Your kitchen’s farmhouse sink will add that special touch that most homeowners crave. Although a farmhouse sink is usually worth the hassle, getting the exact look you want can be difficult because of the exposed apron.
If you follow this guide on how to install a farmhouse sink it will enable you to understand everything you need to know so that your kitchen remodeling or building project does not have to be horribly overwhelming, frustrating, or time-consuming.
No matter if you are remodel your current kitchen or building a new one, you should consider adding a farm sink to it. Farmhouse sinks are normally made with some type of metal or porcelain and are placed in cabinets so that they stick out in front of the cabinets.
In order to install farmhouse sinks you may have to take some additional steps due to their size and weight. In order for a sink of this type to remain stable over a long period of time, extra support from underneath is required.
It is a wise idea to consider installing a farmhouse-style sink if you want to update your kitchen. You will be guided through the steps to installing a farmhouse sink. There are also farmhouse sinks with distinctive features such as single bowl and double bowls.
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Things Need to Consider Before Installing a Farmhouse Sink
As a general rule, farmhouse sinks are more popular and also known as apron-front sinks, are easy to install in place of the existing kitchen sink for a number of reasons, such as the similar size and the ability to simply slide it in after the old sink is removed. But you’d have to spend more time and effort installing closed counter cabinets.
If you are interested in installing a farmhouse sink in your kitchen, then here are a few ideas to help you out.
The Sink’s Weight Should be Checked
Sinks built of stone, granite, concrete, and fireclay can be heavy and can weigh over 300 pounds when full of water.
Before ordering or building the cabinets, make sure you choose cabinets that are able to support the sink’s weight. Moreover, you may require assistance when lifting the sink
Make Sure to Check Farmhouse Sink’s Size
There are different sizes of farmhouse kitchen sinks! Typically, people are unaware of how big their sink should be. Before you decide on a sink size, be sure that it fits in the existing space.
Choosing a sink which is too large or wide may require additional work to install.
Take a look at the image below. Based on the recommended cabinet size for the base (interior width A) it is necessary to have 3″ extra space between the cabinet and the sink.
There is a possibility that a huge difference in size between the sink and your cabinet will make it necessary to hire a professional to install it.
Depending on the type of sink, actual dimensions and inches may vary by about 2%. It’s advisable to wait until you have the sink delivered in order to cut your cabinets doors.
Make Sure to Check Manufacturer’s instructions
When you receive the sink, the manufacturer’s guide may contain any specific instructions or precautions you should follow.
If you follow these instructions, you’ll understand how to install a farmhouse sink that’s specific to a specific brand.
Ensure that there are no damage pieces
You should unpack the farmhouse sink as soon as you receive it and inspect it for any visible damages before the farm sink installation is carried out. It is advised to keep the sink in its protective box until the installation is carried out.
Types of Sink
When it comes to white farmhouse sinks, there are three options to mount them.
Top Mount Sinks
The easier and simplest way to install a farmhouse sink is to use a top mount sink. On the counters, there is a flange that sits in exactly the same place as a standard sink. You can install them on any single type of countertop you desire.
Flush Mount Sinks
This sink is positioned flush with the counter top. Solid surface countertops or custom laminate tops are usually preferred for this type of sink.
Undermount Sinks
As the name implies, these sinks are located completely under the counter. There is a need for a waterproof surface that is cut precisely to fit the sink and faucet. In this tutorial, we will use an undermount sink.
If you are planning to install a farmhouse sink, it is best if you do so undermount.
Materials Required
I have included below a list of the materials and tools you will need for your farmhouse sink installation project.
- Framing Square
- Level
- Tape Measure
- Drill
- Hacksaw
- Wood Braces
- Screws
- Pencil
- Safety glasses
- Silicone Sealant or Caulk
- Support Frames or beams
How to Install a Farmhouse sink
The process of installing a farmhouse sink can begin here once you have reviewed the guidelines, selected the type of installation, assembled all the tools and material that are required for it. Please follow the instructions below in order to start the installation process.
It is important to keep in mind that there are a variety of ways to install a farmhouse sink, therefore you may be required to follow other procedures as well.
Best Steps to Install a Farmhouse Sink
Step 1: Prepare the Kitchen Cabinets as Required.
Make sure that all water lines are shut off. Inside the base cabinet, you will find two valves that operate the water supply to the kitchen.
You will need to disconnect any other fittings from the pipe, then slowly disconnect the water lines. After that, you will need to unplug the drain assembly pipe which is located under the sink.
When water gets trapped in the P-Trap, it is a good idea to place a towel or bucket under it until the water drains. Make sure to follow all the local plumbing codes as well.
After removing everything that is in the cabinet, prepare to take off the lower drawers and the lower cabinet door. Next, you should remove the screws that hold the countertop to the base cabinets.
Then, use a knife to sever the silicone beads that hold the countertop in place so you can lift it up.
When removing lightweight counter, two workers are sufficient, but in the case of heavy countertops made of marble or stone, additional assistance may be needed.
