[fh2000]

My sink cabinet is going to be36" wide. We want to put the garbage can inside the sink cab so we can save a cab for storage.We are looking at installing a stainless steel sink, maybe 1 1/2 bowl top mount if the pipes are not in the way for garbage can and a garbage disposal. Ifthey are, we will have to go with a single bowl.

I also want to have a 4 hole sink. I spoke with a LA city plumming inspector who told me that using an airgap is the code here.

With these restrictions, I can not use what Ikea carries. I searched eBay and see that most stainless steel sinks are undermount.

What is the prime difference between topmount and undermount sinks? Do you need to make that decision before or after selecting the countertop?

[jen_va]

Can't help you with the top mount/undermount thing, but as far as the number of holes... According to what we were told a year ago when we looked at Ikea sinks, while they only come with one pre-cut hole, you can buy a Fixa tool thingy (I think it was under $10) to cut as many extra holes as you want (in the stainless steel ones -- not the Domsjo).

I assume this is still the case -- we decided to get the Domsjo, so we didn't look any further at Ikea's stainless steel sinks. Maybe someone who has one of them can chime in?

Jen

[DesignDiva]

It depends on the countertop mostly. You can only do undermount with certain solid surfaces. You cannot do it with laminate. If you have butcherblock, you'll need to prep and seal the cutout with marine quality sealant. Granite, Silestone, Caesarstone, etc. all take undermounts.

It's easy to cut holes in a stainless sink with a top mount deck style.

You should have plenty of room for a trash can in the 36 inch cab.

[Tigratrus]

Eva pretty much covered it. Top mount/under mount DOES have an impact on your choice of countertop material. It's also significantly easier to put in a top mount sink than an undermount sink, we did a hybrid method of undermounting a top mount cast iron sink that I'm sure would give most Kitchen Designers fits.

What kind of countertop are you thinking about? I love Stainless sinks btw, its one of the best sink materials as far as I'm concerned, as long as it's a good HEAVY guage of stainless. They're nearly indestructible.

James

[GardenOfDarwin]

Nah, the KD wouldn't be having fits, but the GC...well, he/she'd probably go ballistic.

Susan

[shorty]

Now I'm intrigued - how do you cut a hole in a SS sink? I have a single hole faucet and wanted a soap dispenser, but the sink we bought didn't have a 2 hole opening as an option. I'd be interested in how it's done/how difficult it is.

Thanks! Debbie

[DesignDiva]

Just get a metal cutting hole saw bit in the size you want, stick it on your drill, and have at it! Be sure to use eye protection and depending on the thickness you may want to use oil to keep the surface cool while you're cutting. Just squirt it generously on the area.

[shorty]

Very interesting...is it better done before or after installation?

[DesignDiva]

It would be easiest before. Make sure you have clearance by dryfitting it on the countertop first, and make sure you have clearance UNDER the sink inside the cabinet for whatever you want to install in the new hole.

And the sink and faucet are installed on the countertop before the countertop is installed.

[fh2000]

I found the SS hole cutting thingy from Ikea's site, Shorty:








2-piece tool set FIXA





$7.99 / pieces | |