Understanding the difference between undermount and top mount sinks helps homeowners, designers, and contractors select a configuration that matches both the visual style and the practical demands of a kitchen or bathroom. These two installation types may look similar at first glance, but they differ greatly in appearance, installation structure, maintenance, and compatibility with countertop materials.

A top mount sink, also known as a drop-in sink, is one of the most popular and practical types of kitchen sinks used in both residential and commercial kitchens. It is designed to be installed from above the countertop, with its rim resting on the surface while the basin fits neatly into a cut-out hole.