STEP 2: Set Up the Right Support Framework
Farmhouse sinks typically weigh a lot, primarily due to their heavy construction, especially those made of stone, concrete, or fireclay. Due to its weight and other factors, you might not have required a support frame for your previous sink.
Fireclay farmhouse sink installations do not include cut-out templates.
Before any tracing, measuring or marking is done, the actual sink is used as a template for trapping, measurements and marking.
When installing the sink into your cabinet, the inner walls of the cabinet should be marked where the sink base will sit. Also consider the sink’s height based on the type of installation.
You should build this sink’s frame from 2x4s in order to support the weight of at least 300 pounds. You can install the support ledge on either side as well as the back of the cabinet.
Alternatively, if there is a requirement for more support, four vertical 2×4 supports can be affixed. As you are going to mount a trim boards to the 2×4 frame, you should make sure that it fits tightly behind the cabinets.
When you do this, you will be able to save space in your cabinets as the 2×4 frames will run along the sides.
You can also install the undermount installation kit onto the inner wall of the cabinet, as long as the sink weighs less than 100 lbs. The rods can be covered with plywood to form a large, smooth surface, and suitable drain holes can be drilled.
Undermount sinks must be installed at a slight angle under the countertop in order to achieve the recommended installation.
It is essential to measure the distance between the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the sink opening and confirm it is greater than the sink opening height.
Identify the clearance hole in the support for the drain outlet and cut it out. Ensure the diameter of the hole clears the mounting system for the garbage disposal if one is installed.
Ensure the base cabinet is level, finished, installed and plumbed. Make sure there is space for waste water pipes, drain lines and garbage disposals.
STEP 3: Front of Cabinet Must be Measured and Cut
- Mark and measure the area on the front of the cabinet. It is the place where your new farmhouse sink will fit before you make any final cuts.
- In order for the cabinet front of the sink to be cut exactly at the same angle as the sink, we highly recommend making a template out of heavy paper before starting. Due to the shape of some sinks, it is imperative to ensure that the cutout is as accurate as possible.
- To ensure a minimal gap between the sink and cabinet, the cabinet opening should equal the dimensions of the sink.
- You can pull away spring clips to remove the false drawer (the fake drawer below the old sink). I recommend keeping the false panel; it is very useful and you can use it as a trim board when the project is done.
- Depending on the size of the opening, you may have to sand it or add spacers or wood filler strips as necessary.
STEP 4: Level and Install the Farmhouse Sink
- Ensure the sink is centered within the framework of the frame by carefully placing it inside the cabinet.
- Once the sink is in place, make sure it is leveled from the top and the bottom. I would recommend that the surface should be as even as possible on all sides for proper drainage and a good appearance. In order to level the sink, I would recommend you using shims.
- Make sure you use plumber putty to attach the basket strainer and/or disposal flange. It is important to avoid overtightening the drains because this could lead to damage to your sink. By applying plumber’s putty, seal the gap between the sink and the drain so that there will be no water leaks.
- The sealant should be applied between the sink and the cabinet as a gasket, if needed. Installation of the plumbing fixtures and drain pipes as well as garbage disposal should be done in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP 5: Start Setting Up the Countertop
You will need professional assistance due to the possible change in countertop size or a new countertop might need to be bought for the newly installed sink. Using the sink upside down, you will be able to measure and trace the cut-out of the countertop based on its exact dimensions and angle.
The easiest and cheapest way to stop water seeping into your cabinets is to use a silicone sealant to seal all the edges of your sink to the countertop.
STEP 6: Installing the Farmhouse Sink
When you use an existing basin cabinet, the opening size of the newly constructed cabinet will be different than the original one. New cabinet doors are a smart idea.
Disassemble all hardware such as screws, pulls, hinges and other fittings present on the doors and, based on the measurements, cut them as required.
If you want to complete this task, you may need some skills with regards to working with a circular saw and preparing measurements.
As soon as the doors have been installed, you will need to reposition them back onto the front cabinet and the work is completed.
Do you prefer not to build your own cabinet doors? The space under the sink can be covered with a curtain if necessary. Thus, you can save both time and hidden costs, while still achieving the beautiful and traditional effect.
The farmhouse kitchen sink has now been installed and you can enjoy using it for a long time to come.
Conclusion
In conclusion, as long as the problems are addressed during the installation, a farmhouse sink will bring an extremely beautiful, majestic presence to your kitchen.
As mentioned, the apron of the sink is the most difficult part of a farmhouse sink installation – if you have a smaller apron or a more intricate pattern, you may want to consider a pedestal sink.
However, for most regular people, a farmhouse sink is a great addition to any kitchen. Before you know it, you’ll be sitting back and enjoying your stylish, completely customized new copper or stainless steel sink with all the space you could possibly need.
A new farmhouse sink with its flexible, modern shelf maker design will naturally add a flexible, modern touch to your kitchen.
