Vessel Sink vs. Undermount Sink: Which Should You Choose?

Whether you are looking for a contemporary and minimalistic look that comes in simple designs and versatility of the vessel or countertop sinks or the less cluttered and classic undermount sink, Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. has the solution. First, it is essential to understand the difference between both sink designs and the process of choosing the right one for your home.

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The Difference Between Vessel and Undermount Sink

white vessel sink — Image via Unsplash by sanibell

The primary difference between vessel and undermount sinks is the appearance and installation method.

Where a vessel sink sits on the top of your bathroom’s counter or vanity, the undermount sink sits beneath the countertop. While the vessel sink stands out by offering more aesthetic options in various colors, sizes, and shapes (like porcelain, copper, glass, etc.), the undermount sink resigns to the counter’s seamless blend.

The raised height of a vessel sink makes it more comfortable to use when standing; it minimizes that splash of water from the standard undermount sink and gives you a better experience. Conversely, the undermount sink is ideal for shorter people who might find the vessel a bit high, and it generally works well for most people.

The undermount sink tends to be more expensive than the vessel sink due to its design materials.

Choosing the Right Sink for Your Bathroom

Choose from the best bathroom sinks in Chicagoto get that luxurious look that improves your interior and offers value for your purchase.

Be sure to consider the following factors before installing any sink:

Your budget: Your finances almost always determine how you manage your household and life in general. The type of sink you would like to install depends on the amount of money you are willing to pay.
Tastes and preferences: It all comes down to the kind of sink you prefer in your house. Buy the sink that seems most appealing to you.
Your home’s resale value: The quality of equipment in your house usually plays a role in upscaling its value. An undermount sink can provide a higher resale value after you complete other home renovations.
Style and theme: Your home’s style and theme should lead you to pick the right appliances for a seamless appearance. However, there is no right or wrong way to decorate your home, so feel free to experiment with different ideas.

The Advantages of Vessel Sinks

Here are some top reasons as to why you should consider buying a vessel sink for your home:

Unique Designs

A vessel sink varies in its uniqueness and style, providing a more captivating look and feel. The variety of materials used in their designs can also give your space a distinct look.

Affordable

Materials such as glass or ceramic give an item a sophisticated look, yet they are readily available. The vessel sinks made out of these materials are usually cheaper.

Easy Installation

With the look and design of the vessel sink, you might think installation is complex, but not at all. You only need to drill one hole that holds the sink on the countertop for drainage, fit the right end of the vessel sink, and voila! Your sink is ready to use.

Increases Counter Space

The bowl-shaped vessel sink usually leaves enough room on the countertops. It allows you to customize the space under the sink by including other items like medicine cabinets. The creative styles of vessel sinks come in various sizes, so you can easily find one to fit your bathroom perfectly.

The Advantages of Undermount Sinks

Here are some of the main advantages of buying an undermount sink instead:

Easier to Clean

An undermount sink is easy to clean since there is no lip around its edges to get in the way when wiping the counter and the sink. After cleaning the countertop, you can use a small brush to scrub around the seam underneath quickly.

Modern Style

Along with its durability and functionality, the undermount sink gives your interior a neater appearance, a popular look, and a modern style. This would be a great reason to install undermount sinks in your home.

The Disadvantages of Vessel Sinks

Like with every other household item, some drawbacks come with vessel sinks. Some of the main disadvantages include:

Difficult to Clean

The area where the vessel sink meets your countertop makes it very hard to clean. At this point, rust, dirt, and mold could accumulate, meaning you need to spend more time caring for your vanity space.

Less Durable

As beautiful as the designs of the vessel sink might be, they are not very durable. Chipping and breaking are more likely to occur, with the popular choice of materials being glass or ceramic.

Less Stable

The vessel sink’s stability depends on the security of the point where the sink meets the countertop. When using a vessel sink you may need to take extra care to avoid damage or displacement.

The Disadvantages of Undermount Sinks

Meanwhile, undermount sinks can also come with some of their own drawbacks:

Needs a Specific Countertop

The undermount sink is quite heavy, and tile or laminate countertops may not properly secure it. Undermount sinks work best with concrete, granite, soapstone, or marble, so you may have to replace your old counter as well when installing the sink.

More Expensive

Undermount sinks are made of heavy materials to ensure durability and stability. As a result, they are usually more expensive compared to vessel sinks due to the design materials.

Difficult to Install

An undermount sink will require its installation beneath the countertop, hence knowing the sink’s weight and the proper bonding necessary to hold it. Fortunately, our professionals can help you with the installation process.

Contact Us Today for Free Estimates

Now that you know the difference between vessel and undermount sinks, you can make a well-informed decision. Allied Plumbing & Heating Supply Co. is the number one plumbing supplier in Chicago, Illinois, ready to meet your needs. We provide our customers with leading brands for sinks, toilets, bathtubs, faucets, shower doors, and much more.