a sink with these compositions is they will last a very long time, take on a look of their own due to the finish (indicates a higher quality of manufacturing) and as our mother tells us, “Stainless is like an elegant pearl, it goes with everything.”

A composite sink made of quartzite or silgranit. These sinks are generally scratch & stain resistant, heat resistant (usually to 500 degrees Fahrenheit), non-porous (so it won’t stain), and will usually be less expensive than your higher quality stainless sinks.

Porcelain or cast iron is heavy, will scratch and rust over a period of time but is still a popular product despite technology in the industry bringing other products to the market.

A sink grid is a easy way to preserve your stainless steel sink or any other sink you may be installing. It does protect the bottom of your sink and usually has rubber or coated feet to eliminate the possibility of rubbing a large pot or pan and gouging or scratching the sink. These are not available on all sinks, but most reputable manufacturers offer this accessory on their popular sink configurations. Check with your sink guy or retail supplier if a sink grid and additional accessories are available ( e.g. – colanders, cutting boards, special drains).

A: Those are abrasive cleaners and will scratch the surface. Products available today on the grocery shelf or at most kitchen & bath remodelers are easier on the variety of sink finishes in the market than from your grandmother’s day. Bar Keepers Friend, Bon Ami and Soft Scrub are simple off-the-shelf products that can be used to get stains out along with keeping the product in tip top shape as far as appearance and finish go for years to come.

A: There are some laminates this can be done to, but is fairly limited. Technology changes so quickly so who’s to say you can’t do what you want. It is recommended undermount sinks are used with a solid surface such as Corian, Granite, Marble (but only in the bathroom) and other composite products available like Ceasarstone, Silestone, Cambria and some other man-made products. The reason you don’t want to use a wood top is the water will eventually get into the wood and warp, delaminate and do other strange things.

You should use a top mount or drop in sink with laminates which allow for the faucet to be mounted on top of the sink surface and not into wood where the same result would happen as with the sink situation mentioned above. The other alternative for a top mount is mounted onto tile over a marine grade plywood top.