Quick answer: Choose an undermount sink if you want a clean, seamless look and want to wipe crumbs straight into the sink. Choose a topmount sink if you want the faucet and soap holes already built into the sink and a simpler installation. Both are good choices. The right one depends on your counter, your budget and the look you like.
If your kitchen is still being built, decide this before the stone cutter starts. The answer changes how your counter is cut, where the faucet goes, and what you pay your stone cutter. Here is what you need to choose with confidence, in plain words.
What is an undermount sink?
An undermount sink is installed under the counter. The stone is cut and polished around the sink, so there is no rim on top. You see the clean edge of your counter all the way around.
- Why people like it: a clean, modern look. You can wipe water and crumbs from the counter straight into the sink, with no rim to catch dirt.
- Keep in mind: the faucet hole is drilled in your counter, behind the sink. The stone cutter cuts the hole to the sink's exact size, using the cutting template in the box, and polishes the edge.
- Best with: solid stone counters like granite or quartz, because the cut edge shows.
What is a topmount sink?
A topmount sink (also called a drop-in sink) sits on top of the counter. The sink's rim rests on the stone and covers the edge of the hole.
- Why people like it: the faucet and soap holes are already in the sink, so nothing is drilled in your counter. It is simpler to install and easier to replace later.
- Keep in mind: the rim sits on top, so a little water can stay along the edge. Wipe it dry after use.
- Best with: most counters, including a counter that already has a hole, as long as the hole fits the sink.
What is the difference between undermount and topmount?
The main difference is where the sink sits: under the counter (undermount) or on top of it (topmount). That one difference changes the look, the cleaning, the faucet position and the installation:
| Undermount | Topmount | |
|---|---|---|
| Where it sits | Under the counter | On top of the counter |
| Look | Clean, seamless, modern | Classic, the rim shows |
| Wiping the counter | Crumbs go straight into the sink | A little water can stay at the rim |
| Faucet and soap holes | Drilled in your counter | Already in the sink |
| Stone cutting | Cut and polished edge, plus a faucet hole | Simpler cut; the rim covers the edge |
| Stone cutter's fee | Usually higher (more work) | Usually lower |
| Installation | Needs a careful installer | Simpler |
| Replacing later | Harder | Easier |
| YUWO price, cash | From ₱9,990 (sink set) | From ₱15,500 (sink set) · ₱16,500 (workstation) |
Tip: ask your stone cutter for the price of both cuts before you decide, so there are no surprises.
Which one should I choose?
We never decide for you. It is your kitchen and your preference. This quick guide helps:
| If this is you… | Look at |
|---|---|
| New granite or quartz counter, and you love a clean look | Undermount |
| You wipe the counter a lot while cooking | Undermount |
| Your counter is already built and already has a hole | Topmount (if the hole fits) |
| You want the faucet and soap holes on the sink, not drilled in the stone | Topmount |
| You want the simplest installation, or may replace the sink someday | Topmount |
| You still can't decide | The 76 cm set that works both ways, or send us a photo |
Where does the faucet go?
This is the part people forget to plan:
- Undermount: the faucet stands on the counter, behind the sink. Your stone cutter drills the faucet hole in the stone, so tell them before they cut.
- Topmount: the faucet and soap holes are on the sink's top panel, so the faucet sits on the sink itself.
Either way, YUWO pull-out faucets work with hot and cold water and have 2 water modes.
Can a sink be flush-mounted?
Yes. All YUWO sinks can be installed flush, so the sink's rim is level with the counter. Flush mount takes more skill, so ask your installer first if they can do it. If they need help, call us and we will guide them by phone.
Which YUWO sinks are undermount or topmount?
Each YUWO design is made mainly for one style, and one works both ways:
| Style | YUWO models | From (cash) |
|---|---|---|
| Undermount | 54, 64 and 76 cm sink sets · 90 cm Ultimate Workstation | ₱9,990 |
| Topmount | 75, 81 and 92 cm workstation sinks | ₱16,500 |
| Both ways | 76 cm Topmount or Undermount Sink Set | ₱15,500 |
YUWO's best-selling sink is an undermount: the 76 cm undermount sink set. It costs ₱12,500 without faucet, ₱15,500 with a 304 stainless pull-out faucet, or ₱18,500 with a solid brass pull-out faucet (cash prices).
Every YUWO sink is brand-new, real 304 stainless steel, sold as a complete set with a chopping board, drain basket, drain, fittings and hoses. You order first and pay after we call to confirm. See all prices in our kitchen sink price guide.
What should I tell my stone cutter?
Before your counter is cut, give your stone cutter these 3 things:
- The sink model and its cut-out size. Every YUWO sink has its own cut-out. See our sink size guide.
- Undermount or topmount. The cut is different for each.
- Where the faucet goes. For undermount, they also drill the faucet hole in the stone.
Planning a whole kitchen? Our kitchen sink checklist shows what to tell your contractor, stone cutter and plumber, and when.
Common questions
Is undermount better than topmount?
Neither is better for everyone. Undermount gives a cleaner look and easier wiping. Topmount is simpler to install and to replace. Choose by your counter and the look you like.
Alin ang mas maganda, undermount o topmount?
Depende sa counter at sa gusto mong itsura. Undermount kung gusto mo ng malinis na look at madaling punasan ang counter. Topmount kung gusto mo ng mas simpleng installation at nasa sink na ang butas ng faucet.
Which is easier to clean?
Undermount, for the counter: there is no rim, so you wipe crumbs straight into the sink. With topmount, wipe the rim dry so water doesn't stay along the edge.
Is an undermount sink safe? Will it fall?
When it is installed properly, no. The sink is fixed to the underside of the stone and sealed. Ask your installer to follow the installation steps in the box. If they have questions, we guide them by phone.
Can I put an undermount sink in my old counter?
Maybe. The stone must be cut to the sink's cut-out size and the cut edge polished. If your counter already has a hole, measure it and send us a photo. We will tell you which sinks fit.
Can I change from topmount to undermount later?
It usually means re-cutting or replacing the counter, because the hole and its edge are different. That is why it pays to decide before the counter is cut.
Do you install the sink?
No, but installing is easy for an experienced installer. They trace the cutting template in the box and follow the instructions. If they need help, we guide them by phone.