Written by Granite Guy Inc., Southborough, MassachusettsUpdated: January 20, 2026
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An undermount kitchen sink mounts beneath your countertop, creating a seamless edge where stone meets basin. It's the most popular choice for stone countertops in Massachusetts.
After 30 years of cutting sink holes into granite, quartz, marble, and quartzite, I understand why homeowners prefer this style.
The sink cutout is one of the most critical parts of any fabrication job. Get it wrong, and you've got a gap that collects crumbs or an edge that chips. Get it right, and your kitchen works exactly the way it should.
Here's what I tell every homeowner who walks into our Southborough showroom.
🚰 Undermount vs. Drop-In Kitchen Sinks
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Before you pick a brand or basin style, you need to decide how your sink will attach to your countertop. This affects everything from daily cleaning to the look of your finished kitchen.
✦ Why Undermount Sinks Dominate Stone Countertops
Undermount kitchen sinks mount beneath the countertop, leaving a clean edge where the stone meets the sink. This is the most popular choice for stone countertops in Greater Boston kitchens.
You can wipe crumbs and water directly into the sink without hitting a lip. The stone edge is exposed, which shows off the material you invested in.
It looks clean and modern.
The tradeoff? Undermount installation requires precise fabrication. The cutout needs to be exact, and the sink needs proper support.
This is standard work for any experienced fabricator, but it does mean you can't DIY the installation.
✦ Drop-In Kitchen Sinks
Drop-in kitchen sinks sit on top of your counter with a visible rim around the edge. They're easier to install and can be a DIY project if you already have a cutout.
The downside is that rim. It creates a lip where water, food particles, and gunk collect.
You'll spend more time cleaning around the edges. Most homeowners upgrading to stone countertops choose undermount to avoid this.
That said, drop-in sinks work fine if you're on a tight budget or replacing a sink in an existing countertop where the cutout can't be modified.
📏 Standard Kitchen Sink Dimensions
Knowing standard kitchen sink dimensions helps you plan your countertop layout and make sure everything fits your cabinets.
✦ Common Undermount Sink Sizes
Most undermount kitchen sinks fall into these size ranges:
Single Basin:
- Small: 23" x 18" (fits 27" base cabinet)
- Medium: 30" x 18" (fits 33" base cabinet)
- Large: 33" x 22" (fits 36" base cabinet)
Double Basin:
- Standard: 33" x 22" (fits 36" base cabinet)
- Large: 36" x 22" (fits 39" base cabinet)
Workstation:
- Standard: 30" x 19" (fits 33" base cabinet)
- Large: 33" x 19" (fits 36" base cabinet)
✦ Depth Matters
Sink depth typically ranges from 8" to 10". Deeper sinks (9-10") hide dirty dishes better and give you more room for large pots.
Shallower sinks (8") are easier on your back if you spend a lot of time at the sink.
I recommend 9" depth for most homeowners. It's the sweet spot between capacity and comfort.
✦ Cabinet Compatibility
Your sink needs to fit your base cabinet. The rule of thumb: your sink width should be about 3" narrower than your cabinet width.
This allows room for mounting hardware and the cabinet frame. A 33" wide sink needs at least a 36" base cabinet.
Trying to squeeze a sink into a cabinet that's too small creates installation headaches. It can also compromise the structural integrity of your countertop.
🔲 Single Basin Sinks: The Workhorse
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Single basin sinks are the most popular choice I see in MetroWest kitchens. One big open space, no dividers, simple design.
The main advantage is capacity. You can fit a full sheet pan, a stock pot, or a pile of dishes without fighting a center divider. For anyone who cooks regularly, this matters.
Single basin sinks work well with any countertop material. They're straightforward to template and fabricate, which keeps your project on schedule.
If you have a smaller kitchen or limited counter space, a single basin maximizes what you've got.
The only real downside is multitasking. You can't soak dishes on one side while rinsing vegetables on the other. For most people, that's not a dealbreaker.
🔳 Double Basin Sinks: Built for Multitasking
Double basin sinks give you two separate compartments, either equal in size or with one larger than the other.
