Dual Mount Kitchen Sinks: What You Need To Know
If you’re someone who likes to have options, then a dual mount kitchen sink should be added to your “must-have” list for your kitchen remodel.
When remodeling, there are so many different options that you have available to you.
Many of our clients start out with a big vision for their projects, and as we get down to the nitty gritty with the cost, they often have to adjust to stay within their desired budget.
While sometimes it initially feel like a compromise means losing something, that is not the case when it comes to choosing a dual mount kitchen sink.
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What Are Dual Mount Sinks?
Dual mount sinks are a great choice because, as the name implied, the sink has dual options. Essentially they are designed with a flat rim that goes around the top edge of the sink. This design of dual mount sinks allows for flexibility when planning a kitchen remodel, specifically when it comes to the way that the sink can be installed.
How Can Dual Mount Sinks Be Installed?
Dual Mount Sinks Can Be Installed As Undermount Sinks:
Undermount installation is when the top rim around the sink is attached to the underside of the countertop. This means the interior edge of the countertop is exposed all the way around above the sink.
Dual mount sinks can be installed undermount when used with solid surface materials such as quartz, granite, or marble.
Dual Mount Sinks Can Be Installed As Drop-In Sinks:
Drop-in installation is when a hole is cut in the countertop material and the sink is set into that hole. This means the top rim of the sink is sitting above the countertop.
Dual mount sinks can be used as drop in sinks with any countertop material. Generally, they are the only choice for kitchens with laminate or wood countertops. This is because the drop-in installation does not allow for any exposed edges where water could penetrate and damage these materials.
Compared to a standard drop in sink, dual mount sinks often have a lower profile edge which allows it to be flush or nearly flush with the countertop. The minimal lip is helpful because it does not create a place for crumbs or other build up to get stuck around the edge of the sink.
When Would You Choose A Dual Mount Sink?
When doing a kitchen refresh by installing a new sink, but planning a larger kitchen remodel in the near future and not wanting to have to spend the money to buy a new sink in a few years.
If you need flexibility because you haven’t made a final decision on the countertop selection yet but you want to get your sink ordered ASAP.
You know you want a drop in style sink, but prefer a more flush rim option that are on many dual mount kitchen sinks.
When you just prefer the look of the dual mount sink to other similar sinks for sale.
Styles Of Dual Mount Sinks:
Just as you would expect, dual mount kitchen sinks can be found in all varieties of styles.
Of course, there is the traditional sink that is located in the center of the cabinet with countertop surrounding it.
You can find dual mount bar and prep sink options available as well to allow flexibility for a wet bar or butler’s pantry prep sink.
There are also apron front or farmhouse style dual mount kitchen sinks available for those who want to make a statement with their sink.
It is good to note though, some apron front dual mount kitchen sink options don’t have the same rim around the top that many of their traditional sink counterparts may have when they are used in a drop-in installation.
Instead, they can be installed flush with the countertop, but must be siliconed to seal around the top edge. This seems to be especially true of the dual mount apron front sinks made from enameled cast iron or fireclay.
Materials For Dual Mount Sinks:
With all the styles of dual mount sinks, you can also find them in a wide array of material options.
The most common materials for dual mount sinks are stainless steel, granite and quartz composites, fireclay, and enameled cast iron.
In addition there are also options in copper, and even some acrylic materials.
Although all of these materials can be installed as either undermount or drop-in, each will have their own positives and negatives.
For instance, enameled cast iron is a very heavy material, and often requires additional support to be built into a cabinet. It is important to consider the benefits vs. the cost when choosing the right material for a dual mount sink.
You can learn more about the differences and benefits of each of these materials for a kitchen sink in our article: Choosing Between Stainless Steel, Copper, Composite, Cast Iron, and Fireclay Sinks.
Single Basin & Double Basin Dual Mount Sinks
Dual mount sinks are also available with a number of different basin options and configurations.
A single basin can be ideal for someone who needs space to wash larger pots and pans. It can also be a good choice for a smaller space where the kitchen sink will be a more limited size, such as a corner kitchen sink.
Double and triple basin dual mount sinks have as many configuration options as you can dream up. The basins can be equal or different size proportions - there can be full height dividers or low dividers between the basins - and each different look has it’s own benefits.
Multiple basins are often preferred by those who want one side open for washing and the other side for drying, or some similar combination of functions. These styles offer the widest range of possibilities for uses of the sink as there can always be an open basin for washing, if needed.
If you’re on the hunt for the right dual mount sink for your own kitchen, you’re in luck. Below I have a round up of some of the best dual mount kitchen sinks around. From single basin to double basin and even bar and prep sinks!
Single Basin Dual Mount Kitchen Sinks
Double & Triple Basin Dual Mount Kitchen Sinks
Dual Mount Bar And Prep Sinks
Conclusion
Dual mount sinks are an awesome choice for anyone who wants options for how their sink will be installed. They come in a huge selection of options that can be installed as either undermount or drop-in, which allows flexibility and potential for longevity no matter how many transformations your kitchen may go under over the years.
Now I want to hear from you - Do you currently have a dual mount sink or are you considering buying one? What attracted you to a dual mount kitchen sink? Let me know in the comments below!
