We used Corian specifically so we could get a seamless undermount sink...

My countertop just got installed on Thursday. They explained how they install the sink so that it can be replaced (with the same size sink, of course - has to fit the sink hole). If there's room, they use clips. I didn't have room - only a 27" sink base - so they built a "cradle" with wood strips to hold the sink in place. The strips just cradle the underside "lip" of the sink. And then, of course, they use silicone to seal between the sink and the counter.

Lax gave a good descriptions of the different types of reveals. Sinks usually come with a paper template that the countertop templater uses to determine the size and shape of the sink hole. I think my paper template showed a negative reveal, and the templater encouraged me to go with that, for just the reasons lax mentions. I was totally sold on it, so I was quite surprised when they installed the countertop and sink and it had a slight positive reveal. Not thrilled with that - I'm afraid it will get gunky-looking! But also wasn't willing to hold up my project any longer to get them to recut the stone. (I'm already two months over.)

I am a klutz and could easily see myself breaking glasses and chipping plates on a "negative edge", so maybe it's just as well. At least I'll see when it gets gunky so I can clean it...

This is probably the thread you're thinking of...

Here is a link that might be useful: Thread: Undermount sink reveals - post pics please!

I two am concerned about having to replace an under mount sink. Not sure what to do....My current white Kohler sink is beat up and it's only 14 years old, it is a tile-in varity.

If I spend a lot of money on new counters (not sure yet what to get granite/quartz/soapstone), I'm nervous that the sink won't hold up as long as the counters.

laxsupermom & charlikin - thank you for the info, this should help in convincing my husband. If the silicone gets gross, can't it be removed and replaced?

buehl - thank you, that is the name of the thread. I knew I had seen something. I need to start saving anything remotely close to something I might need.

arbordomus - is your corian sink bonded to your corian so there is no seperation between the sink and countertop at all? I think I have seen those. If it is, does the sink need to be corian material too?

becktheeng - yikes - that is my DH's very fear!! Do you have the clips that clips or cradle charlikin describes??

Regarding the replacement fear: Honestly, how many sinks do you know that have had to be replaced? The only time I've encountered a sink replacement is in my parents' home...they had a porcelain sink that after probably 25 years (not sure of time frame) was so stained and pitted that they replaced it...with SS. If 25 years is correct, then that makes their current SS sink almost 25 years old.

They built their house in 1959/1960 and other than replacing the appliances as needed, painting the cabinets & walls a couple of times, and replacing the flooring once, they haven't done anything else...no new cabinets or countertops...but they're the exception rather than the rule...its' very rare that a kitchen goes almost 50 years with no major remodel. What I'm getting at is that it's much more likely that you (or the next owner) will replace the countertop b/f the sink needs replacing!

Buehl - Your response fits my own sentiments exactly; I've never lived anywhere that had to have the sink replaced; I just need to get through to my DH. Pointing that fact out hasn't worked so far!!! My DH worries about way too many things!!! He's also not much for change. The sink we currently have has been in the house since it was built (before I lived there), circa 1970's. We have never had a problem with that sink which is a stainless steel double bowl....oh, yeah, a drop in, of course.

I'm just looking for info on the undermount so I can try to win him over to the idea of an undermount and ease his worries. I also really like the apron front undermount sinks. I don't know how we'll ever get a house built with all the details he will worry over!

I think DH would be happiest if we could just uproot the house we're in, move it to our property, put a walk out basement under it and add a couple rooms and forget building a new house thing!

It does sounds like becktheeng needs to replace a sink, though.

Becktheeng - please keep us posted on how your sink replacement goes and how you remedy your situation.

Lyno, The way you described your DH makes my DH his twin brother. For every little thing he has more than one concerns. It takes convincing him first before you can get on. I fully relate as the two of you are building this kitchen.

Like you I prefer the undermount sink for aesthetics reason. We ended with the undermount sink (DH agreed!) His biggest concern is the replacement of the sink before the granite counter. Luckily he trusted the advice of the granite contractor (more than the kitchen contractor), and the granite guy was the one installing the sink. He also told my DH that he will not use the clips but added 2X4's (?) to hold up the sink which he said can be easily removed to replace sink when needed. One suggestion is to get an expert whom he trusts to collaborate with you.

I have to laugh reading about how your DH wants to move your present house to avoid all these decisions. The same with my DH, he would rather go buy another brand new house than remodel the kitchen. LOL I love tis house we live in!

P.S. DH was not as concern about the negative, positive reveal of the undermoundt sink. We went with the negative reveal and he is very happy with it (as I am wink, wink!)

Thank you, budgeteer! I'm happy to know my DH has a twin, but, my (LOL) condolenscenses to you for the effort involved. And you are absolutely right about me getting an expert to collaborate with me (maybe 2 or 3) :) Or even just his buddies at work. I love him and he is right about a lot of things, but he worries about many more!

We have land to build on, so challenges like this will be common. But I'm willing to compromise - I just want most of the compromises to be elsewhere in the house, not my kitchen! I'll be happy no matter what; I just want to get back in the country and have peace and quiet.

Thanks for the info on how your sink was installed and that it can be removed! I really think this is his major concern.

quote "arbordomus - is your corian sink bonded to your corian so there is no seperation between the sink and countertop at all? I think I have seen those. If it is, does the sink need to be corian material too?"

Yes it is bonded in place and, yes, it is the same material. The opening is actually finished after the sink is in place to achieve the smooth joint.

We have friends and family that have similar installations that are ten to fifteen years old. The counter and sink combination seems not to age like other assemblies do.

The sinks come in several solid light colors. Please see http://www2.dupont.com/Surfaces/en_US/products/corian/index.html for more information.