The classic use case: soak dirty pots on one side, prep food on the other. Some homeowners use one side for dishes and the other for food scraps heading to a disposal.
Equal-sized basins split the space evenly. Offset basins give you one larger compartment for bigger items and a smaller one for quick tasks like rinsing produce.
The tradeoff is that neither basin is as big as a single basin sink would be. If you regularly wash large baking sheets or roasting pans, you might find yourself frustrated.
Double basin sinks also require a slightly more complex cutout. It's not a big deal for fabrication, but it does mean a longer template and more precise work.
🛠️ Workstation Sinks and Kitchen Sink Accessories
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Workstation sinks have built-in ledges that hold kitchen sink accessories like cutting boards, colanders, drying racks, and roll-up grids. Everything fits over the sink, turning it into a prep station.
✦ Common Workstation Accessories
Cutting boards: Custom-fit boards that span the sink. Chop vegetables and slide scraps directly into the basin below.
Colanders and strainers: Drop-in colanders that rest on the ledges. Rinse produce without taking up counter space.
Drying racks: Roll-up or fixed racks that sit over the sink for air-drying dishes.
Bottom grids: Protect the sink basin from scratches and help with drainage.
Rinse baskets: Small containers for rinsing berries or defrosting meat.
✦ Are Accessories Worth It?
This design keeps mess contained. Chop vegetables on the cutting board, slide scraps into the sink, rinse in the colander, set dishes on the drying rack.
All in one spot, all over the drain.
Workstation sinks are typically larger than standard sinks, so you'll need the counter space. They also cost more upfront, plus the accessories.
Some accessories come included, others are sold separately.
If you do a lot of cooking and have the space, a workstation sink can genuinely change how you use your kitchen. If you mostly reheat leftovers and wash a few dishes, it's probably overkill.
🏡 Farmhouse (Apron-Front) Sinks
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Farmhouse sinks have an exposed front panel that sits in front of your cabinetry instead of behind it. They're deeper and wider than standard sinks.
The distinctive look works in both traditional and modern kitchens.
The apron front is the signature feature. It replaces part of your cabinet face, creating a visual break in the countertop run. In New England homes with classic styling, this can tie a whole kitchen together.
Farmhouse sinks are heavy, often made of fireclay or cast iron. Installation requires reinforced cabinetry to handle the weight. Your cabinet maker and fabricator need to coordinate closely.
Because the front panel is exposed, the stone countertop wraps around the sides of the sink rather than continuing straight across. This means more complex fabrication and more seams to think about.
Choose a farmhouse sink if you want a focal point in your kitchen and you're willing to invest in the proper installation. It's not the most practical choice, but it makes an impact.
🪨 Sink Materials: What Works Best
✦ Stainless Steel
Stainless steel is the most common sink material, and for good reason. It's durable, heat-resistant, easy to clean, and relatively affordable.
It works with any countertop material.
Different gauges (thicknesses) are available. Lower gauge numbers mean thicker steel. 16-gauge is commercial-quality; 18-gauge is standard for residential. Thicker steel feels more solid and resists denting.
The main complaint about stainless is noise and water spots. Many modern stainless sinks include sound-deadening pads. Water spots are just part of the deal.
✦ Composite Granite
Composite granite sinks are made from a mix of crushed stone and resin. They come in various colors to match or complement your countertop. They resist scratches and stains well.
The matte finish hides water spots better than stainless. Composite can handle hot pans, though I'd still use caution with anything straight from the oven.
✦ Fireclay
Fireclay sinks are ceramic-based, fired at extremely high temperatures. They're common in farmhouse styles. The glossy white finish is classic.
Fireclay is heavy and can chip if you drop something hard on it. It's a beautiful choice for the right kitchen, but it requires more careful use than stainless.
✦ Cast Iron
Cast iron sinks are durable and available in many colors. They're coated with enamel, which can chip over time. Like fireclay, they're heavy and need reinforced cabinetry.
