If looking forward to remodeling your kitchen with a roomy and ergonomic kitchen sink, you can never go wrong with a farmhouse sink.
Usually installed beneath the counter, a farmhouse sink is easy to clean and provides an attractive centerpiece in the kitchen.
Farmhouse sinks are heavy, very heavy. They thus require a cabinet that is strong enough to support the weight.
So, can you put a farmhouse sink in a regular cabinet? Yes, you can put a farmhouse sink in a standard cabinet. However, you’ll have to make a few modifications to the cabinet to accommodate your sink comfortably.
How to Modify a Regular Cabinet for a Farmhouse Sink
For your apron front sink to fit in a regular cabinet, you have to make a few changes to the cabinet’s structure.
If you are not good at DIY, consider hiring a professional to help with the modification. Otherwise, follow the guide. Wear the proper protective gear and follow all the necessary safety precautions throughout the project.
Tools and Supplies you’ll Require:
- Miter saw
- Jigsaw/oscillating saw
- Table saw
- Construction adhesive
- Plywood
- Measuring tools
- Pencil/marker
- Blocks of wood
- Chisel
- Power drill
- Screws
- Caulking
- Safety goggles
The Modification Process
- Step 1: Measure the cabinet
Since you want the farmhouse sink to fit in properly when you fit it in, take measurements of the regular cabinet.
Measure the width and the distance from the top to the bottom of the drawer opening. Lastly, get the measurements for the distance from the top of your cabinet to the doors.
- Step 2: Remove the False Fronts
The first step is to wear your protective goggles since you don’t want pieces of wood getting into your eyes.
Next, get the power drill and unscrew the screws from the inside of the cabinet. These screws are usually located directly behind the false fronts on the cabinet on ½ -by-6-inch pieces of wood, perpendicular to the false front.
Remove the screws from the false front of the cabinet.
- Step 3: Remove the Face Frame
Unscrew the screws on each side on the interior of the horizontal face frame across the front. Remove the screws at the bottom of the T-shaped piece that connects the cabinet to the face frame.
Using your hammer, knock the piece out of the cabinet and clean off any dried glue.
- Step 4: Measure the Depth of Farmhouse Sink
Take the farmhouse sink measurements from the top lip to the bottom. Add ¾ – inch to the measurement.
Next, transfer the measurement to the cabinet’s interior, from the top edge on both sides vertically. With a straightedge, draw the line across both posts horizontally.
- Step 5: Cut the Studs
Measure the wood blocks and cut two 2 x 4 studs of equal length using a miter saw. Apply the construction adhesive to the studs and screw one across the 2 support frames.
You will need the power drill and 2-inch screws. Ensure that the top edges sit flush with the line.
- Step 6: Cut a Piece of Plywood
Measure the distance between the support frames with a tape measure. Next, ascertain the distance from the front of your cabinet on the inside to the wall.
Cut a piece of ¾-inch plywood according to the measurements using a table saw.
- Step 7: Place the Sink on the Plywood
Here, you might require a pair of helping hands.
Lift the apron sink and carefully place it on the plywood. Ensure that it lies in the center of the plywood.
Mark the locations of the drain/drains and cut out the drain holes with a jigsaw. Do not worry, even if you cut the hole a little larger than required.
- Step 8: Set the Plywood in the Cabinet
Place the plywood into the cabinet and ensure it rests on the horizontal studs you screwed to the support frames on both sides.
Get your power drill and 1 ½ – inch screw and screw the plywood to the studs.
- Step 9: Caulk the Edges and Install the Sink
To seal the spaces on the cabinet, apply a bead of caulk around the edges. Next, place your sink carefully into the opening, allowing the lips to rest on the top of the support frames on both sides.
The bottom of the farmhouse sink should rest on the plywood platform.
And there you have it. Your regular cabinet is modified to hold a farmhouse sink!
Conclusion
Since farmhouse sinks are usually very heavy, you’ll have to make a few adjustments to your regular sink cabinet if you intend to place the fixture on it.
With excellent DIY skills and the right tools, you can modify the unit without the help of a professional. All you’ll need is a pair of helping hands to get the work done.