How would you install a new kitchen sink in an already built-out bathroom or kitchen?
Installing a new kitchen sink in a bathroom or kitchen requires a lot of planning and preparation. The installation process involves:
- Removing the old sink.
- Cutting holes in the wall.
- Drilling holes into the floor.
- Attaching the new sink to the wall.
In addition, the entire installation must be done.
At the same time, plumbing fixtures remain connected to the house’s water supply and waste drainage systems. This is not a DIY project for the faint-hearted!
How To Install A Farmhouse Sink
Farmhouse sink installation is one of those projects that can seem intimidating.
Still, once it’s installed, you will wonder how you ever lived without it.
1. Remove The Old Sink
Remove your existing sink by disconnecting all the pipes and drains from the sink.
You’ll need to know where they are before you start so you don’t damage any electrical wires or other piping.
If you have multiple sinks or tubs, remove them as well.
2. Prepare The Walls & Floor
Use a utility knife to cut a large hole for the drainpipe to pass through.
Make sure there’s room around the hole’s edge for the mounting bracket (which holds the faucet).
Next, cut another small hole on each side of the central drain hole.
3. Drill Holes In The Floor
Drill 3/4″-dia. holes every 12″ along the area’s perimeter surrounding the sink.
4. Attach New Fixtures
Attach the new sink to the wall with construction adhesive. Then attach the backplate on top of the sink.
Next, connect the supply lines to the sink using the appropriate fittings.
Finally, screw in the undermount sink flange using finish washers between the floor and the underside of the sink.
5. Adjust Your Plumbing System
Ensure that everything is working correctly before connecting the new sink and running water.
Then, turn off the water supply and let the system dry when finished.
6. Finish Up
After everything has dried, paint the area around the sink and put down some caulking (see also ‘How to Caulk a Kitchen Sink‘).
Sinks come in many styles, shapes, materials, and price points.
Whether you want classic farmhouse sinks or more contemporary designs, several options are available to you when deciding what type of sink to get for your home.
Tips For Installing A Sink In An Existing Counter
You’ll likely need to make cuts in your countertop material to install a sink.
Before making these cuts, measure the sink to determine the exact location of the opening you need to drill. Don’t forget to keep the edges straight.
Once you’ve measured, mark the locations of the openings on the countertop.
Use a pencil to draw around the measurements; this helps prevent mistakes later.
After scoring, use a jigsaw to carefully cut around the marks.
Be very careful not to overcut the countertop material – if you do, it may crack and ruin the surface.
Next, cut a hole in the center of the sink cabinet. Set up a circular saw or router table to help you accomplish this task quickly.
Once you’ve made the initial cut, you can simply trim away the remaining material.
Next, set up a pneumatic tool to carve out the hole for the pipe that connects the sink to your plumbing fixture.
Make sure you’re going deep enough into the countertop material.
The sink should go about 1/2″ below the countertop material, depending on the depth of the sink bowl.
While most people use a hammer and nails to secure their sink, there are ways to avoid damaging your walls or cabinets.
For example, a power miter box quickly cuts 45-degree angles and miters.
And if you prefer more control, there are also tools designed specifically for installing kitchen cabinetry.
How To Design A Traditional Farmhouse Kitchen
To design a traditional farmhouse kitchen, start by looking at everything you love about old-fashioned kitchens. Some standard features include:
• Rustic wood floors
• Vintage furniture
• Wooden window frames
• White painted brick accents
Create a layout of your kitchen based on how much space you have.
If you have extra land, consider adding a walk-in pantry, which will give you additional storage space.
Also, look into creating a breakfast nook in your kitchen, where you can enjoy meals together as a family.
Then, choose your appliances wisely. You don’t want to compromise quality for the sake of convenience.
Consider stainless steel appliances instead of plastic. Stainless steel appliances are easy to clean and maintain.
Still, they tend to cost a bit more than other appliances.
Plus, some homeowners like the look of black stainless steel better than white stainless steel, so that’s something to think about.
Finally, create a list of your must-have items, including sinks, dishwashers (see also ‘9 Dishwasher Brands To Avoid (With Models) & 3 Best Brands To Buy‘), ovens, refrigerators, and stoves.
Then, if possible, buy those items before starting your remodel project. This will save time and money.
Otherwise, see whether anyone is selling your desired appliance on Craigslist or eBay.
Once you have done this, you are ready to tackle the actual remodeling part.
As mentioned earlier, there are several different approaches to designing a farmhouse kitchen.
Whatever option you choose, remember to stick with neutral colors for your flooring; white is a classic choice.
If budget allows, add crown moldings along the top edges of walls and ceilings.
Crown moldings make a room look more expensive, plus they bring texture to the ceiling and wall surfaces.
They can be purchased at home improvement stores or online.
After you finish building your farmhouse kitchen, make sure you decorate the space properly.
Add light fixtures and mirrors to maximize the natural lighting in the area.
You can even hang curtains from windows to block out unwanted elements.
Keeping your kitchen organized is essential because clutter can distract from its beauty. Keep your counters clear of dishes, utensils, and trash.
Design Tips For A Beautiful Farmhouse Kitchen
A farmhouse kitchen is one of the main focal points of any home.
It not only serves as a place to cook food, but it also becomes a gathering spot for families and friends to share time together.
Because of this, it should reflect the personality of whoever lives in it.
The best way to do this is through paint-color choices.
When choosing the perfect colors for your farmhouse kitchen, first decide what style you want.
Then, find inspiration from pictures of older homes, magazines, books, etc.
It’s essential to think about the functionality of your farmhouse kitchen.
If it has a lot of small spaces, consider purchasing large kitchen appliances such as a double oven, range hood, and refrigerator.
This is because having these appliances inside the kitchen will increase the space available to you.
When considering cabinet options, go with solid wood cabinets rather than plywood ones.
Solid wood cabinets come with many benefits over plywood ones.
In addition to looking great, they’re durable and won’t warp easily.
Plywood tends to warp when exposed to moisture, making them less attractive than its wooden counterparts.
You can find all kinds of designs when it comes to farmhouse kitchens.
Some people prefer modern styles while others favor traditional ones.
There’s no right or wrong answer here, but it does help if you know what kind of design you want beforehand.
For instance, if you prefer contemporary farmhouse kitchens, use bright colors and unique touches like metal accents and concrete countertops.
In contrast, traditional farmhouse kitchens tend to be a bit more rustic-looking. Think dark woods and handcrafted details.
Conclude
To conclude, we love a farmhouse kitchen simply because it’s so versatile.
Not only can you build a beautiful farmhouse kitchen, but you can also create the exact farmhouse kitchen you always wanted!
So whether you’re a new homeowner or just thinking about remodeling your current house, we encourage you to follow your heart!
