Sink: Reveal Vs. Non-Reveal

Reveal

• A sink with a reveal is one that sits on top of the counter top, revealing a short ledge, so to speak. These types of sinks are also referred to as "self-rimming sinks" because they incorporate a built-in rim. By looking at your kitchen sink, you can tell whether it has a reveal. If you see a short lip, or ledge, on the sink material, such as a stainless steel sink on top of your counter top, you have a reveal-style sink. This style is the simplest to install because you simply "drop" the sink into place so that the rim of the sink overlaps the surface of the counter top. Technically, sinks that sit on top of the counter -- a popular design trend in bathrooms -- are also reveal sinks.

Non-Reveal

• For a non-reveal-style sink, there is no lip or ledge resting on top of the counter top. You only see the sink bowl material -- stainless steel, for example -- under the counter surface inside of the sink. This installation gives counter tops a seamless look, where the counter top material is all that you see, without another type of material on top, such as stainless steel. Non-reveal-style sinks are typical in upscale homes that have high-end granite or marble counter tops in kitchens and bathrooms.

Similarities

• Reveal- and non-reveal-style sinks require an opening carved into the counter top to install them. Both types can be installed using the "undermount" method, where the sink unit is placed into position from underneath the counter so that it either fits on top of the counter -- in the case of a reveal sink -- or attached to the bottom of the counter top material -- for a non-reveal sink. Reveal and non-reveal sinks are made of all types of materials, including stainless steel, porcelain, granite, Corian, enameled cast iron and concrete. Both reveal and non-reveal sinks work with all types of counter top materials, including tile, laminates, granite and marble.

Differences

• Only sinks with a reveal can be installed using a "self-rimming, drop-in" method because of the built-in lip that rests on top of the counter. This capability and ease-of-installation make reveal sinks a popular choice with builders and homeowners. Because the sink sits on top of the counter, it usually doesn't require any caulking. Once the sink is set in place, the only other steps are to attach the faucets and finish the plumbing work. However, a non-reveal sink requires more precise installation to make sure that the sink is properly attached to the bottom of the counter. Over time, non-reveal sinks have a natural tendency to "defy gravity," and the screws and adhesives may loosen, causing the sink to dislodge from the counter top and requiring reattachment.