Unobtrusive, undermount sinks come to the fore

There’s few who would question the popularity of the undermount sink in fashion-led kitchens; the unobtrusive, understated model which seamlessly blends into the architecture. It’s just how popular, which appears to be a point of debate. While sales and marketing director of Reginox, Dave Mayer points out: “At Reginox, undermounts account for 40% of our stainless steel offer. This has doubled during the past three years”, The 1810 Company claims undermount models account for 90% of its sink sales. 

Climbing with composite

Associated with solid surface worktops undermount sinks have been preserve of the top-end of the market. But as more cost-effective composites began to take hold, targeting the mid-market, so has the undermount sink become more widely accessible.But does this increase in popularity see the undermount sink devalued, as designers and consumers start to look for the next big thing? Marketing director of Carron Phoenix, Neil Clark says not: “They have gathered massive traction as they have become much more mainstream now. That has not devalued them; it has simply established them as the number one choice with the consumer.”

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Experimenting with materials

And the first choice for undermount sinks is undoubtedly a stainless steel model. But there has been some recent experimentation in design.Communications manager at Franke, Jeanette Ward explains: “Today’s consumer is looking to be more experimental with materials and looks to create a signature style and this gives a colourful variation on a popular design theme.”

Accessorising undermount models

But how do the clean lines of the undermount meet the current trend of the workstation sink, which requires accessorisation? Sales director of Caple, Danny Lay says these sinks come with a choice of accessories: “Our Step undermount comes with a stainless steel base grid, universal chopping board and a stainless steel plate and cutlery rack, the latter of which can be positioned next to the sink, for example.”

Flush-fitting suits laminate

In fact, the only potential limitation to including an undermount sink in a kitchen design is a laminate worktop. But even then, consumers can choose a flush-fitting sink model, with reduced rim profile, or even an undermount with top mounting options, both of which have the appearance of an undermount. Jeanette Ward at Franke explains: “The new breed of inset, low profile perimeter sinks, are going to be very influential in the market going forward because they achieve very sleek design looks but are installed in the fastest and most straight-forward way.” So whether it’s a genuine undermount, a top-mounted version or reduced rim inset sink, the clean lines of the undermount remains a coveted look which can be replicated in all kitchen schemes.

The full article appears in the October issue of Kitchens & Bathrooms News