Informational Guide

How To Install A Farmhouse Sink

Read our how-to guide on the most important aspects of farmhouse sink installs.

by Holly Curell

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A farmhouse sink is a drop-in model with a protruding front-facing side. A farmhouse sink is ideal when you need a sink that blends in with your kitchen counter. The design will be durable and can work for many purposes.

You can find many outstanding farmhouse sink models for your home, including single and double-bowl units and a few copper-based choices. But you must also know how you’re going to install your sink. This guide will help you understand how to install a farmhouse sink the right way.

Getting the Right Sink

You should choose a suitable sink that fits your kitchen and your usage demands. You can find sinks in many forms, including in single and double-bowl layouts. A single-bowl model provides more capacity, but a double-bowl sink is best when you need to manage two separate functions in the same space.

Measuring & Determining the Size

Farmhouse sinks come in multiple sizes. You should find one that fits your kitchen based on your cabinet’s size and dimensions. You can use a few steps for measuring the appropriate size for your sink:

  1. 1
    Use a measuring tape to review the sink length. Measure from the back of the counter against the wall to the edge nearest you. You can figure out the longest possible length for your sink. It is safe for the front face to stick out a small bit.
  2. 2
    Measure the width by taking the tip of the measuring tape against the outside edge of an adjacent drawer and then moving it to the nearest edge on the other side.
  3. 3
    Review the depth by measuring the top of the countertop to the top of the cabinet underneath the sink.

You can remove one or two inches from each measurement to add a small buffer space between parts. These totals should help you figure out the farmhouse sink dimensions for your kitchen.

Farmhouse Sink Materials Explained

Materials

You can use one of many compounds in your farmhouse sink, including the following:

  • Fireclay
    Fireclay is a material made with clay and glaze. The two items are fused at intense heat to create a ceramic material.
  • Stainless Steel
    Stainless steel features iron-based alloys that do not rust and provide flexibility.
  • Copper
    Copper features a dark appearance and can support intense heat.
  • Porcelain
    Porcelain is a white ceramic formed by heating building materials in a kiln by thousands of degrees.
  • Natural Stone
    A natural stone look has a more distinct body and can handle scratches and excess weight.

Finishes

You can also add a finish to your farmhouse sink. Some of the more common choices for a sink finish include:

  • Hammered (for copper)
  • Brushed, satin, or shine (for stainless steel)
  • Fluted or smooth (for fireclay)

Different Types of Sink Installation

You can utilize one of three choices for when you install your sink:

  • Undermount
    An undermount farmhouse sink sits underneath the counter. The top must be cut for your sink and faucet for a secure fit.
  • Top mount
    A top mount farmhouse sink features a flange that lies on the countertop. The flange is a continuation of the sink body and serves as a border.
  • Flush Mount
    A flush mount sink sits evenly with the rest of the counter. The sink works best on laminate tops.
What’s the Best Sink Installation Choice?

The undermount installation process is the best one to utilize. An undermount installation provides a recessed body that keeps the sink from protruding too much on the top.

Tools and Materials Needed For Installation

The process for how to install a farmhouse sink will require many plumbing tools. Here’s a look at what you will need:

  • A framing square
  • Tape measure
  • Drill
  • Screws
  • Hacksaw or another small cutting tool
  • Level
  • Sealant; a silicone-based material is ideal
  • Plywood materials for the support
  • Wood pieces for assisting the support; 2x4 items are best
  • Safety equipment, including gloves and glasses

Preparing the Area

You have to start your installation effort by preparing the area you will support. The preparation effort can work on a new cabinet space if planned ahead of time, but you can also make it work in existing cabinet space.

You must prepare the area to install a farmhouse sink in existing cabinets. The effort includes removing any existing sink features in the spot. You can plan the space with a few steps:

  1. 1
    Remove any drawers from the cabinet space that your sink will be near.
  2. 2
    Clear any tracks underneath the top of the cabinet. These include lines for drawers.
  3. 3
    Allow for some room for the drain, the garbage disposal, and your water supply lines. You may need to add a few extra inches from the bottom part of the sink for these spaces.
  4. 4
    Turn off the water leading to the area and disconnect the plumbing fixtures.
  5. 5
    Cut the sealant material on the top part of the water space to loosen an old sink. Remove any sink clips under the body to loosen the spot.
  6. 6
    You can use your hacksaw to cut the pipe fitting if your new farmhouse sink is going to be deeper than the old one.
  7. 7
    Draw an outline on the countertop for where the sink will enter.
  8. 8
    Cut the countertop based around the framework. You can use your hacksaw or another cutting device for the process.

