I had earthquake straps done in a t below the sink, just barely screwed and glued into the counter top (done by the granite folks). The straps are metal and hold the sink easily. The clips just don't cut it.

I was all set to order the Rohl Allia. Went to the store and, while I was there, looked around at all the bath and kitchen displays. I got to the Kohler section and saw an interesting display. There was a large divided sink with a heavy SS frying pan in it. The frying pan had a sign challenging people to try to damage the sink with the pan. Not to miss such an opportunity, I picked up the pan and dropped it from a height of 6 inches into the sink. Nothing happened. So I then picked up the frying pan and tapped the edge of the sink. Again, no damage. Then I whacked the sink a half dozen times harder than I thought any accident could cause. No damage-not even a scratch. The pan just bounced off. I was amazed. So I asked the salesperson, who had just told me that fireclay was pretty durable, if it could take that sort of abuse. She just shook her head. So I ordered the Kohler Bakersfield sink instead.

Isn't the Bakersfield sink a drop in, not an undermount? We have the Kohler Lakefield cast iron sink mounted under a chestnut counter. It is not hung from the countertop, it's sitting on the cabinet that is under the sink. Undermounts are great for wood counters. Our faucet is mounted on the chestnut and has been in for about 7 years now. The counter is finished with several coats of Waterlox. This finish has protected the countertop very well in general, but there is a small spot of rot at the base of the faucet where water sat for long periods of time. Be sure to seal the underside of your counter, and any holes you have cut into the countertop. This will prevent warping and other water related problems.

Putting a seam inthe middle of a UMS is no big deal - as long as the guy doing it knows how to do it properly. I always like to see the sink supported from underneath - either with a Sink Setter system - or wood cleats screwed to the cabinet assembly... either method will work fine - as long as you DO NOT hang the sink from the underside of the stone - in your case - using the hangar clips with a seam in the middle puts added stress at the seam - so I would not recommend using the clips alone = especially with a cast iron sink - SS yes - Cast Iron = NO !!! ask to see some of the previous examples of the work your fabricatr has done in similar instances if you are not sure - do NOT "assume" - remember that "when you do "assume" - it makes an ass out of U and an ass out of ME" LOL See things for yourself first hand and when you are satisfied - make your buying decision... hth kevin