A stainless steel farmhouse sink may seem old fashioned but blends well with any kitchen style. It doesn’t matter whether your kitchen is modern or traditional; it’ll always look great.
Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are also easy to keep clean, shiny and pretty. They are also versatile and easy to install.
If you think that installing a stainless steel farmhouse is too complicated, you’re wrong. You just need to follow a series of steps to get the job done.
To install your sink successfully, we’ve compiled this guide for you. Just ensure that you have every tool and material required to complete the installation process before you get started.
Recommended Tools and Materials
- Saw blade
- Framing Square
- Pencil
- Silicone sealant
- Screws
- Plywood
- Tape measure
- Level
- Teflon tape
- Framing material
- Cabinet fillers
Step by Step Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink Installation Guide – DIY Tips
1. Choose the Right Sink Size
The first thing you need to do is ensure that you get a sink to fit your kitchen space. For instance, you can’t go for a double bowl stainless steel sink when you have limited kitchen space.
Most single bowl farmhouse come in sizes 30-33 inches. If you have enough space to fit in a double bowl sink, a 36 -39-inch size will work great.
2. Build the Base Cabinet
Each sink comes with a base cabinet size recommendation. You, therefore, need to determine what size of the sink your cabinet can accommodate.
If you don’t have a base cabinet, choose any sink size that you’re sure will fit your kitchen size. After that, all you’ll have to do is create a base cabinet that is wide enough to fit your sink.
If you already have an existing base cabinet, get the dimensions of the sink and customize the cabinet to fit in well. Ensure that the side to side length of the sink is ¼ inch less than the width of the cabinet.
3. Cut the Countertops
If installing the sink in existing cabinets, measure the old sink, remove it and then measure the existing cutout of the countertop.
However, if installing the stainless steel sink and new countertops, ensure that you measure the sink before cutting a hole in the countertop.
If installing the sink along with the countertop, you have two countertop cutting options. You can choose to cut it in a design that allows you to see the edges of the sink (exposed edge option) after you install it.
You may also opt to cut it in a way that enables you to cover the edges of the sink making them invisible completely.
To cut the countertop with ease, take your stainless steel sink and lay it on cardboard (upside down). Trace the outline with a pencil to make a template.
Start cutting at the top of the cabinet with the saw and follow the curve. Sand out all the rough spots after you finish cutting.
4. Cut the Cabinet Face
To install your sink successfully, you need to figure out the height for the front of the base cabinet. You also need to verify (by measuring) that the distance from the top of your cabinet is greater than the apron front.
If the sink comes with a template, you’re lucky enough as all you’ll have to do is place it onto the cabinet face and trace the outline with pencil markings. If not, you’ll have to create just like you did above. Cut the cabinet face with the help of the markings.
5. Build the Support Frame
No matter how your sink weighs, you have to build a support frame for it.
For a sink that weighs less than 100lbs, use ½ inch plywood for the support frame. One that weighs 100-150lbs requires thicker plywood of about 5/8-inch thickness.
Cut 2 x4 inch planks to make legs and sides supports. You also need a ¾ inch thick plywood board for the “tabletop” to support the sink but leave enough room for plumbing.
Ensure that the top of your sink doesn’t extend above the top of your base cabinet as it’ll interfere with countertop installation.
Position and level the front, back and sides support and then secure them with screws. After that, cut 2 lengths of horizontal supports and secure them with construction adhesive and screws.
6. Test the Sink
Carefully lift the sink and slide it onto the support to verify whether the frame holds it perfectly in place. You also have to push it in to confirm that the apron front is flush as required and verify that your sink is level as well. If not, you’ll have to make adjustments where needed.
7. Install the Countertops
Now that you have the sink in place, it’s time to install the countertops. To do so, start by cleaning the sink’s edge and countertop. After that, apply the silicone sealant around the sink and position it carefully to the countertop.
Apply the sealant where the sink meets the cabinet and countertop and immediately remove any excess sealant. You can also choose to wait until it dries and then use sandpaper to scrap it out.
8. Install the Cabinet Face and Doors
The new opening size of your sinks cabinet will be different from the original if using an existing cabinet. You, therefore, need to build new doors and install them.
Remove all hardware such as hinges, screws and pulls from the doors and cut them according to the measurements. Once done, install them back and get your front cabinet done.
If you don’t want to build new cabinet doors, you can cover the open area with a curtain. This will not only save you time and money but also give you a vintage chic look.
9. Install the Plumbing
After installing the countertop and cabinet front, the faucet and the garbage and drainage disposal remains. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to install the faucet.
Connect all the piping and drain and caulk the edges to prevent leaks. To verify that your sink is leak-free, run water into the sink and carefully check all connections.
If there are no leaks, that’s it; your farmhouse stainless steel sink is now successfully installed.