If you started a kitchen renovation - you probably realized how many decisions need to be made. From big decisions like cabinet color and countertops to small things like cabinet handles; it can be challenging to decide on everything. Well lucky for you - the Completely Kitchens team is here to help! One of those decisions that can have a big impact is something called sink reveal. Join us as we go over what they are, different types of sink reveals, and how to choose one. 

What is a Sink Reveal?

With an undermount sink, a Sink Reveal is how much of your sink is showing beneath the countertop edge. Sink Reveals only apply to undermount sinks (or sinks that are attached to the bottom side of your countertop - so if you have a set-in or drop in sink, this is one decision you won’t have to make!

Types of Sink Reveals

There are three types of sink reveals - and each comes with its own set of pros and cons. We have Zero Reveal, Positive Reveal, and Negative Reveal Sinks. 

Zero Reveal

A zero reveal sink sits flush with the countertop. So if you ran your hand from the countertop to the bottom of the sink there would be no ridges or crevices. It’s a smooth surface with no space where food particles or gunk can build up. This is the most elevated sink reveal type. The smooth lines add an elegant touch to your sink. 

Zero Reveal sinks are installed by carefully measuring and cutting the countertop before installing the sink. The hole in the countertop is the exact same size as the sink. This is a very precise process and is by far the most expensive sink reveal type due to its meticulous nature. 

Positive Reveal

A positive reveal sink has a sink lip showing underneath the countertop. It’s a small ledge of your sink material that can be viewed while looking down at your sink. The hole in the countertop is larger than the size of the sink to allow more of the sink ledge to show underneath. 

This type of sink reveal is very common when you have a workstation sink where you have cutting boards or strainers you can set in your sink. The downfall to this sink reveal is that food particles can build-up along the sink ledge and need to be regularly cleaned. 

Negative Reveal

Negative Reveals are the most common undermount sinks that we install. This reveal has the same elevated and sleek feel that a zero reveal sink has without the elevated price tag. For this sink reveal - the hole in the countertop is slightly smaller than the size of the sink, allowing the countertop to overhang the sink by just a little bit. 

The downfall to a negative sink reveal is the ledge of the countertop can grow mildew - so it does need to be cleaned regularly. 

Sink reveals are one of the many decisions to be made in a kitchen remodel, but we are here to walk you through every step of the process. Check back next week as we discuss the Do’s and Don’ts of Quartz Countertops.