Thank you for your business over the years. We are no longer accepting orders for MR Direct products. Please visit Elkay Where to Buy for your sink and faucet needs. For any warranty related questions related to Mr. Direct, Polaris, Sir Faucet and Solera brands please reach out to consumer@elkay.com or 1-800-223-5529.

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Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

Immerse Yourself In Our Latest Stories

Discover DIY How-To's, design inspiration & more!

Your Home. Your Style.

Browse trending styles and create a space that is functional, beautiful, and built for everyday life.

About MR Direct

Our philosophy is simple. We believe everyone should be able to purchase high-quality, stylish products at reasonable prices. That's why we offer over 400 products, ranging in styles from our high-end vessel sinks to our traditional farmhouse apron line. We provide you with numerous, money-saving options so you can do more than just afford the home of your dreams.

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Farmhouse home design with mid-century modern backsplash with a cast iron apron sink and bronze pendant light fixtures.
Kitchen Sink Mounting Styles: Which Mount Fits Your Kitchen?
April 30, 2021

There are multiple ways to mount your kitchen sink, and style isn’t the only factor to consider.

Today, we’ll take a look at your different sink mounting options and let you know how to choose the right style for your kitchen.

Marble backsplash and subway tile with an ADA stainless steel kitchen sink in a modern kitchen design.
Marble backsplash and subway tile with an ADA stainless steel kitchen sink in a modern kitchen design.

Topmount Sink

Topmount Sink

A topmount (or drop-in) sink, is mounted on top of your counter. This is the most traditional sink mounting style, and installation is simpler and more affordable than other styles. However, you’ll have to maintain it multiple times a day to make sure debris doesn’t get into any cracks where the sink and counter meet, making cleanup a bit more tedious.

Topmount sinks are recommended for more delicate countertops, or those which could be damaged by moisture. These include laminate countertops, which often contain wood particle board beneath the laminate surface. Topmount sinks help keep the moisture on the water-resistant laminate surface. Typically you cannot install an undermount sink in these types of countertops due to the exposed particle board, but we’ll show you a solution for that below.

Granite countertops inside of a modern kitchen design with dark backsplash, and a trugranite undermount sink.
Granite countertops inside of a modern kitchen design with dark backsplash, and a trugranite undermount sink.

Undermount Sink

Undermount Sink

Undermount sinks are mounted below the countertop. This mount leaves no visible seam between the sink and countertop, making cleanup a breeze.

The undermount look is popular for its flush fit and minimalist style, and it’s the type of mount you’ll find in many modern kitchens.

Undermount sinks are a bit more expensive to install since they typically require a custom hole to be cut into a stone or solid surface countertop, however the final result is a high-end finish.

Undermount stainless steel sink with SinkLink installation.
Undermount stainless steel sink with SinkLink installation.
Detailed SinkLink installation guide with call outs.
Detailed SinkLink installation guide with call outs.

Undermount-to-Laminate Sink

Undermount-to-Laminate Sink

Laminate countertops are popular and affordable, but until recently, they were not compatible with undermount sink styles.

Now, you can use SinkLink to install an undermount sink to a laminate countertop.

SinkLink is an innovative installation piece that secures the sink into the countertop and helps protect against the possibility of water damage to the laminate. The way it works is that you attach the sink to the SinkLink instead of directly to your counter.

SinkLink allows you to have the best of both worlds—an affordable laminate countertop and a stylish undermount sink.

Marble countertops with emerald green cabinetry and an apron front stainless steel sink inside of a modern kitchen design.
Marble countertops with emerald green cabinetry and an apron front stainless steel sink inside of a modern kitchen design.

Apron Sink

Apron Sink

Apron sinks, or sometimes referred to as farmhouse sinks, feature a special type of mount that exposes the front panel of the sink.

Apron sinks are becoming more popular due to their vintage or nostalgic appeal. Unique materials like fireclay, copper, or bamboo help show off your sink’s style.

Apron sinks require custom installation to accommodate the sink’s front panel as well as its weight. Once installed, apron sinks can often become a kitchen’s centerpiece – the good news is their spacious depth allows them to work hard too!

Apron front Fireclay Workstation kitchen sink with a granite countertop inside of a modern home design perfect for any busy home.
Apron front Workstation kitchen sink with a granite countertop inside of a modern home design perfect for any busy home.

Choosing Your Sink Mount Style

Choosing Your Sink Mount Style

If you want an affordable option that’s least likely to affect your cabinetry, then a topmount sink is the way to go.

However, we highly recommend an undermount sink for its seamless look and easy cleanup. Thanks to SinkLink, you can now install an undermount sink even if you have a laminate countertop.

Apron sinks are stylish and sturdy, but they usually accompany larger design plans. If you’re renovating your kitchen or building a home, remember to choose your sink mounting style during the planning phase.

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