How to Install a Farmhouse Kitchen Sink

Those looking to take on a big DIY project for their home in this new year will find that installing a farmhouse kitchen sink is a great addition to their existing space. However, finding a design that stands out from the rest isn’t always easy, and it can be challenging to find the right farmhouse sink. In this article, we share a step-by-step guide along with detailed instructions on how you can undertake this change for your home. 

Types of Farmhouse Sink Installation

Lately, farmhouse sinks have become highly popular since they can instantly transform a kitchen’s design while giving it the wow factor, which can be hard to achieve. However, their installation is different from traditional sinks and will present challenges if you’re looking to do it yourself. Farmhouse sinks can be installed in three different ways. 

• Built-up Installation: This leaves the sink sitting above the countertop’s level. 
• Under Mount Installation: An installation technique where your sink sits right below the countertop. 
• Flush Mount Installation: Allows the sink to sit level with your countertop. 

Farmhouse sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, can work well to replace your current sink thanks to their similar size and ease of installation. Below are a few tips and tricks, as well as a detailed breakdown of the installation process to help you with your upcoming kitchen renovation.

Farmhouse Sink Dimensions & Sizes 

If you want to install your farm sink using the undermount option, be sure to get a cabinet that’s 3 inches wider than your sink; this will provide an allowance of 1.5 inches on both sides. Among the most popular sizes of front apron sinks range from 30 inches to 36 inches; other popular sink sizes include 39” if you have the space for a double basin sink. If you’re working in a small kitchen, it’s best to look for smaller sizes between 24 and 26 inches to give your space a more balanced look. 

Be sure to check the size of your farmhouse sink; not all are made equal, and there’s no typical size that will fit everyone, so be sure that your new sink will fit inside the existing space. However, if your sink’s size is vastly different from your cabinet, then you may need to get professional help with the installation. 

What if You Already Have a Base Cabinet? 

Keep in mind that the maximum lengthof your sink should be around ¼” less than the width of your cabinet, while the maximum height of your sink should be the distance between the top of your cabinet doors and the top of your cabinet base. If you plan to get your cabinet doors custom-made, you won’t need to worry about measuring your sink’s height; getting a custom fit will work better.  

What Kind of Farmhouse Sink Should I Get?

Once you figure out the right size for your sink, there are also other options for you to consider, including the design and color of your new farmhouse sink. 

Fireclay Farmhouse Sink 

This is a highly durable option thanks to its manufacturing process; it’s coated using a thick glaze that’s bound to the clay during the firing process. This results in an easy-to-wipe glossy and clean surface over a hard material that’s resistant to stains, scratches, cracks, and chips. For an easy cleanup, be sure to use a warm and soapy cloth. 

Copper Farmhouse Sink 

If you want a centerpiece that will start conversations in the kitchen, a copper sink is a great option. It will offer a gorgeous and rustic look thanks to its living finish, known as the patina. Copper is an eco-friendly and recyclable material — it’s also antimicrobial, which kills a wide range of harmful bacteria. 

Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink 

A stainless steel sink will fit in nicely with modern kitchens and will often be more affordable while coming in a wide range of configurations and different sizes. Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are also very lightweight, which makes them easy to install, plus they’re affordable. 

Tools Needed for Installation 

Here are the tools you’ll need to safely and securely install your new farmhouse sink: 

• Framing Square
• Hacksaw
• Drill
• Pencil
• Tape Measure
• Level
• Support Frames
• Silicone Sealant
• Wood Braces
• Screws
• Safety Glasses

Installing Your Farmhouse Kitchen Sink 

Now that you have everything you need to get started, here’s a breakdown of the steps you’ll need to take to install your new sink. 

Choosing the Right Sink

Before anything else, it’s important to choose the sink you need and be sure to get it early; this is to ensure you don’t experience backorders or freight shipping, which can run one week late. Moreover, fireclay farmhouse sinks are in high demand, so be sure to check the product page for its “get it by” date. 

Preparing Your Kitchen Area 

Be sure to turn off your water lines and disconnect other fittings before removing the water lines. Next, remove the drainpipe under your sink and make sure to observe all of your local plumbing codes. Remove the contents from your cabinet and take out your lower cabinet drawers and doors before removing the screws from the base cabinets. 

