Designing Kitchens and Bathrooms - What Type of Sink for Tiled Countertop

I am collaborating on rebuilding the kitchen where I will be living, but not owning. The owner, my mother-in-law, tells me I need to get a "tile around sink." I am aware of drop in sinks and under mount sinks. What sink is a tile around sink?

It seems to me that a drop in sink would be best, but she insists not. That way there is less complexity of tile, especially small, and expensive pieces; less grout, and easier installation. However, her understanding is that there is a problem with that kind of sink for tiled countertops. What are the problems?

I agree with you, a drop in sink is easiest. There is no problem with a drop in sink as long as it is placed with a heavy bead of silicon under the rim, so water can't get under the rim and into the wood.

I'm neither a plumber or tile man but my kitchen countertop is tile and I used a drop in stainless steel sink. I built and installed our new kitchen about 6-7 yrs ago and have had no problems with the sink.

The 7 or so sinks/tile countertops I've installed have all been drop ins...

There is no such thing as a "tile-around sink" that I am aware of. The drop-ins (self-rimming) seem to work best for tile but the standing rims can be tiled around if one chooses. Just depends on the thickness of the sink rim and the thickness of the tile.

Underhungs can also be tiled around if they are built correctly and the tileguy has some experience.:)

OK, slvrwood, we obviously have got your back. Tell the M.I.L.
you know what you're doing:)

Welcome to the DIY Forums!

Tile in sinks are offered by several manufacturers. Here's a description copied from the Kohler site.

Tile-In
Tile-in sinks have flat, straight edges and square corners for a neat fit with tiled countertop surfaces. The sink rim is level with the tile surface, making counter clean-up easy--you can sweep crumbs straight into the sink.

Just Google "tile in sink"

Never knew they existed!:D

Thanks for all the feed back. I checked out the tile in sink, and they are significantly more expensive than a drop in, so I'll pass on the comments from those who have used drop ins.

OK, slvrwood, we obviously have got your back. Tell the M.I.L.
you know what you're doing:)

Welcome to the DIY Forums!
Thanks, Connie! I needed that.