If you’re thinking of upgrading your kitchen sink, then you will need to know how to install a stainless steel farmhouse sink. Here’s a complete guide and helpful advice.
Not only are the best farmhouse sinks are stylish and luxurious, but they also come with many great features.
In this guide, I will explore everything you need to know about installing a stainless steel farmhouse sink, from the materials you will need to the steps involved.
There are several mounting options available for stainless steel sink installation, but apron front installation is suitable.
Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, read on for everything you need to know about how to install a stainless steel farmhouse sink.
How to Install a Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink
Tools and materials needed:
- Tape measure
- Pencil/ marker
- Drill
- A caulker (Silicone glue gun or any other sealant)
- Jigsaw
- Acetone (to clean any excess sealant)
- Screwdriver
- Wood screws
- Level
- Plywood/ angle iron
- Cardboard
1. Taking Measurement
Measure the available space and then measure the dimensions of the sink according to it.
The sink will perfectly fit in a base cabinet that is three inches bigger than it. The top of your sink should flush with the cabinet top perfectly.
Decide if you want to expose the edges or cover them. In the case of exposed edges, the counters should overlap the sink walls by a quarter of an inch. This covers the gaps and seals the edges completely.
In order to make the sink perfectly fit, you might need to make some amendments to the existing cabinets if you are remodeling a kitchen.
2. Build the Supports
Build the supports underneath to hold the sink safely. You can use plywood or angle irons on the inner side of the cabinets for good, firm support.
Cut out three beams (approximately 2 inches wide)as per the size of the inner side of the cabinets. These will hold the plywood shelf that makes the base of your sink.
Secure them with good-quality screws. Install the plywood shelf to host the sink on it securely.
3. Prepare the Front
Draw a template of your sink on a piece of cardboard if one is not provided by the manufacturer. Precisely trace this template on your cabinet face.
Add 1/16th to a maximum of 1/4th of an inch to the measured height of the sink apron front. Make marks on the cabinet with a pencil or a marker.
Cut the front of the base cabinet using a jigsaw as per this measurement.
4. Fit in the Sink
Carefully place the sink on the plywood support shelf. Once again, make sure the top of the sink is leveled with the cabinet tops all around.
There should be no gaps in between and it should sit perfectly on the support underneath. Use silicone to fill in the minor gaps and secure all sides properly.
You can use acetone to wipe off any extra silicone or any other adhesive that you are using.
Step 6: Cut Countertop
Using the sink template cut the countertops as well. This should be as per your earlier measurements based on your preference for exposed or covered edges.
Place the countertops on the sink and press firmly. Again make use of silicone or any other sealant to seal it in securely.
Any excess sealant oozing out due to pressing can be wiped off later for a clean, finished look.
Step 7: Fix the Cabinet Front
Put everything together by installing the cabinet face and door on the front. This should give everything a complete and finished look.
After securing them in place, see if there are any gaps between the sink and countertop that need caulking. This will ensure no water seeps through any opening and damages the plywood or the wooden cabinets.
Step 8: Plumbing Fixtures
In the end, connect the drain pipe under the sink. Also, connect the water pipes for the faucet and make sure to run water, and check for any leakage.
Assembling the Stainless Steel Sink Faucet
First, read the manufacturer’s manual carefully to see all the important things before assembling the faucet. Then, follow:
- Choose your kitchen faucet as per the holes underneath your sink. More than two holes mean you can also install a soap dispenser and a sprayer along with the faucet. In case you have more holes but only want to install a faucet, then you can cover the rest of the holes using a deck plate. This enables you to benefit from the added features, using these holes anytime you choose to change your mind.
- First of all, set the deck plate by installing the plastic or rubber gasket on the given faucet holes in the sink. Seal the gasket using some kind of caulk like plumber putty or silicone. Wipe off any excess sealant to avoid any mess under the sink.
- Fix in the faucet lines in the holes — secure washers and screws underneath the sink. You will need to attach a supply pipe to the quick connect hose, pull it down and also attach a weight to it. This is required for the pull-down faucets. Attach the water supply and check for any leaks.
- Always clear the lines before use. In order to do this, take the aerator out of the faucet. Let the water run through it for a while to make sure smooth flow of water. Put the aerator back and your faucet is ready to use.
Wrap Up
Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are a sleek fitting in your kitchen that can get along with almost all sorts of kitchen settings.
Following the instructions above, you can install a stainless steel farmhouse sink without any complications.
Make sure to double-check the cut-out size measurements to avoid any misplacement. And, Use a caulking machine to fill all gaps to ensure no leakage.
Adjust the size of your base support as per the size and the weight of your sink. For the heavier sink, you may need to use thicker plywood, but that will guarantee the safety of your fitting.
