Built-in sinks in the kitchen countertop: varieties and selection criteria

The variety of the model range of kitchen sinks allows each individual home owner to find a convenient sink option for himself. Solutions in which this element of the headset not only harmoniously complements the tabletop, but is built into it, have become especially popular. In this case, the sink can be located under the work surface or integrated into it, forming a monolithic connection. This option looks especially attractive.

Modern built-in sinks in the kitchen countertop are mounted both at the manufacturing stage and during the installation of the headset itself. Their design and choice of materials may be varied, but the main advantage is still preserved - perfect fixation without sides that spoil the aesthetics of the design. Kitchen sinks made of stainless steel, and expensive products made of natural stone or solid acrylic models can be built-in. The main thing is to correctly determine the appropriate solution and take care of the accuracy of its installation in the countertop.

Kitchen sinks built into the countertop are a popular design solution that can harmoniously fit into the modern design of the kitchen space. They can form a single unit with a common tabletop or be installed on a separate cabinet. Depending on the installation method, such kitchen structures can be located under the countertop or form a one-piece monolithic block with it.

Integrated, mortise, overhead, semi-recessed models of sinks are an excellent solution to optimize the arrangement of the working area. These kitchen sinks come in a variety of designs.

1. With one bowl. The classic version that comes in many different shapes. Oval, round, diamond-shaped, rectangular, square sinks of the built-in type are convenient, aesthetic, durable.
2. With two bowls. A convenient solution for a kitchen where you cook a lot and regularly. One of the bowls can be equipped with a waste grinder, supplemented with a flexible mixer-hose and used exclusively for processing fruits and vegetables. It is also convenient to cut fish, defrost meat and poultry in the second sink. Another bowl at this time will be free for washing hands, rinsing dishes.
3. With a wing. Such an additional platform can be located on one or several sides of the sink bowl. The presence of the wing greatly facilitates drying of hand washed dishes, vegetables, berries and fruits. The departure surface should have a corrugated ribbed coating.
4. Corner. The most difficult to execute. It is better to choose models that are integrated into the countertops and form a single monolith with them. The combination of countertops and sinks made of artificial stone looks the most aesthetically pleasing.

Sinks built into the worktop from below, as well as other models, differ somewhat in the way of fastening from all other options. The most popular are the following types of their designs.

• Semi-recessed. Sinks with a front rim serving as an apron. They are usually made of ceramics and have a decorative or plain panel in the front. This element protrudes slightly from the front edge of the headset, giving the design a similarity to classic washbasins. This type of product is most often found in typical American interiors.

• Overhead. They are fixed on the pedestal flush with the table top without rims and protrusions. They act as a cover, completely sealed with the rest of the working area.

• For installation under a worktop. Bottom-mounted sinks to the back of the work surface. Special mounting elements are used here. The entire structure requires careful sealing.

• Integrated. Kitchen sinks made of artificial or natural stone, carved or cast in one piece with a worktop. They can have various shapes and depths, do not have mounting gaps, and are installed as part of a one-piece work surface structure.

• Glued. They are similar to integrated ones, but they take their place in the headset due to the formation of an adhesive bond with the tabletop. They are mounted using professional equipment and compositions.

• Mortise... Sinks, installed in a pre-drilled hole in the worktop, are fixed flush with other surfaces or with small edges at the edges.

Each type of sink has its own advantages. But their main feature is the need for professional installation.

Among the materials used for the manufacture of kitchen built-in sinks, there are a number of options that give the finished product unique properties. Thus, modern ceramic sinks are aesthetically pleasing. Copper ones look expensive and respectable, but less practical than steel and stainless steel. Expensive models made of natural and artificial stone look luxurious, but require appropriate framing.

Stainless steel kitchen sinks are made from alloyed 18% chromium and 10% nickel alloy. The finished products have a wall thickness of 0.4-1.2 mm, the recommended values ​​are at least 0.6 mm. Such steel built-in sinks have sufficient mechanical strength, keep their shape well, and do not bend under mechanical pressure.

Stainless steel sinks do not differ in a variety of colors and textures. But they can be decorated with a mirror polish, matte chrome plating, have a decorative textured finish. Such sinks are optimal in terms of price-quality ratio, they do not require complicated maintenance, and can be easily installed in place in different ways.

