Farmhouse sinks may seem old fashioned, but they blend well with any décor style. So, it doesn’t matter if your kitchen is modern or classic. A new farmhouse sink will always look good.
Some people might think that changing an old kitchen sink for a brand-new farmhouse sink is too complicated. But they’re wrong. You just have to follow a series of steps to get the job done.
Today we’ll show you the whole farmhouse sink installation process from start to finish. Just make sure you have all the required tools and materials before you start.
Farmhouse Sink Installation Guide
1. Installation Modes
There are 3 main installation options for kitchen sinks:
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Top mount
They’re mounted on the countertop through a flange around their borders. They’re the easiest to install because they don’t require extra supports. Usually, they’re made of stainless steel or copper, so as not to add too much weight to the countertop.
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Flush mount
They’re mounted at the same level as the countertop. So, their outer edges coincide with the surface. This configuration demands a precise cut in the countertop for a perfect fit.
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Undermount
In this configuration, the outer edges of the undermount sink go just below the countertop. It’s also the most recommended configuration for farmhouse sinks.
Usually, there’s a clearing space of 1/8-inch between the sink and the countertop that’s filled with silicone sealant to prevent leakages.
2. Start Measuring
Before you start, you should know the height of the farmers sink that you’re going to buy. You can find this information on the product features. Then, measure that same height from the bottom of the countertop to the cabinet. That way, you can determine the exact point where the cabinet doors need to be cut.
You must also measure the width of the cabinet to choose an appropriate width.
3. Choose the Right Sink
Now that you know the width of the lower cabinet, it’s time to choose the appropriate width for your new sink. If your cabinet is small, you could choose a single model between 18-20 inches wide. On the other hand, for large cabinets you can opt for single or double bowl models between 30-39 inches wide.
Double models are much more practical, because they allow you to rinse your pans and dishes on one side, and then dry them on the other.
Also, you must choose a durable and resistant material. Fireclay, copper and stainless steel are certainly the best.
4. Be Prepared
Once you receive your new farmhouse sink, it’s time to make plans for the future installation. Before getting started, make sure you have all the required materials, tools and safety equipment. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Safety glasses
- Face mask
- Work gloves
- Measuring tape
- Utility knife
- Claw hammer
- Drill and drill bits
- Pencil and angle square
- Screws
- Circular saw
- 2X4 Boards
- Plywood board
- Finish nailer
- Wood glue
- Monkey wrench
- Teflon tape
- Silicone sealant
- PVC pipes and fittings
- PVC primer and glue
- PVC cutting tool
5. Uninstall the Pipes
Now, you can start uninstalling the pipes. First of all, cut off the water supply. If you aren’t an expert in plumbing, use your cell phone to take some pictures of the current configuration of the pipes. That way, you’ll know which pieces to buy in case you decide to replace everything.
If you have PVC piping, use a PVC cutting tool for clean cuts. Otherwise, use a hack saw. Also, seal the drain after uninstallation to prevent bad odors from escaping. Use a sturdy plastic bag for this purpose.
6. Uninstall the Countertop
If the countertop is bolted to the frame, use a drill or screwdriver to uninstall it. If it’s only fixed with silicone sealant, use a utility knife to cut the material. Then raise the countertop. If the countertop is too heavy, you could ask for someone else’s help to move it.
7. Remove Front Panel, Trim Boards and Cabinet Doors
After removing the countertop, remove the front panel that used to hide the bottom of the old sink. Usually, these elements are set with nails. So, you may use a claw hammer to remove them. Then, do the same with the trim boards around the cabinet doors.
Finally, uninstall the cabinet doors by unscrewing the hinges.
8. Install the Support Frames
Use 2×4-inch boards and plywood to build the frame support on which the farmhouse sink will rest. The upper edge of the sink should be just below the bottom face of the countertop. Use nails and wood glue to build the structure and screws to set it to the main frame.
9. Install the Sink
After installing the support frame, put the sink in place. If you’re using a fireclay farmhouse sink, it won’t be necessary to install extra fastener to keep it steady. Its own weight will be enough.
10. Cut the Countertop
No matter the type of sink you install, the countertop must be cut to provide enough space for the new sink. At this point, it’s better to call a professional to take care of that job. First, they’ll visit your home and make some measurements. Then, they’ll take the countertop to a workshop to make the necessary cuts.
11. Cut the Cabinet Doors
Use the same measurements made in the first step as a reference. Then, draw a line on each cabinet door as a cutting guide. Use a pencil and an angle square for this purpose. Start cutting using a circular saw. Be careful, so the cuts are as clean as possible.
At this point, remove the pullers and hinges from the cabinet doors to work comfortably. In addition, cut the front panel and the trim boards so they fit to the shape of the new sink.
If you want to escape from this step, you could buy new cabinets that fit the new available space. Instructions are included with the installation kit.
12. Finish the New Cabinet
After cutting all the necessary parts, reinstall the front panel, trim boards and cabinet doors on the main frame. Don’t forget to install the pullers and hinges on the cabinet doors before.
13. Install the Countertop
Once the countertop is perfectly cut, it’s time to install it. To do this, you’ll need screws to set it to the main frame. Before placing the piece on the sink, apply enough silicone sealant on the edges. Then, put the piece in place and remove the excess sealant.
You may require someone else’s help if the countertop is too heavy.
Conclusion
As you can see, one of the many benefits of farmhouse sinks is their easy installation process. You only need the necessary materials and tools, free time and motivation. If you follow these installation instructions carefully, you won’t need to pay a contractor to have the kitchen sink of your dreams.
FAQ
Q. 1: Can you install a farmhouse sink in the existing countertop?
A. Yes but you’ll have to call a professional to resize your countertop to ensure a perfect installation.
Q. 2: What is the usual cost to install a farmhouse sink?
A. The price may vary according to the complexity of the work. However, a professional contractor could charge between $250-$800 to do this kind of work.
Q. 3: Do you install a farmhouse sink before countertop?
A. Yes. You must first set the farmhouse sink in place and then install the countertop on top.
Q. 4:Can you install a garbage disposal on a farmhouse sink?
A. Yes. The drain diameter of a farmhouse sink is suitable for installing a garbage disposal.
