What is the difference between a sink base cabinet and a regular base cabinet?

Author: Miss Beverly Turcotte DDS  |  Last update: Monday, November 13, 2023

Base cabinets are usually shorter than sink base cabinets, and they don't have a built-in sink. Sink base cabinets, on the other hand, are designed to accommodate a kitchen sink. They're also often deeper than base cabinets, giving you more storage space for larger items.

Can I put a sink in a regular 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.

Do you need a special cabinet for a sink?

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.

What are sink base cabinets?

A sink base cabinet is a cabinet that has been built to support or include a sink. The size and dimensions of the sink base cabinet typically depends on the size of the sink that is installed into it. Sink base cabinets are traditionally installed in bathrooms, kitchens and wet-bars.

What is a standard base cabinet?

Base Cabinet Dimensions

Standard Cabinet Height. 34.5-inches (36 inches with countertop) Standard Cabinet Depth. 21 or 24 inches; depth for a cabinet with a Lazy Susan is 33-inches. Standard Cabinet Width.

How To: Build a Custom Sink Base Cabinet Out of a Regular Cabinet

What size are base cabinets for sinks?

30 inches- Used for single basin sinks. 33 inches- Used for offset sinks, or double basin sinks. 36 inches- Used for double basin sinks. 42 inches- This is the largest width in a base cabinet.

How do I choose under sink cabinets?

The type of opening of the sink cabinet is to be chosen above all according to the volume of the room. If you have a small kitchen, make the most of the space by choosing an under-sink cabinet with sliding doors. If you have a large kitchen, you can freely choose a cabinet under the sink with hinged doors.

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 put a farmhouse sink in a regular cabinet?

Due to the depth of most farmhouse sinks (about 9-10" deep), the cabinet doors will need to be cut down and repainted or replaced. The front face of the cabinet will need to be reworked and a new piece of trim made and added to the cabinet. Make sure the sink is completely level from the top and bottom.

Why does cabinet size matter for sinks?

If there isn't enough width available in the cabinet, you won't be able to go for the bigger sink, even if there is room on the counter. Also, remember that you are going to have to create a larger hole in the counter to suit the new sink.

Can you use a kitchen sink base cabinet in a bathroom?

While you can use kitchen cabinets in the bathroom, you'd better be prepared for a lot of work. For example, you'll need to remove any drawers in the kitchen cabinet to make room for under-sink plumbing. You'll also need to take the kitchen cabinet apart so you can seal the wood.

Can I use any cabinet for bathroom sink?

Depending on the cabinet, you may have to do a little more work to make room for plumbing. If you're having any trouble at all with plumbing, consult a plumber. And if you want to fully convert your kitchen cabinet into a bathroom vanity, you'll need to trim down the height and depth.

What is the difference between a farmhouse sink and a regular sink?

A standard kitchen sink is typically made of stainless steel or porcelain. With farmhouse sinks, you can find them crafted of anything from enameled cast iron to fireclay. Farmhouse sinks are now offered in a myriad of modern designs, too. You're not just limited to the classic white sink.

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.

What is a farmhouse kitchen sink called?

If you're going about remodelling your kitchen and going for a farmhouse look, an apron sink (also known as a farmhouse sink) is the ultimate feature. Whether you're an avid chef or have a large family, the space of an apron sink can work wonders for when you need time between prepping, eating, and cleaning up.

Will a 33 sink fit in a 36 cabinet?

Base cabinet size

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.

How do I protect my cabinets under my sink?

‏Use an Under-Sink Tray or Mat‏

Under-sink trays and mats are an easy, fast, affordable way to protect your cabinets in case a leak does occur.

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

Some sinks will be labeled 30" Kitchen sink, but the basin size is in fact 28". [This sink will fit!] While other sinks are named after their TRUE 30" basin size [This will NOT fit]. Which means you CAN fit some "thirty" inch sinks in a 30" kitchen sink base cabinet.

Do you put flooring under kitchen cabinets?

Putting down the floor before the cabinets makes for clearer sailing now and into the future. Treat the floors under your cabinets like a permanent installation. They should receive the same treatment as the rest of your floor. Just because they won't show doesn't mean you can cut corners.

Are all base cabinets 24 inches deep?

Most kitchen base cabinets are about 24 inches deep; however, some cabinets may be shallower or deeper depending on their purpose and where they are located in the kitchen. For example, base cabinets are usually shallower than standard wall cabinets.

How deep is a standard sink base cabinet?

Standard sink base cabinets are 24″ deep (back to front), and most sinks are designed to fit that size. However, widths vary widely and sink widths vary accordingly. All you need is the cabinet in question and a tape measure!

What size base cabinet do I 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.

Previous article
Will a 30 inch sink fit in a 33 inch cabinet?
Next article
What happens if you don't use laundry detergent?