Farmhouse sinks can be mounted three different ways. Top Mount SinksThey're the easiest to install. There's a flange that sits on the countertop just like a regular sink. They can be installed on any type of counter surface. Flush Mount SinksThey sit even with the top of the counter. They typically require a solid surface or custom-made laminate top. Undermount SinksThese sinks sit completely underneath the counter.
They require a waterproof top that's custom cut for the sink and faucet. We're using an undermount sink for this how-to. For this project, we installed a KOHLER Whitehaven Sink that's made from enameled cast iron. Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are available too.
These sinks are heavy and require extra support. This is definitely an advanced project.The plan for this project is to remove the old sink and countertop, prep the cabinet, install the new sink, set the new counters, then install the faucet and connect the plumbing.Measure If your new top is stone, a countertop installer is going to measure the cabinets and sink to create a custom top.
Some installers are going to require a farmhouse sink to be installed before measuring. Have your faucet, soap dispenser or any other accessories that need a hole drilled on-site for them. It’s also a good idea to ask the installer what you need to do to prepare for the installation.One of the great features of the sink we used is that it doesn’t require a custom cabinet like some farmhouse sinks with taller apron fronts.Check the instructions online before picking up the sink to make sure it'll fit. Most instructions will include measurement requirements of the cabinet.
Flush Mount Kitchen Sinks
In this case, we measured the following:. Width of the cabinet. Distance from the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the drawer opening or screw holes to make sure it was shorter than the apron.
Distance from the top of the cabinet to the doors to make sure the apron wouldn't interfere with the doorsIf your sink is near a corner, make sure that adjacent drawers or dishwashers will clear the apron front. Remove Plumbing and Sink To begin removal of the old sink, start with the plumbing. Take a few pictures of the drain setup just in case you need it later for reference.For a typical sink removal, turn off the water and disconnect the plumbing. Also remove the disposal. Remove the sink clips underneath, cut the sealant on top and pull out the sink.All of our plumbing is at a good height for a sink installment, but you might have to lower yours to clear the bottom of the sink basin.
You're going to be doing this job inside a cabinet so you might want to call a pro.For PVC, mark your length and cut with a hack saw or PVC cutter. Remove the burrs with 80-grit sandpaper — outside the pipe and inside the pipe fitting. Dry-fit the PVC drain right now, and secure it when the sink is in place. For copper pipes and water valves, use push-connect fittings.Cut the copper with a pipe cutter. Secure it, spin it and gradually tighten it until it cuts through.
Deburr the pipe with a special tool. Then slide the push-connect fitting.
Cut the Cabinet Our sink came with a template to cut out the front of the cabinet. Before attaching a template, use painters tape to mask off the areas that are going to be cut so they don't become splintered with the saw.Mark the center of the cabinet for the template. We have a 36-inch cabinet, so we marked it at 18 inches. Then line up the cutout template, and tape it in place.
Trace the template onto the cabinet and remove the template.Now cut the outline with a jigsaw or an oscillating saw. Sand it smooth if it’s a little rough.
Add Cabinet Supports A farmhouse sink needs supports attached to the inside of the cabinet because it's heavy. Some can weigh over 300 pounds when filled with water.The top of the sink needs to be even with the cabinets so the counter will sit correctly. Measure the thickness of the sink and transfer that to the cabinet walls. Our instructions say the supports should sit 5/8 of an inch below the top. Use a straight edge to mark the line.
Apply construction adhesive to the horizontal 2-by-4 supports. Hold them in place and secure them with screws.Now add vertical supports that extend to the base of the cabinet.
Cons: It takes a little extra cleaning around the joints between your sink and countertop. How To Install A Farmhouse SinkIn order to install a farmhouse sink, you need to have some basic 'handyman skills' and a second person to help you lift and position the heavy sink. If you don't, it's best to let a professional do the installation for you.Basically, you're going to make a platform inside your sink cabinet for your farmhouse sink to rest on since it is too heavy to support itself.Tools and materials needed: Cut-out template or cardboard, marker, scissors, jigsaw, 2-by-4-inch board, 3/4-inch plywood, table saw, construction adhesive, wood screws, drill. Note: always follow your sink manufacturer's instructions for installation. Cut ledge boards for the farmhouse sink: Measure the inside depth (front to back) of the cabinet.
Cut two pieces of 2-by-4-inch board to this length using a table saw. Now measure the inside width of the cabinet (side to side) and deduct 4 1/4 inches. Cut one 2-by-4-inch board to this length. Measure the depth of the sink.
Calculate the depth of the sink in the cabinet based on the height you want your sink to sit at. Mark the depth of the sink plus 3/4-inch on the inside walls of the cabinet (each side). Use a level to draw a horizontal level line on both sides and the back wall at your mark. Cut platform for farmhouse sink to sit on: Measure the inside dimensions of the sink cabinet (width and depth) and deduct 1/4-inch from each measurement. Cut 3/4-inch plywood using to these measurements using a table saw.
Set the board on top of the ledge boards you installed earlier and note the location of all the plumbing. Use a marker to draw on the plywood all the openings needed to be cut for plumbing. Cut out the openings. Cut the opening for the sink drain pipe slightly larger than the pipe. Test the fit.