Do you need a special cabinet to install a farmhouse sink?

Author: Hyman Leannon  |  Last update: Friday, November 17, 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 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 kind of base cabinet is needed for a farmhouse sink?

When selecting, or designing, a base cabinet for your new farmhouse sink, it is important that the size of the base cabinet is correct. Your base cabinet should measure 3" longer in length than the sink you are installing. For example, if you have a base cabinet that measures 36" wide it will support a 33" sink.

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 you install an apron sink with existing cabinets?

We kept the original footprint in this kitchen and our contractors were able to retro-fit the existing cabinets to accommodate the apron front sink. To replace the old drop-in sink with a farmhouse sink, we cut the cabinets to fit the apron front and then added filler wood to the sides.

How to Install a Farmhouse Sink in a Kitchen Cabinet

What holds a farmhouse sink in place?

Step 6: Add Support to Cabinets

Because farmhouse sinks are pretty heavy, you'll need to add support to the inside of the cabinet to be able to hold the weight. You can do this by adding two two-by-four pieces of wood to the sides horizontally.

Can you replace a regular sink with a farmhouse sink?

'Can you install a farmhouse sink in an existing countertop? ' is a common question, one with the short answer of 'yes'. If you're looking for more specifics, we'll cover more details about everything from installation to costs to obstacles that might get in the way.

What is the difference between farmhouse sink and apron sink?

However, there are some key differences between the two types of sinks. Apron sinks are generally smaller than farmhouse sinks. They are available in various materials, including stainless steel, copper, and porcelain. Apron sinks are available in different styles, including single-bowl and double-bowl options.

How far should farmhouse sink stick out from cabinets?

The most common countertop overhang is 1.5″. We wanted our sink to go about 1/2″ past the countertop, so we positioned our sink so that it would go 2″ past the cabinet face frame/front of the cabinet.

Can any base cabinet hold a sink?

Consider the size of the sink. The base cabinet should be wide enough to accommodate the sink, with additional space on either side for plumbing and dish soap. It should also be deep enough to prevent water from spilling out onto the floor. Think about the type of material you want the cabinet to be made of.

Can you put a 30 inch farmhouse sink in a 30 inch cabinet?

It is recommended that your base cabinet be 3 inches larger than the size of the farmhouse sink you are considering to install.

Can you put a 36 inch farmhouse sink in a 36 inch 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.

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.

Can you put a farmhouse sink in a modern kitchen?

Don't think farm-style sinks only fit in farmhouse-style kitchens! Farm sinks can go modern or traditional when styled in either aesthetic. They look great in any type of home, even a minimalist one. Don't think you have to go literally rustic with an all-wood kitchen look to use a farmhouse sink.

What are the drawbacks of a farmhouse sink?

One of the drawbacks of choosing a farmhouse sink is the installation process. Depending on how your kitchen is set up, you may have to alter the size and design of your countertops before the farmhouse sink installation. Farmhouse sinks are much deeper and wider than classic kitchen sinks.

Does an apron sink require a special cabinet?

Apron front sinks require a special cabinet to accommodate their depth and protrusion, so they are not the best candidate for retrofitting in an existing kitchen, unless you're willing to replace your sink cabinet as well.

Do farmhouse sinks increase home value?

2. Farmhouse sinks (+26 percent) Porcelain, apron-front sinks are a splurge kitchen choice for sure—but apparently they pay you back big-time in the long run.

Do you install farmhouse sink before countertop?

The 6 easy steps to installing a farmhouse sink
  1. STEP 1: PREP THE KITCHEN CABINET AREA. ...
  2. STEP 2: BUILD THE CORRECT SUPPORT FRAME. ...
  3. STEP 3: MEASURE AND CUT THE CABINET FRONT. ...
  4. STEP 4: LEVEL AND INSTALL THE FIRECLAY FARMHOUSE SINK. ...
  5. STEP 5: INSTALL THE COUNTERTOP. ...
  6. STEP 6: INSTALL THE CABINET FRAME AND DOORS.

Can you use a farmhouse sink with quartz countertop?

Farmhouse-Style Sinks with Quartz Countertops

Cambria surfaces are durable—more durable than marble or granite countertops—so they're the perfect choice to handle the needs of a farmhouse sink installation.

Is installing a farmhouse sink hard?

Fortunately, farmhouse sinks are designed to work in existing kitchen sink cabinets. They do require modifications, but none are very difficult. The first step is to remove the existing sink, then make a sink access-notch in the face frame just above the doors.

Why does everyone want a farmhouse sink?

A porcelain farmhouse sink is a highly coveted kitchen feature—and for good reason. Farmhouse sinks are beautiful, spacious, and timeless, plus they add a distinctive look to any kitchen they're placed in.

What is the purpose of the apron on a farmhouse sink?

With an apron sink, you can keep much of this mess at bay. If any water, suds, or spills make their way over the front lip, they'll avoid your counter and cabinets, landing on the floor instead. This is because the sink itself sticks out beyond the depth of your cabinets.

Why do farmhouse sinks have grids?

The primary benefit of a grid for new farmhouse sinks is to protect the brand new finish. Fresh copper and even hardened fireclay scratch more easily than you might realize. The metal bottom of pots, the metal tines of forks, and even the scrape of ceramic plate edges might cause a small flaw in the finish.

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