Start with how you use the sink and the benchtop material you already have or plan to install. Undermount sinks suit solid benchtops and make wiping the bench easy, granite composite hides water spots but needs careful cleaning, and stainless steel is the most forgiving and widely available option. Match the bowl size, number of bowls, and tapware to your existing kitchen layout and plumbing before you commit.
01What undermount really means, plus your material options
Undermount is an installation method, not a material. An undermount sink is fixed beneath the benchtop so you can wipe water and crumbs straight into the bowl. It works best with solid benchtops like engineered stone or sealed laminate, but not usually with timber.
The two main materials are stainless steel and granite composite. Stainless steel is light, easy to clean, and available in many sizes. Granite composite is heavier, quieter, and hides water spots better. Both can be undermounted or top-mounted.
02Choosing the right size and number of bowls
Start with the base cabinet width, not the overall benchtop length. A 600mm cabinet typically fits a single bowl sink around 540-560mm wide, but check the manufacturer's specification. For a double bowl sink, you generally need at least 800mm of cabinet width. You also need room for the tap and any soap dispenser.
Think about how you wash up. A single large bowl suits baking trays and big pots. A double bowl separates washing and rinsing. Bowl depth matters: 180-220mm is comfortable for most people, reducing splashing without too much bending.
- Check internal cabinet width before choosing a sink.
- Single bowl suits large cookware; double bowl suits hand washing and food prep.
- Bowl depth of 180-220mm balances capacity and comfort.
03Undermount, top-mount and flush-mount explained
Undermount sinks have no lip on the benchtop, which makes wiping easy. They require a solid benchtop with a polished cutout and a silicone seal. This is not a weekend DIY job; work with your benchtop fabricator.
Top-mount sinks (drop-in) rest on the benchtop with a visible lip. They are the simplest to install and suit almost any benchtop, including laminate and timber. The lip collects crumbs, so you need to clean around it regularly.
Flush-mount sinks have a rim that sits level with the benchtop. They are common with stone and concrete but involve more precise templating. Discuss this with your fabricator and plumber early.
04Tapware that works with your sink
Choose the tap after you know the sink size and bowl depth. A tall gooseneck mixer clears large pots but may splash in a shallow bowl. A pull-down spray helps rinse a deep single bowl. Check the spout reach so water lands in the middle of the bowl.
Bench-mounted taps need a hole in the benchtop and enough landing space behind the sink. Wall-mounted taps free bench space but require plumbing in the wall before tiling. Any change to tap positions or water connections must be done by a licensed plumber.
- Bench-mounted mixer needs landing space behind the sink.
- Wall-mounted tap needs rough-in plumbing before tiling.
- Moving tap positions is not a DIY job; use a licensed plumber.
05Daily cleaning and long-term care
Stainless steel: use mild detergent, rinse, and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots. Avoid steel wool and chlorine bleach, which can cause pitting. Fine scratches are normal; a non-abrasive stainless cleaner can blend them into the brushed finish.
Granite composite: wash with soapy water and a soft cloth. Do not place hot pans directly in the sink without a trivet, and avoid harsh drain cleaners. Some manufacturers recommend periodic mineral oil to keep the colour even.
For undermount sinks, wipe the silicone seal between sink and benchtop weekly to stop grime building up. If the silicone lifts or shows mould, have it replaced by a professional.
- Stainless steel: avoid bleach and steel wool; dry after use.
- Granite composite: no direct heat; check manufacturer's cleaner list.
- Undermount rim: wipe weekly; do not scrape the silicone joint.
06Things to confirm before you buy
Check your benchtop material can support an undermount sink, and confirm the cutout template with your fabricator. Make sure the cabinet width and plumbing position allow the waste to line up without hitting drawers or shelves.
Seeing materials in person helps. In Melbourne, Baroco Interior Innovations at 21/105-111 Ricketts Road, Mount Waverley has kitchen sinks, tapware and accessories on display. You can compare granite composite and stainless steel finishes side by side, and their team can advise on what will work with your benchtop. Call ahead on 0426 520 859 to confirm they are open and to ask about a written quote after a measure.
Planning this for your home? See how we design, supply and build it, or visit the Mount Waverley showroom.
Kitchens · Try the AI bathroom previewRelated questions
Still unsure? Call 0426 520 859 and talk to someone who actually installs this stuff.
Is an undermount sink better than a top-mount sink?
It depends on your benchtop and cleaning preferences. Undermount makes wiping water from the bench into the sink easy, but it only suits solid benchtops like stone or carefully sealed laminate. Top-mount is easier to install and often cheaper to replace, but the lip collects grime. Choose based on your benchtop material and how much you dislike cleaning around a lip.
Which is easier to keep clean: stainless steel or granite composite?
Stainless steel is simple to wipe clean but shows water spots unless you dry it after each use. Granite composite hides water spots and minor smears, but you need to be careful with abrasive cleaners and heat. Both are easy to maintain with mild detergent and a soft cloth if you follow the manufacturer's care guide.
Can I install a new kitchen sink myself?
Plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber in Victoria. Changing a like-for-like drop-in sink is sometimes possible for a confident DIYer, but you still need to disconnect and reconnect the water and waste correctly. For undermount sinks, the benchtop cutout and seal are critical, so it is best left to a professional installer who can also coordinate with your benchtop supplier.
What size sink should I choose for a 600mm base cabinet?
A 600mm cabinet typically fits a single bowl sink with an external width around 540-560mm, depending on the lip and mounting style. For a double bowl, you generally need at least 800mm of cabinet width. Always check the sink manufacturer's specification sheet for minimum cabinet size and cutout dimensions before purchasing.
