How to Install a Farmhouse Sink in Existing Cabinets?
So, all the existing cabinets in your kitchen are not meant for farmhouse sinks but now you want to install a farmhouse sink in those existing cabinets since you are remodeling the entire kitchen. Right?
Well, that actually sounds like a problem especially when you have a base cabinet as you will need to figure out what these cabinets can easily accommodate.
You need to consider a lot of elements before buying a farmhouse sink that is extremely larger and heavier than the standard sink you see in every kitchen. What’s more interesting is, these sinks get heavier when they are filled with 300lbs water. Thus, when you install them to your cabinets, it might be possible that your cabinets won’t support their heavyweight, and eventually the whole process cause troubles.
But don’t worry. That doesn’t mean that you cannot install a farmhouse sink in your existing cabinets. You are just required to make different modifications so you can easily fit them into the cabinets without causing any problems. Your existing cabinets should be strong enough that they can easily bear the weight and size and can comfortably accommodate the new sink.
However, if you follow the right steps and instructions, you can easily install a farmhouse sink in your existing cabinets without even some professional assistance. How? Let’s find out in this detailed guide and learn the process of installing farmhouse sink into the existing cabinets.
Tools You Need for Installing Farmhouse Sink:
Before starting the process, it’s important to gather some necessary tools and equipment that can help you complete the process smoothly and quickly.
- Screw gun
- Power drill
- Measuring tool
- Pencil
- Jigsaw
- Construction adhesive
- Woodblocks
Estimate the Dimensions Before Installing a Farmhouse Sink in Your Existing Cabinets:
Now let’s measure and estimate the dimensions of the farmhouse sink that you want to install.
You will find different dimensions of farmhouse sinks when it comes to installing them in the cabinets.
But you need to choose the ‘minimum base cabinet size’ which is recommended by every professional.
Now the typical ‘minimum base cabinet size’ is approximately 3-4 inches larger than the standard length of a farmhouse sink you wish to install. Here we have some exceptions too.
When you approach a skilled plumber or a professional person who have the right expertise and proven experience in these type of remodeling projects, you are actually doing it in the right way. The professional person can help you install large sinks as he knows all the nitty-gritty details. But it doesn’t mean that a beginner cannot do the job. By following the right sets of instructions, you can do it efficiently.
When you have to choose a new farmhouse sink, you need to look for these things.
- Check the ideal dimensions of your farmhouse sink
- Check how the base cabinet should be modified so it can safely and easily accommodate the new heavy sink.
If you are considering the side-to-side length of your sink, then remember it should be always around 0.25 inches lesser than the inner width of the cabinet. There is no possible way a person can accommodate a heavy sink without ripping apart the adjoined cabinets.
Process of Installing Farmhouse Sink in Existing Cabinets:
Have a look at the below process for installing a farmhouse sink in your existing cabinets.
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Dismantle Your Countertop and Remove Old Sink:
The first and foremost thing is, remove your old kitchen sink. It will be a little tricky, so you need to remove the countertop before removing the sink. By doing this, you can easily see the plumbing and overall connections of your previous sink. Now the countertops are quite big and heavy, so you may need to cut them into multiple pieces so you can easily remove them.
Be sure to keep all the necessary tools and equipment around before you dismantle your countertops. Also, get the help of a family member during the process so you could finish it quickly and easily. A third person can assist you with handing in different necessary equipment.
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Cut the Supporting Frames:
After getting an accurate measurement of your farm sink, you need to cut the supporting frames. Because farmhouse sinks are extremely large and heavy in size than a regular kitchen sink, so it’s important then your frame should be sturdy, durable, and strong which can easily hold the weight of the sink.
Your existing cabinets need a lot of modification because they have to hold the sink firmly and aesthetically into its place. Wooden bars are quite efficient enough in providing support to the existing cabinets. So, you need to cut them according to the size you want, and then adjust them in the right position. After that, you can attach wood braces so they can offer an accurate amount of support and stability.
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Adjust your Cabinet Front:
If you want to install the farmhouse sink in your existing cabinets, it’s important to notch out the front side of your cabinet. Check out the user manual and other templates that come with your brand-new farmhouse sink so you can get the accurate measurements of the front side of your cabinet. It will help you cut the cabinet correctly.
When you check the templates, you will easily get the exact measurements that you need to adjust the farmhouse sink. Make sure you buy a sharp that can smoothen the edges of your existing cabinet after the sink is adjusted to its place.
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Check if the Sink is Fitted Correctly:
Now it’s time to check if your sink is fitted correctly. Make sure there is no gap between your farmhouse sink and its frame. If you find any gap, adjust it right away. Once you adjust the sink perfectly, take care of plumbing connections as well before placing the countertop.
You can also new pipes as well as different accessories for plumbing connections if your old connections are not working or worn out. It’s recommended to secure your connection with a high-quality PVC sealant so you can prevent different types of leaks. However, let it cure before testing the connections.
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Adjust the Countertop:
The process of installation is completed so now you can adjust the countertop back to its place.
You can also use your old countertop if it’s not destroyed during the removal process. Or if you want to buy a new one for a more refined look, then it’s better to get the stylish one based on your sink and other kitchen interiors.
So, let’s adjust the countertop to its secure place and make sure it’s firmly adjusted. Moreover, try to choose a countertop that is sturdy and strong and cannot be damaged by different elements like water or other things in the kitchen.
Well, yes it might be a little tempting and overwhelming, but trust us, installation of a heavy farmhouse sink to your existing cabinets is really a fun job to do. It’s not some kind of delicate task that you cannot do without professional assistance. When you follow the right sets of instructions and get the help of a family member, then we are sure that you can do it in a more fun and exciting way. It may take some more time, but the process will be worth remembering.
Can We Install a Farmhouse Sink in Old Cabinets?
The next question most people ask today is, is that possible if we install a farmhouse sink in old cabinets that have rust stains and damages?
Well, the answer is Yes! You can do it, but you have to be more careful.
First of all, you need to get accurate measurements, so you ensure the right fit. Remove all the old countertops before the installation of your sink.
After that, cut out some portions that are connecting or interfering with the sink. And the install your new countertops and sink; make sure you trimmed off the additional material, and you are all done successfully.
There are some things that you need to remember before installation: farmhouse sinks are heavier than regular sinks, some it’s possible that if the cabinets are very old, they do not offer any kind of additional support to the sink. But you can also tackle this thing with wooden blocks.
Wood blocks can help give extra strength, comfort, and durability to the frame, which means you can do it with your old countertops and cabinets as well.
Final Verdict:
Farmhouse sinks are different than standard sinks. They are heavy, large, and sturdy than other regular sinks. They are also quite expensive as they feature a large capacity. So, before you are installing them in your existing cabinets, make sure you are modifying them so they can accommodate the extra weight and size of the sink.
Especially if you are in search of a high-quality and durable farmhouse sink, then visit KibiUSA as we have an extensive collection of farmhouse sinks for every need and budget. Even the sinks have surpassed all the durability standards. Also, go through the installation guide once so you can do is it easily without any professional help.