The sink is the most-used spot in most kitchens, and with a stone countertop it's also a decision that has to be made early. The counter is cut around the exact sink you choose, so the sink type affects the look, the cleaning and the fabrication. Here's how the main options compare.
Undermount sinks
An undermount sink is attached to the underside of the countertop, so the stone edge runs straight down into the bowl.
- Why people choose it: you can wipe crumbs and water straight from the counter into the sink, and there is no rim to collect grime. It shows off the stone's polished edge around the opening.
- Best with: granite, quartz, quartzite and marble. Solid stone is strong enough to support the sink and gives a clean, finished cut edge.
- Things to know: the sink must be mounted securely with clips or brackets, and the exposed stone edge around the opening needs to be finished and, for natural stone, sealed.
This is the most common choice with stone countertops today.
Farmhouse (apron-front) sinks
A farmhouse sink has a front panel (the apron) that stays exposed below the counter. The counter wraps around the top of the sink.
- Why people choose it: a deep, wide bowl and a strong look, at home in farmhouse, traditional and transitional kitchens.
- Things to know: it needs a special sink base cabinet, and the cabinet and sink must be planned together. The counter is cut to fit the sink's exact profile, so the sink must be on site, or its exact template available, before the counter is measured.
- Materials: fireclay and stainless steel are common; cast iron and stone versions exist too.
Drop-in (top-mount) sinks
A drop-in sink sits in a cutout from above, with a rim that rests on the counter.
- Why people choose it: usually the simplest to install and replace, and it works with almost any countertop material.
- Things to know: the rim sits above the counter, so you can't sweep crumbs straight in, and the edge of the rim needs regular cleaning. With stone counters, many people prefer undermount for the look and cleaning.
Integrated sinks
An integrated sink is made from the same material as the counter, or joined so closely that it looks like one piece.
- Why people choose it: a seamless, sculpted look with no visible joint.
- Things to know: availability depends on the material. Solid-surface and some quartz products offer integrated sinks; with natural stone, a carved stone sink is a custom, premium option.
Sink materials at a glance
- Stainless steel: durable, light, affordable, hides water spots in brushed finishes; can scratch and can be noisy unless sound-dampened.
- Fireclay: glossy and hard-wearing, classic for farmhouse sinks; heavy, and a hard drop can chip it.
- Cast iron (enameled): very durable and quiet; very heavy, so cabinet support matters.
- Granite composite: quartz or granite particles in resin, available in many colors, resists scratches and stains; check the maker's heat guidance.
Single or double bowl?
- Single bowl: easiest to fit large pans and baking sheets.
- Double bowl: separates washing from rinsing or prep; each side is smaller.
- Low-divide double: a compromise, with a shorter divider so long pans still fit.
Decide these before your counter is measured
With stone counters, the sink and faucet need to be chosen before templating, because the cutouts are made in the shop.
- The exact sink model (or the sink itself on site), so the cutout matches it.
- The faucet, including how many holes it needs: one for a single-handle faucet, more for separate handles, a side sprayer, a soap dispenser or a filtered-water tap.
- Faucet hole positions, such as centered behind the sink or offset to one side.
- The sink base cabinet size, which has to fit the sink, especially for farmhouse and large undermount sinks.
- Reveal: how much of the stone edge shows around an undermount sink (positive, zero or negative reveal). Ask to see examples.
Choosing well
For most granite, quartz and marble kitchens, an undermount stainless or composite sink is the easy, practical choice. A farmhouse sink makes a statement but needs early planning with the cabinets. Whatever you pick, bring the sink and faucet details when you choose your counters. At our showrooms you can choose the slab and plan the sink cutout at the same time, and our own fabricators cut the stone to your exact sink.