Is a cultured marble vanity top with integrated sinks preferable over one with undermount sinks?

G B
by G B
Currently we have integrated sinks, but after 26 years the gel coat has deterioraated in some of the sinks. Some vanity tops have permanent stains on them from ceramic liquid soap containers and toothbrush holders.
We want to replace these vanity tops and sinks, but are trying to decide between replacing with what we have (integrated sinks), or some type of undermount sinks (cultured marble or porcelain), but have been advised that undermount sinks can be difficult to keep clean.
  7 answers
  • 3po3 3po3 on Mar 31, 2012
    I prefer the integrated sinks for exactly the reason you raise - ease of cleaning. I think some people use undermount because they want unusual materials for either the countertop or the sink. If you are leaning toward pretty standard porcelain anyway, then I would go with the integrated again.
  • It's all about personal choice...unless you are planning to sell anytime soon. Cultured marble is going to be your cheapest option and you can get those at Lowes or Depot. You can usually get the stains out with KrudKutter or Bartenders Keeper.
  • G B G B on Apr 01, 2012
    Thanks for the input!  We do want to sell at some point in the next few years when the market has "recovered" , but also don't want to put a lot of money in bathroom upgrades at this time since we don't think we would be able to recoup the expense by the time we put the house on the market.  Our goal is to replace our current vanities with good quality materials that will look nice and be serviceable, but won't require replacement again before we sell the house.
  • what are the dimensions on the vanities you need?
  • Designs by BSB Designs by BSB on Apr 02, 2012
    Undermount sinks are very popular, but you are right keeping the under edge clean is a complaint! Cultured marble is very economical .. hard to beat it all around. Now you can even get it with a sandy looking pattern instead of the swirls.
  • The reason i was wondering about dimensions was because we took out a cultured marble vanity with integral sink about a month ago. We replaced it with a concrete vanity, but we hauled off the cultured marble for the homeowner and like everything else that finds its way into the shop, it has never found its way out and its in the way.
  • G B, Go with the integrated sink. And if there was any question, I'd say you got your money's worth out of those 26 year old tops... Tim