How to Install a Farmhouse Sink
With its nostalgic exposed front-facing side, functionality and durability, a farmhouse sink (also called an apron front sink) makes a great addition to any traditional or country-style kitchen. Learn how to install a farmhouse sink in this Lowe’s video:
Farmhouse sinks can be mounted three different ways.
- Top mount sinks are the easiest to install. There’s a flange that sits on the countertop just like a regular sink. They can be installed on any type of counter surface.
- Flush mount sinks sit even with the top of the counter. They typically requires a solid surface or custom-made laminate top.
- Undermount sinks sit completely underneath the counter. They require a waterproof top that is custom cut for the sink and faucet.
Farmhouse sinks are available in cast iron or stainless steel and are really heavy, so they will require some additional support.
The plan for a project like this is to remove the old sink and countertop, prep the cabinet, install the new sink and finish by installing new counters and faucet. If your new top is stone, a countertop installer is going to measure your cabinets and sink to create a custom top. Some installers require a farmhouse sink to be installed before measuring. Have your faucet, soap dispenser, or any other accessories that need a hole drilled on site for them. It’s also a good idea to ask the installer if there’s anything you need to do to prepare for the installation.
Most manufacturer instructions will include measurement requirements for your cabinet. For this sink, the following measurements were needed: the width of the cabinet, the distance from the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the drawer opening or screw holes to make sure it was shorter than the apron, and the distance from the top of the cabinet to the doors to make sure the apron wouldn’t interfere with the doors. If your sink is near a corner, just make sure that adjacent doors, drawers or dishwashers will clear the apron front.
It’s a good idea to take a picture of your drain setup prior to removing the old sink in case you need it for future reference.
1. For a typical sink removal, turn off the water and disconnect the plumbing. Remove the disposal. Remove the sink clips underneath. Cut the sealant on top and pull out the sink.
2. You may have to lower the plumbing to clear the bottom of the sink basin.
- For PVC, mark your length and cut it with a hacksaw or PVC cutter, then remove the burrs with 80 grit sandpaper outside the pipe and inside the pipe fitting. Just dry fit the PVC drain right now. You can secure it when the sink is in place.
- For copper pipes and water valves, use push connect fittings. Cut the copper with a pipe cutter, secure it, spin it, and gradually tighten it until it cuts through. Deburr the pipe with a special tool, then slide on the push connect fitting.
3. Remove the countertop. If it’s screwed down, you can simply use a screw gun to back out the screws, but if it’s glued down, use an oscillating saw to get between the counter and the cabinet.
4. Make sure the cabinets are even and level. Use shims if needed to level the cabinets.
5. Prep the cabinet. Remove the doors to ensure they don’t get damaged and make acces easier. Take off any false front drawers and remove any screws or brackets that might be in the way.
6. Cut the cabinet. The sink featured in this video came with a template to cut out the front of the cabinet. Take painters tape and mask off the areas that are going to be cut so they don’t get splintered with the saw. Mark the center of the cabinet for a template, then line up the cutout template and tape it in place. Trace the template onto the cabinet, then remove the template. Cut the outline with a jigsaw or oscillating saw. Sand it smooth if it’s a little rough.
7. Install supports. Make sure your sink top is even with the top of your cabinets so the countertops sit correctly (some things can sit a little bit lower but never higher). Measure the thickness of the sink and transfer that to the cabinet walls. For the sink featured in this video, the instructions state the support should sit 5/8 ” below the top. Mark the line with a straight edge. Apply construction adhesive to a horizontal 2×4 supports, pull them in place and secure them with screws. Then add vertical supports that extend to the base of the cabinet.
8. Set the sink (you’ll most likely need an extra pair on hands for this task). If it’s a little low, use shims to raise it. Double check the height.
Once the sink is in place, you can call your installers to install your new top.