You will need the help of someone else to lift your countertop, but if you’re working with a heavy material such as stone or marble, you may need additional people. 

Check Manufacturer’s Instructions

After ordering your sink, be sure to check for any documentation from the manufacturer and check if there are any special requirements for the sink. Some kinds will need some padding installed under them, so be sure to keep this in mind during the install process. 

Building the Support Frame 

Because farmhouse sinks are very heavy, your previous sink may need support frames to offset the weight and other factors. Using your pencil, mark the walls inside the cabinet where the base of your sink should sit, then mark the height while factoring in the installation type. The frame needed for this sink should measure 2×4 and will need to support a minimum of 300 lbs. 

If you need additional support, you can install more frames, but be sure that the frames have a tight fit behind your cabinets since you’ll need to mount a trim board to the frame. To save space, be sure to screw the 2×4 frames to the sides of the cabinet — if your sink is under 100lbs, you can also use an undermount installation kit. Ensure that the sink sits just under the countertop for the best installation.   

Verify your measurements starting from the top of the cabinet to the bottom of your sink to ensure that the sink’s opening is greater compared to the height of the opening. Cut out the drain outlet from the support; the hole’s diameter should clear the garbage disposal mounting system whenever it’s used. The base of the cabinet should be secured, plumbed, installed, and level, so be sure to allow clearance for garbage disposal, drains, and the water supply line. 

Cutting Your Countertops

It’s important to remember that different sinks will have varying wall thickness, and you also need to consider the roundness of your front apron. In some projects, the apron will protrude slightly over the edge of the counter, which ensures that the edges between your counter and sink line up. You’ll also want the roundness of the corners to get past the counter to achieve a professional finish. 

Cutting Your Cabinet Face

Using a template from the manufacturer, cut your cabinet face; you may need to create your own using some cardboard and your sink if a template isn’t readily available. Trace your template around the cabinet face and be as accurate as possible since these cuts will be visible in the end. Next, cut along the lines — ideally, you should do this before painting to sand and paint over rough edges. 

Cut and Measure the Cabinet Front 

Mark and measure the front of your cabinet carefully, where your new farmhouse sink will fit in, while allowing for space before making the final cut. It’s best to create a template using heavy paper so your cabinet is cut at the same angle as your sink — some sinks will taper slightly, so it’s essential to ensure that your cutout is accurate. If you’re working with a false panel (a fake drawer under your old sink), you can remove it by pulling out the spring clips.

Level and Install Your Farmhouse Sink

Now it’s time to position your sink inside the frame while making sure to center your sink in the cabinet. Level your sink to make sure it’s straight from top to bottom; it should be even throughout all sides so the water drains properly. If necessary, apply some sealant between the cabinet and sink before installing the garbage disposal and plumbing fixtures.  

Finishing Your Cabinet Fronts and Installing Counters 

Now is the time when all your hard work comes together, so start by installing the cabinet doors and face to finish the front of the cabinet, along with the installation of the counter and plumbing. When your counters are in place, protect the edges of your sink from moisture damage by caulking the edges of your sink.  

Installing the Countertop 

Depending on the size of your countertops or if you plan to get a new countertop, you may need professional help to ensure it’s well adjusted with your newly installed sink. You’ll need to use your sink upside down to start tracing the cutout of your countertop while getting precise measurements. Be sure to get a silicone sealant over all the edges of the sink to seal it to the countertop; this will prevent water from leaking into the cabinet. 

Installing Your Cabinet Frame and Doors 

The opening of the cabinet under your sink will now be different from your old cabinet if you’re working with an already existing one. Now you can build new cabinet doors as well as install them, but be sure to remove all the hardware, such as pulls, screws, and hinges, according to the right measurements. Once you finish your doors, you can install them back onto the cabinet, and you’re all done! 

Conclusion

Now that you know how to implement a farmhouse sink style installation into your kitchen, you’ll want to consider other factors, such as the sink weight and whether your current design can hold it. Other factors to consider include your personal preference and whether you want to achieve a more modern look. 

Sources 

• annieandoak.com
• thesinkboutique.com
• annieandoak.com