With a farmhouse apron front sink, you can give your kitchen the upgrade it needs, both visually and functionally. The only challenge is getting the installation right. This brief apron sink installation guide is your industry standard to help you achieve professional-looking results with your farmhouse or apron sink install. At DuraLedge, we offer proprietary undermount sink brackets that can help significantly with the process of installing a farmhouse sink in existing cabinets.
1. Prep the Area
To begin, shut off the water lines. Disconnect the various fittings and gradually remove the water lines. Then, remove the drainpipe beneath the sink. Remove cabinet contents, drawers, and doors. Remove any base cabinet screws if applicable. Lift the countertops after cutting through the silicone beads with a knife.
2. Measure Front, Install Brackets
Before creating any cut-outs for the cabinet front, use the actual sink or supplied template to trace, perform measurements, and mark for the cuts. Install the DuraLedge bracket that best supports your sink weight to the sides of the cabinet. Easy installation instructions can be found at DuraLedge.com as well as helpful videos.
Be sure your bracket locations leave clearance for the garbage disposal, water line and drains.
3. Cut the Cabinet Front
Continuing with the farmhouse apron sink installation process,verify your measurements and markings on the front of the cabinet where you will fit the new farmhouse sink, it’s good practice to double check everything prior to performing final cuts. To ensure a minimal gap between the cabinet and sink, ensure the maximum sink dimensions are equal to the cabinet opening dimensions.
If you have one of the fake drawers (false panels) under the old sink, pull away any spring clips or other fastener and remove it. Save the false panel to repurpose it later as trim board if applicable.
As required, sand the opening, or add strips of wood filler or spacers to modify the opening.
4. Level and Install the Sink
Position the sink carefully, making sure all 4 brackets are touching the underside, keeping the sink centered in the cabinet. Level the sink, making sure the top of the sink sits just below the top of the cabinet.
5. Install the Countertop
Seal all the edges of the cabinetry and top of the sink using silicone. This will prevent water leakage from the sink to the cabinet and hold the countertops in place. Be sure to let the silicone set up as specified by the product manufacturer.
Using plumber’s putty, install the disposal flange and/or basket strainer. Create a watertight seal between the drain and sink with more plumber’s putty. Install the garbage disposal and plumbing fixtures and connect the drainpipes according to the manufacturer instructions.
6. Install the Cabinet Doors and Frame
If you are using an existing cabinet, the opening of your original cabinet will be different from the new opening size of the cabinet under the sink. There are many online videos to show people how to construct new cabinet doors and install them. Remove all the pulls, screws, and hinges from the doors before attempting any modifications. Alternatively, many companies ship custom cabinet doors nationwide. A Google search should yield good results.
After the completion of the doors, reinstall them to the front cabinet.
To learn about our exclusive undermount sink bracket for installing a farmhouse sink in existing cabinets, call us today at 715.690.4281 or send us a contact form.
**The information contained here should not be taken as professional advice, but rather a general guide to do-it-yourself installation. For best results or professional advice, please consult a professional installer. DuraLedge is not responsible for failure or damage as a result of incorrect sink installation.