Building a Support Frame

The materials used in building a farmhouse sink body are heavy. You’ll need a support frame to support the sink’s weight, regardless of whether it is a corner farmhouse sink or something in the middle of the kitchen.

Here’s how you can build a support frame:

  1. 1
    Draw marks on the wall where the sink base will appear. You can use your level to ensure an even layout on those lines.
  2. 2
    Cut your 2x4 wood materials to fit the space.
  3. 3
    Use a drill and some screws to support the 2x4 pieces on the sides under the wall marking. Keep the bits about half an inch lower than the mark. Space the screws evenly on each piece.
  4. 4
    Add a plywood shelf on top of the 2x4 parts. Use your drills and some screws to secure the plywood in its place.
  5. 5
    Use a saw to add holes in the spaces where the plumbing fixtures and connections will enter.

Placement of the Sink

You can add your sink to the countertop at this juncture. You should test the sink first by adding it on top of your support frame. The test ensures the supports can handle the weight. Use your level to see that the sink will rest well without tilting at an angle. You can sand the wood parts down in their place where they need to be narrow if you have any concerns there.

You can then add the sink in its proper place while adding a silicone sealant to the gaps between the sink and countertop. The sealant ensures a firm hold while keeping the sink from shifting. You must let the silicone dry for about 24 hours before you continue.

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Installing Countertops and Cabinets, Faucets, and Drainboard

You should then take care of a few other things when getting your farmhouse sink ready. You can do the following:

  1. 1
    Refine the countertop features around your sink. You can add a new countertop if you wish.
  2. 2
    Add new cabinets under the space if you can include any.
  3. 3
    Install a faucet for your sink. Your sink should fit into whatever holes your sink can support.
  4. 4
    You can install a drainboard that will go next to your pan, although that is not for all plans.

The Final Touches

Here are a few final parts of how to install a farmhouse sink that you can utilize:

  1. 1
    Secure the tub to your plumbing fixtures. You can apply a new connection between the end of the sink and the plumbing setup if necessary.
  2. 2
    Connect the garbage disposal to the appropriate area. You might need to add the proper electrical connections to make it work.
  3. 3
    Finish the cabinet fronts and ensure everything is sanded well.

People Also Ask (FAQs)

Can you topmount a farmhouse sink?

You can topmount a sink with a flange that sits on the countertop. The design is similar to what you’d find out of a traditional sink, but it requires a thicker space.

Can you retrofit a farmhouse sink?

You can add a new faucet or garbage disposal to a farmhouse sink, but you might have to cut some spaces or reorganize connections when retrofitting your sink.

How much does it cost to install a farmhouse sink?

You can spend about $300 to $800 to do a DIY install of a farmhouse sink. The cost will vary by how many materials are necessary and how heavy the sink is. You can expect to spend more if you have something that might take extra time to handle. Alternatively, get a quote from a local plumber using the form below.

How long does it take to complete a farmhouse kitchen sink installation?

You can expect to spend two to three days to install your sink. The project involves technical and plumbing aspects, plus the need to install a new support system. You must also wait 24 hours after you add your silicone sealant.

What are some good resources for this job?

You can find many online databases that will review points on how well you can install a farmhouse kitchen sink. You can read the Plumbing Lab website to see what you can do for your work needs. You can also check out different videos online to see what you can do when installing a sink.

Conclusion

The process of installing a farmhouse sink doesn't have to be as tough as you would expect. Be sure to plan your sink layout well and note how you plan everything to make it work. You should also check around to find a top-rated sink for your use, like the Kraus 36 Inch 60/40 farmhouse sink.

Holly Curell is the editor extraordinaire for Plumbing Lab. Having grown up in Michigan, Holly has spent time living in New York, Virginia, & currently North Carolina, where she lives with her husband & family. Holly loves DIY & has years of experience with at-home plumbing problems that arise from having 3 kids & living in colder climates. When she's not writing about her plumbing knowledge, Holly enjoys reading, hiking & relaxing with family.

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