Once the farmhouse under-mount sink is set, it's time to install the countertops above. For this step, professional help is recommended; you'll need to have precise measurements of the sink's dimensions, as the countertop might need to be adjusted and cut to fit in perfectly.
Common Types of Farmhouse Sinks
They sit under the counter and require a waterproof top that's cut for the sink and faucet. Flush-mount: This is fitted flush to the existing structures, making the entire counter level. Yet even flush sinks may still poke out a little into the countertop.
Also known as a farm sink, an apron sink, or an apron front sink, farmhouse sinks were common in older homes and ergonomically designed for people to spend hours in front of the sink. Farmhouse sinks jut out past the countertop so the user doesn't have to bend over to reach them.
The installation team should mount the countertop first. Then, after setting up the new counters, they can add other fixtures such as a stovetop or a sink. Doing it the other way around would create too many headaches.
After Your New Countertops are Installed
For best results, it's generally recommended to wait 24 hours after countertop installation before setting up the sink. (Make sure to have a backup plan to keep your bathroom or kitchen supplied with water for those 24 hours.)
If you're still wondering, “Do you install countertops before appliances?” we suggest placing countertops first. More than likely, your contractor will make the decision. Still, if you do want to use your kitchen while waiting for countertops to be placed, you can install appliances first.
Kitchen Countertops First
The first way of tackling your kitchen renovation is to start by selecting your countertop. Since it takes up a larger surface area than the backsplash, it often seems like the sensible place to begin. Kitchen counters are also installed before the backsplash.
The sink must be on-site unless your countertop supplier is providing one. Farm and apron front sinks must be cradled and in place within the cabinetry prior to templating.
Many designers agree that centering a kitchen sink under a window is the optimum placement, it often looks tailored and well-planned, however, this is not always practical. If you have a small kitchen with very little room for large reconfigurations, you may have more limited options in terms of optimum sink placement.
Build a support frame
To install the sink properly, you'll need to build a frame out of 2x4s to support the weight. To retain as much usable cabinet space as possible, we built the frame by screwing 2x4s right to the sides of the base cabinet. This kept the framing from eating into the storage space below the sink.
Modern farmhouse sinks
Farmhouse sinks have been huge in recent years, and it seems the trend is not going anywhere. A practical choice for family homes, this style of sink is hugely versatile, and is a feature in many modern farmhouse kitchens...and those that have brought the rustic look to the city.
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.
Whether you have a shining copper sink or a gleaming fireclay basin, the most reliable solution is a sink grid placed in the bottom of your 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.
Order of Installation
It's very important to install an undermount kitchen sink before the countertop slabs are set down. Once the countertop slabs are set down, you usually will not be able to fit the sink through the hole, and you won't be able to properly seal between the sink and the underside of the countertop.
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.
Caulk is applied around the perimeter of a kitchen sink to create a watertight seal between the sink and countertop and help hold the sink in place. If water is allowed to leak through the gap around the edge of the sink, moisture can build up and lead to mold growth.
Your countertops bear the brunt of the activity in the kitchen, and your remodel often starts with a spectacular selection. Marble, quartz, quartzite, and granite countertops are all popular choices that offer excellent benefits and lifespan, and they should be installed permanently before the backsplash.
So, if you have lighter cabinets and countertops, you should incorporate a darker backsplash to provide more visual interest and depth to your space. When you have darker cabinets and countertops, you should bring in a lighter backsplash to make your kitchen feel fresh and inviting.
It's generally recommended for the cabinets to be done first, protecting their integrity and making countertop installation as smooth as possible. This will ensure that: The countertop material(s) are only moved/installed once. There is less chance of cracking, breaking or chipping of countertop material(s)
Since countertops sit directly on the cabinets, the cabinetry must be installed prior to the final measurements, fabrication, and installation. If an apron or farmhouse sink is being used, it must be installed prior to template process.
On average, the amount of time needed for the entire process of installing a new kitchen countertop is two to seven hours. Your actual installation time depends on the size of your kitchen, with smaller kitchens taking only a couple of hours and larger kitchens taking longer.