📐 How Sink Choice Affects Your Countertop Fabrication
This is where my job comes in. Every sink style requires a different approach to templating and fabrication. Learn more about our process.
✦ Cutout Size and Shape
The sink you choose determines the cutout we make in your slab. A larger sink means more stone removed.
This can affect structural integrity around narrow sections like the area between a sink and cooktop.
Unusual shapes (like D-bowl or corner sinks) require more complex cuts. This increases fabrication time and waste. Standard rectangular or oval sinks are the most efficient.
✦ Edge Treatment
For undermount kitchen sinks, we polish the inside edge of the cutout. This is the edge you'll see and touch every day.
We can do a straight polish, a slight bevel, or a bullnose depending on your preference and the stone thickness.
The edge treatment adds to fabrication time but makes a real difference in the finished look.
✦ Support Requirements
Heavy sinks need proper support. For farmhouse sinks, the cabinet must be built to handle the weight before we arrive.
For undermount sinks in heavy materials like granite, we use clips and adhesive to secure the sink to the underside of the stone.
Your sink should arrive before your template appointment. We need the actual sink, not just the measurements, to ensure a perfect fit.
✅ Choosing the Right Sink: Quick Guide
Choose a single basin undermount if:
- You wash large pots and pans regularly
- You want the cleanest, most modern look
- You have limited counter space
Choose a double basin if:
- You multitask while cooking
- You want to keep food prep separate from dishes
- You don't often wash oversized items
Choose a workstation sink if:
- You cook frequently and want everything in one spot
- You have ample counter space
- You're willing to invest in the accessories
Choose a farmhouse sink if:
- You want a statement piece
- You're doing a full kitchen remodel with new cabinetry
- Classic New England style appeals to you
❓ FAQ
Q. Should I buy my sink before the countertop template?A. Yes. We need your actual sink on-site to template the cutout correctly. Don't wait until the last minute.
Q. Can I change from drop-in to undermount with new countertops?A. Absolutely. New countertops mean a new cutout, so you can switch to any style you want.
Q. Do undermount sinks work with all countertop materials?A. They work with granite, quartz, quartzite, marble, soapstone, and porcelain. Laminate countertops can't support undermount installation.
Q. What are standard kitchen sink dimensions?A. Most single basin undermount sinks are 30" x 18" or 33" x 22". Double basins typically run 33" x 22" to 36" x 22". Depth ranges from 8" to 10".
Q. How much clearance do I need around the sink?A. We typically recommend at least 2-3 inches of stone between the sink cutout and any edge. This ensures structural integrity.
Q. Are farmhouse sinks harder to install?A. Yes. They require cabinet modifications and coordination between your cabinet maker and fabricator. Plan ahead.
Q. What's the best sink material for a busy family kitchen?A. Stainless steel. It's durable, easy to clean, and handles heavy use without issues.
Q. What kitchen sink accessories are worth buying?A. A bottom grid protects your sink from scratches and is worth it for any sink. For workstation sinks, a cutting board and colander get the most use.
Q. Can I install a garbage disposal with any sink?A. Most sinks accommodate disposals, but check your specific model. Some workstation sinks have accessory systems that can interfere.
Q. Do you sell sinks at Granite Guy?A. We focus on stone fabrication and installation. We'll advise you on sink compatibility, but you'll purchase your sink from a plumbing supplier or retailer.
📚 Related Articles
- Favorite Kitchen Countertop Materials
- Quartz vs Quartzite: What's Better for Countertops?
- Why You Should Consider Leathered Granite Countertops
🏠 Visit Our Southborough Showroom
Still figuring out which countertop material is right for your kitchen? Come see us. Nothing beats standing in front of the actual slabs, comparing colors, patterns, and finishes in person. That's how you make the right decision.
Stop by our countertop store at 43 Turnpike Road (Route 9), Southborough, MA 01772 during business hours. We keep a large inventory in our heated warehouse, so there's always plenty to see.
Already know what you want? Email us or give us a call.
📞 508-460-7900📧 info@graniteguyinc.com
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