Measure the opening width under your existing sink (or where the new one will be installed) from left to right. This measurement is your cabinet size. Then, allow at least 2-3 inches on both sides for mounting hardware. For example, a 36" cabinet can accomodate a 30-32" sink.
To determine the maximum sink size for your base cabinet, measure the interior of your cabinet and subtract two to three inches from each dimension. 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.
A typical 33 x 22-inch sink will fill a 36-inch base cabinet. If you're replacing a sink, make sure it fits the existing cutout. If the cabinet allows, you may be able to install a larger sink by expanding the cutout. A farmhouse sink may require a special cabinet size.
The undermount sink measures about 20 inches overall, with a rim of 1 inch. Remember, this rim is underneath the countertop, so it does not take up countertop space. If a 1-inch buffer of counter space is left in front of the sink, 3 inches more is available behind it to mount the faucet.
Typically the setback is 2" to 2-1/2" from the front of the counter, depending on the countertop overhang, the type of sink bowl and the size of the sink deck. To create a template, turn the sink upside down on the piece of plywood and draw around it. Or place template transfer paper or cardboard template on plywood.
Wherever you find the specifications, you want to look for something called a “minimum cabinet size”. Each sink (regardless of whether we're talking kitchen, bathroom or utility sinks), will have a minimum cabinet size (which is the exterior measurement of the cabinet that the sink sits in).
Where 36'' is a common width for a sink cabinet, the typical measurement here is going to be 24''. 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.
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.
Measure the opening width under your existing sink (or where the new one will be installed) from left to right. This measurement is your cabinet size. Then, allow at least 2-3 inches on both sides for mounting hardware. For example, a 36" cabinet can accomodate a 30-32" sink.
A 33" cabinet is outside measurement. Figure 3/4" wall thickness, so the inside measurement of the cabinet is 31½". You can possible squeeze the sink in there. It will be difficult to get at the side clips.
In general your sink should be at least 2-3” smaller than your cabinet size. For example, a 36” sink base cabinet can easily fit a 33” sink.
Another larger option, that provides more variety in its use is a 29" double bowl sink. This sink will fit in your 30" kitchen sink base cabinet and provide you with two 16x13"basins.
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.
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. If you eliminate the clips, you eliminate the need for access.
Kitchen Cabinet Kings
General rule of thumb is actual sink should be 3" in actual width less than the sink base for smooth fit. However if you notch the sides of the cabinet, you should be able to get something as tight as 1.5 less than cabinet to fit.
The most common sizes for a kitchen sink are 30" or 33", however a standard size could measure anywhere between 24" and 36" in length. Generally, sinks up to 30" will contain one large single bowl.
OVERHANG - The countertop extends over the edge of the sink on all sides by approximately 1/8" - 1/4". Use caution with this installation to be sure that accessories such as colanders or cutting boards will fit properly.
We highly recommend using a positive overhang for your undermount sink when purchasing a new countertop. It provides you with the best appearance and drainage.
The oval sink is also the most practical sink shapes amongst undermount sinks. The oval shape allows the sink to be wide without having to take as much space on your counter as the rectangular sinks. In addition, the vast majority of oval bowls swoops down which allows for better drainage than the flat bottom sinks.
The limiting factor on how close to the edge the sink cutout can be is almost always the risk of cracking the rail during fabrication, transport, or installation. A general rule of thumb is 4" for a typical 2 bowl kitchen sink and 3-1/2" for a vanity sink.
When specifying the position of tap holes on your worktop design, we recommend that the tap hole's centre is 60mm from the rear of the sink, though an exact measurement would be dictated by the width of the lip around the top edge of the undermounted sink.
An Undermount Sink Cut Out is a shaped hole that is cut into the surface of a worktop to accommodate the shape of an undermount sink.