Special sink is best for a tile kitchen counter

Q: I'm installing a tile kitchen counter, not solid surface. While my countertop is planned, I do have a question with the kitchen sink installation. Do I need a special kitchen sink for a tile countertop or can I just use a drop-in type of kitchen sink? - Donald, Rhode Island

A: A drop-in sink requires an opening in the counter that allows for the rim of the sink to sit flush on the finished counter. So a drop-in sink can be used on a tile countertop, but it may not be your best choice.

If you really want to take your tile kitchen counter and sink to the next level, go with a tile-in style sink.

A tile-in sink is a drop-in sink, but it has three main differences.

' The sinks are usually made of enameled cast iron.

' The sink rim is installed on the rough counter, not on top of the finished tile.

' The sink rim has square corners and a flat outside rim that butts up flush to the tile.

So the sink fits into the counter like a big piece of tile. Tile-in sinks are even available in apron or farmers style, and I hope that plants some new ideas in your head.