Do you need a special cabinet for a sink?

Author: Kraig Reilly  |  Last update: Thursday, September 7, 2023

No matter what you do, you will most likely need a special or custom cabinet to accommodate your new farmhouse or apron sink. This is because there are many styles of sink designs and how they need to be installed, typically requires a non-standard cabinet. The two most common types are Drop-in or Undermount.

Can I put a sink in any cabinet?

Yes, you definitely can! Something you should keep in mind, though, is you'll have to cut out the front of the cabinet and remove the counter top prior to farm sink installation. If you want to make the job easier, consider getting a retrofit farmhouse sink, which is meant for a standard kitchen sink base.

Can you use a regular cabinet for a farmhouse sink?

To make space for the extra-large sink, you'll need an 'apron-skirt' cabinet design. A farmhouse sink can't fit into the usual drop-in sink space and extends over the top quarter of the lower cabinet. This requires a full re-design of the cabinet and countertop where your farmhouse sink is installed.

What is different about a sink base cabinet?

A sink base cabinet has been specially crafted to use with a sink. The cabinet does not have a back panel, which allows plenty of room for access to the plumbing. Sink base cabinets also do not have drawers, which interfere with the water lines, waste traps and any other pipes that are under the sink.

What size cabinet do I need for a sink?

You should have roughly 24'' from front to back to work with, which will be enough space for any standard sink. It's unlikely that you run into trouble with this dimension, but it's good to double-check just in case.

Quick Tip Tuesday: The Best Kitchen Sinks for a 30" Sink Base Cabinet

Will a 27 inch sink fit in a 30-inch cabinet?

The most common sink sizes for a 30-inch cabinet are 24 to 27 inches wide. These sizes offer a comfortable fit within the cabinet and provide enough room for daily use.

What size cabinet do you need for a 36 inch sink?

TIP: Standard cabinet sizes are in 3” increments. I.E.: 27”, 30”, 33”, 36”, etc. In general your sink should be at least 2-3” smaller than your cabinet size.

What can I use as kitchen sink cabinet?

As for what your cupboard should be made out of, the pros recommend melamine, solid wood, or plywood. “Definitely avoid particleboard, as it can't handle the weight requirements of most sinks and is damaged by water much easier than the alternatives,” says Dashevsky.

What is a standard sink base cabinet?

Most base cabinets come in widths that accommodate the standard kitchen sink sizes. A 30-inch wide or a 36-inch wide cabinet are most common. The height of the cabinet can be customized, but 36 inches is average. A typical 33 x 22-inch sink will fill a 36-inch base cabinet.

What is a typical sink base cabinet?

Standard sink base cabinet dimensions range from 30 to 42 inches wide. 30 inches is the standard single basin sink base width. 33 inches is the typical double-basin, offset sink cabinet size. 36 inches is the standard double-basin sink cabinet dimension.

Can you modify a cabinet for a farmhouse sink?

Yes and no, there is a specific cabinet for farmhouse sinks. However, a standard sink base cabinet can be modified to fit a farmhouse sink. If you are using a standard sink base cabinet, the top half of the cabinet will have to be cut out, and the doors will have to be modified.

Can a 30 farmhouse sink fit in a 36 cabinet?

The recommended size for a 36" base cabinet is a 33" farmhouse sink or smaller. It is recommended that your base cabinet be 3 inches larger than the size of the farmhouse sink you are considering to install.

Can I replace my kitchen sink with a farmhouse sink?

Most farmhouse sinks also commonly known as apron-front sinks can easily replace your current kitchen sink owing to the similarities in size and the option to just slide it in after removing the old sink. However, closed counter cabinets would require some more time and effort.

Can you put a farmhouse sink in a corner cabinet?

If you want a farmhouse sink, then you can't go any wider than the front face (24" for a 42" corner cabinet). With an undermount or drop-in sink, you can go a little wider since the sink will be set back a few inches.

Will a 36 farmhouse sink fit in a 36 cabinet?

A 36" sink will fit into a 36" cabinet easily if you strap it in place. Manufacturer's allow for chubby plumber fingers to access clips to tighten.

Will a 30 inch sink fit in a 30 inch cabinet?

A 36″ base cabinet can handle a 33″ sink at most; a 30″ cabinet should be fitted with a sink no larger than 27″ wide. The average 24″ sink base cabinet comfortably accommodates a standard 22″ sink; be sure to consider the depth of your sink when planning storage inside the base cabinet.

What holds a kitchen sink in place?

The sink sits on top of the countertop and is held in place by a rim or lip that sits around the edge of the sink and rests on the countertop. Below the countertop are clips to hold the sink firmly in place.

How do I protect the bottom of my sink cabinet?

One of the best ways to waterproof underneath these sinks is with cabinet mats, as these mats are designed to fit snugly under sinks, and they serve as a barrier between the cabinet bottom and any leaks coming from the sink's plumbing.

What is the most popular kitchen sink style?

Most Popular By Configuration. Single basin, apron/farmhouse, workstation, and double basin kitchen sinks are the most popular sink styles for the upcoming years.

Why is there a minimum cabinet size for sinks?

The reason for this is to allow for adequate room to work when installing the sink, as well as to avoid potential water damage or mold growth in the cabinetry. The minimum cabinet size needed for your sink will be found on the product page from our website once you search the model like the example shown below.

What does minimum cabinet size mean when buying a sink?

Most kitchen sinks can fit an average cabinet depth of 24 inches, but each kitchen sink has a minimum cabinet size requirement for proper fit. A sink's minimum cabinet size is a measurement indicating the least amount of under-cabinet and top counter space required for the sink to fit properly.

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