How To Install Farmhouse Sink In Existing Cabinet

How would you like to have a beautiful kitchen without spending too much time or money? If you want to add some charm to your home, then installing a new farmhouse sink might be worth considering.

Farmhouse sinks are the perfect way to give your kitchen a rustic and natural feel. Farmhouse sinks can come with their own cabinet or they can be installed on a pre-existing cabinet.

If you want to change the way that your kitchen looks but are not sure how to install one, then you've come to the right place. 

We are going to walk you through how you can install a farmhouse sink on an existing cabinet. 

What Is A Farmhouse Sink?

Before we look at how to install a farmhouse sink, let us explore what features make a farmhouse sink.

A farmhouse sink is usually one that is placed on the cabinet, however rather than being completely in the top of the cabinet, the front side of the sink basin is exposed. 

A farmhouse sink also has a deep basin, which is perfect for those who want a large sink. They can be made out of different materials.

How To Install A Farmhouse Sink In An Existing Cabinet

Now that you know what a farmhouse sink is, it's time to see how to install one.

What You'll Need

There are a few things you will need in order to be able to install a farmhouse sink in an existing cabinet. Here is a list of the things you will need: 

• Wood blocks
• Power drill
• Measuring tool
• Screw gun
• Pencil
• Oscillating saw
• Screws
• Safety goggles
• Construction adhesive

Some of these tools might seem a bit intense to work with. If you feel as though you are not able to use some of these tools then it would be a good idea to seek help from friends or family members. Alternatively, you can get help from a professional. 

Since these tools can be hard to work with, make sure you follow the specific safety precautions for each tool that you use. 

Step One

The first thing you will need to do is to take the measurements of the farmhouse sink and the cabinet that you want to install it on.

It is important that you take accurate measurements as this will help to ensure that your farmhouse sink fits perfectly on your cabinet. 

When it comes to the measurements you need to get, it is always a good idea to get the width of your cabinet. This will help to see if your cabinet is big enough for the farmhouse sink. 

Ideally, you want to be placing this farmhouse sink on a cabinet that has a draw at the top and then a cupboard underneath.

So, the next thing you should measure is the height of the cabinet from the top, to the bottom of the drawer or where the screws sit. 

The other measurement you need to take is the distance from the top of the cabinet to the top of the doors. This is important as you don't want the apron of the farmhouse sink to block the doors from opening. 

It is important that you are also aware of the width, depth, and length of your farmhouse sink and your cabinet so you know that the cabinet is large enough for the sink to fit. 

Step Two

Now you have all the measurements, it is time to remove the old sink. The best way to do this is by unscrewing the bolts holding the sink onto the cabinet.

Once the sink is removed, you will need to clean up any debris left behind. It is important that you turn off the water before removing the sink. 

Some sinks may be screwed into place, so it is best to use a screw gun to remove the screws and remove the sink. 

Step Three

Once your sink is out, then you should remove the countertop. For most people, their countertops are screwed into place. This is where the screw gun comes in handy. This can help you to remove the countertop a lot quicker. 

You might find that you have to use the saw if there is glue holding the countertop in place. It is important that you take the countertop off in one piece. Especially if you are planning on using this countertop. 

Step Four

Now that you have removed the countertop, it is time to cut the cabinet. Before you begin cutting the cabinet, it is important that you remove the doors. This is so you have access to the cabinet and so you do not ruin the doors.

Whilst you are at it, remove any screws that may get in the way from when cutting. You should also remove the drawers.

Now that you are left with the frame of your cabinet, it is time to use the oscillating saw to cut the front of the cabinet.

If you are lucky, your farmhouse sink will have come with a life-size template, which you can attach to your cabinet and mark so you know where to cut. Most farmhouse sinks do come with these templates to make installation easier. 

You can apply painter's tape to the cabinet so nothing splits when you are sawing. We would recommend sanding down the insides of the cut you made so it is smooth and there are no sharp parts. 

Step Five

Next, you need to make sure that your cabinet has enough support for the farmhouse sink. Since farmhouse sinks are so large, they might need a bit more support compared to your other sink. 

This is where the wood blocks you have will be needed. You will most likely need 2 x 4 wood blocks to fit your sink. It is important to measure where your sink needs to sit as when you place the wood blocks in, the sink will sit on it. 

Once you know how low the wood blocks need to be, use the construction adhesive and put it on the wood blocks. Then place a wood block horizontally where you have marked it to be.

You should clamp it in place. Repeat these steps on the opposite side. When the wood block is in place and clamped, use screws to reinforce the support. 

You should also place two support beams vertically under both wood blocks,  going from the base of the cabinet to the base of the wood blocks.

This is to help support the wood blocks. Use the same method of installing the wood blocks on these supports. 

Step Six

It is time to place your sink on the cabinet. It would be a good idea to get someone else to help you with this as farmhouse sinks are very heavy. You want to slowly lower the sink so it sits on your supports.

Make sure that the sink does not sit too high or too low. If the sink sits low, you can use shins to help raise the sink. 

At this point it is a good idea to make sure everything is level with a leveling tool. 

Step Seven

After you have placed your sink where it needs to be, you can move on to installing your countertop. When it comes to installing your countertop, this can be quite a tricky task.

That is why it is important that you go to a professional if you feel this would be too difficult for you to do. Most professionals will use a sealant to secure the countertop. 

If you are reusing your old countertop, it is important to note that it would have to be cut so there is an opening for the apron of the farmhouse sink to be exposed.

Before you connect the plumbing and switch on the water supply, make sure you have allowed enough time for any sealant or glue to dry. This stops the glue from becoming damaged. 

Final Thoughts

There you have it, seven easy steps on how to install a farmhouse sink on an existing cabinet. Though some of these steps might seem difficult if you properly prepare all of your measurements and equipment you shouldn't run into any problems.

Remember to stay patient when you are installing a farmhouse sink as it will prevent you from making small mistakes. 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you to learn how to install a farm house sink on an existing cabinet. We hope that we have been able to make you feel confident and prepared to do this job.

Please share this guide with others who might also benefit from reading this guide. Thank you for reading!