An interesting design solution is a copper sink. Such an accessory will harmoniously fit into the interior in retro, vintage, country style. Manufacturers create interesting design solutions, glossy copper finish or antique antique. The unusual reddish color of the metal looks very impressive; such sinks are characterized by the presence of an antibacterial effect, and the affordable cost of the product. But thin-walled products can create too high a noise level, it is better not to save money and purchase more expensive thick-walled products.

Copper sinks look beautiful and unusual, but they need careful maintenance.

Manufacturing of built-in kitchen sinks from artificial stone can be made on the basis of stone chips and acrylic binder. From the material obtained, one-piece products are cast that have high mechanical strength, are practical to care for, and are durable. Plumbing equipment of this type has good water-repellent properties, it is diverse in design and colors. Built-in sinks made of artificial stone are quite heavy, massive, and create a serious load on the surface.

Kitchen sinks made of ceramics are usually semi-recessed due to the nature of the material. Porcelain and earthenware sinks are distinguished by their aesthetics, rather high strength, practical, and undemanding maintenance. To increase its resistance to external influences, the surface of the clay base is covered with a special protective glaze.

Also on sale you can find metal sinks covered with protective enamel. Integrated or individually cut natural stone products are popular. Luxurious granite and marble, onyx and travertine look very original in the kitchen. But the large massiveness of such countertops complicates their use without additional strengthening of the frame part of the headset.

Typically, built-in washbasins are made on an individual basis, especially when it comes to products made of artificial or natural stone. But there are a number of averaged parameters that allow you to determine which - small or large, sink is suitable for the kitchen interior. Among the most popular options are models in length:

• 40 cm;
• 45 cm;
• 50 cm;
• 60 cm.

But these are average indicators. Among the inset models under the countertop, you can find options with a bowl size from 22 cm wide, they are built in as an additional module for a full-fledged sink. The length of a single bowl is rarely more than 40-60 cm, double bowls can have indicators of 80-100 cm.The depth of the sink should exclude intensive splashing of liquid, indicators from 18 to 24 cm are considered optimal.

For round models of kitchen sinks, a diameter of 50-60 cm is characteristic. Oval ones can also have a similar length. Corner structures usually have a size of 100 cm, are equipped with two wings on the sides or have an additional mini-bowl on one side for washing fruits and herbs.

When choosing a built-in sink for a kitchen, the following important points should be considered.

1. Dimensions. Even semi-recessed models in width should not exceed the dimensions of the table top. If you have to install a sink in a ready-made set, this factor will be of great importance.
2. Colors. The best option is the built-in sink, which completely merges with the countertop in color and texture. Achieving 100% compliance can only be achieved by installing integrated models. But glued-in models also allow you to achieve impressive results. Ceramic sinks can be white and colored, often only the outer side of the front side is decorated.
3. Bowl shape. Square or rectangular built-in sinks are installed in straight linear countertops. This allows you to rationally use the area, vary the depth of the thicket placement relative to the board. Oval, round, diamond-shaped and other complex-shaped models are recommended to be mounted in an angular format, where space saving is of utmost importance.
4. Number of bowls. A single one should be spacious enough and large enough for immersing a large pot, frying pan, or brazier. If you are not planning to wash bulky items, but there is a need for regular division of tasks in the kitchen, it would be better to choose the sink option with two more compact bowls.
5. The presence of a hole for the mixer. If it is absent on the sink itself, you will have to mount the plumbing equipment in the wall or in the countertop, doing unnecessary work. In the kitchen, a flexible hose with a holder attached to the wall can be a good solution - it is convenient to use for washing vegetables and fruits; during installation, you do not need to make cuts in the base of the countertop.
6. Kitchen dimensions. When it comes to a small space, a sensible solution would be to choose a built-in round or corner sink, complemented by wings, a hanging net for washing greenery. The spacious kitchen allows you to place a truly large double sink in the interior.

Following these tips and tricks, you can easily choose the best option for the design of a built-in kitchen sink.

How to properly install the sink in the worktop, see below.