A farmhouse sink is obviously something that can change the whole view of your kitchen. But the most challenging part of getting a farmhouse sink is not only choosing the right one but also getting it installed in the right way.
Today I am going to share some information and instructions with you about getting a farmhouse sink installed.
Installation of a farmhouse can be really tricky if you don’t know what aspects that you need to be aware of. Let me explain you the process of installation first, then I will move on to other related topic that will include several aspects that need to be on the concern list to ensure the perfect installation.
Farmhouse sinks come with different shape that also includes the number of bowls. There are sinks available with single, double bowls. Those who are highly habituated to using single bowls doesn’t think of getting a change in that one.
But those who are aware of the fact that double bowl can be really comforting, they always prefer getting the double bowled farmhouse sinks. Though the function of these sinks varies from each other, but when it comes to installing them the process is quite similar.
These days under-mount sinks are mostly seen in farmhouse kitchens, though you will get farmhouse sinks that can easily drop in on the countertops.
In case your kitchen is of laminate counter top, you can get a drop-in sink that will perfectly be able to cover the cut edge of the hole that you cut for the sink earlier. Due to having an apron front, these sinks are quite similar from the outlook, perspective to the Undermount models.
Now let’s come to the main installation process. If you have hired professionals to get the job done, then you don’t need to worry about how to get it installed and what tools to be required to finish the job properly.
As they are professionals they know their do’s and Don’ts. But if you have decided to do it by yourself, then you are going to need some tools to ensure the perfect accomplishment of the task. The prime reason for mentioning these are because some of us wants to save as much money as possible.
12 major tools that need to install a farmhouse sink
As the farmhouse sinks are quite expensive but also have some cheap farmhouse sink, getting the help of the professionals will increase the financial burden rather than decreasing it.
So you have decided to do it by yourself, then these are the major tools you are going to need to get the job done along with the primary tools.
Safety glasses:
One of the most essential tools while you are about to install the sink by yourself is the safety glasses. For obvious reasons there will a lot of “cutting and tearing” part.
So, you need to really careful while doing the installation part. For saving your eyes from any kind of harm, you and your helping partner, both need to grab a pair of safety glasses.
Framing square:
The right measurement is the key to perfect installation over here. So, for getting the perfect measurement of the square portions at the time of the installation, keep a framing square nearby.
Tape:
as I mentioned earlier, measurement is the key to the perfect installation over here. So, for taking the perfect measurement while cutting wooden bars and other stuff, keep the measurement tape in your pocket.
Braces:
For supporting the heavy weight of the sink, wooden braces are highly important. Their absence will make the installation incomplete and can cause the falling down of the sink. And I am quite sure that you don’t want that to happen.
Hacksaw:
Hacksaw is Important. The major tool you need for tearing part. Moreover, for giving the woods the proper shape according to the measurement, you don’t have much of an option but that.
Drill:
while installing the wooden bars that you have just shaped, need to get attached to the frame and for that you are going to need a drill.
Oscillating saw:
The bottom of the cabinet is not something that you can penetrate with a hacksaw. For installing the support for the sink you need to cut some holes in the bottom and without an oscillating saw, that’s going to be really difficult.
Support frames:
For holding hold the whole sink’s structure you are going to need that.
Pencil:
After taking the measurements, mark them with the pencils. So that you can cut and set things on the right scale.
Level:
Before starting the whole installation process, make sure that the surface of the countertop is not unequal by checking it by the level.
Silicon sealant:
Silicon sealant is something that you need to get the wooden pieces together.
6 Important Steps to Install a Farmhouse Sink
Now let’s come to the steps that you need to go through to ensure the perfect installation of the farmhouse sink in your kitchen.
Step – 1: Disconnect the old sink
The first thing that needs to be done is disconnect the existing sink. While doing that, make sure that you have good helper who is handing you the tools over so that won’t have to get up again and again to get them.
Keep a plastic bin and towel close by so that you can use them quickly if there is any kind of leakage of water while you are getting the plumbing disconnected.
Step – 2: Take out the counter top
The next step is to take out the counter top. If it is laminated, then it won’t be much of a struggle.
It will be better if you can take the whole counter top outside intact, so that while reshaping it for your new farmhouse sink, you won’t have to worry anymore about the dust while cutting it. Though it might not always be possible to get out without cutting, due do their bigger sizes.
Step – 3: Cut the supporting frames
As you know farmhouse sinks can be really heavy, so you need to make sure that your existing kitchen cabinet is strong enough to hold the weight.
So when your cabinet lack that support for your sink you need to cut some supporting frames for that. For doing so, first of all you need to cut some wood bars based on the assumption of support required for the sink.
After cutting the wooden bars, mark the bottom of the cabinet with the pencil according the wooden bars you have cut to support the sink. Then, with the help of an oscillating saw, you will have to make space to insert the bars.
For supporting these bars to hold the weight in a more accurate and proper way, you will have to attach some wood braces with the size of 2”X4”. Another cross piece along with that shall also be added for some additional support.
Step – 4: Notching out the front of the cabinet
The front of the cabinet will also have to be notched out, so that you can fit the front apron of the sink. If you are confused about how to get the right size to cut the front down, then you can use the template that you’ve got with the sink.
It will help you understand where you need to cut to get the sink fit. For that you can use some handsaw and for some aspects you might need to take help a jigsaw as well. It can be a little difficult and you might find it tough to give a smooth shape.
But there is nothing to worry about that as it will be under the front apron of the sink. The bearing surface needs to be 5 to 8 inches below the counter top level. So, for securing that space you can use posts with a size of 4”X4”.
Step – 5: The test fit
Now it is time for the test fit. The sink is going to be really heavy, so don’t even think about doing it alone. You might end up in injury. Check if the sink is sitting on its position perfectly. It should be perfect if the previous steps are done perfectly.
Step – 6: Set up the countertop
Now set the countertop up. Use the right material for the countertop, so that it can be easily to clean and give your kitchen a great look.
Though most of the people want to get the help of the professionals for getting the farmhouse sinks installed.
But some yet think that doing it by themselves may get them a better work. It is not that they are only thinking about the money, but they think that the doing their own work might give the work and its image a different edge.
Moreover, saying to the people that they have installed the beautiful all by themselves can create a great impression over others. So, if you are one of them, you need to be careful and do things as above mention, then might get a sweet result of your attempt.