Stainless steel sinks are a popular style for kitchens these days. They match with other stainless appliances, they're durable, and they come in an array of shapes and sizes. If you have other DIY jobs under your belt, then installing a sink should be no problem. Or, if you're feeling plucky and want to dive in, this may be the job to start with, especially if you're replacing an older sink and there's no cutting required. Keep in mind for some countertop materials, including granite, a professional will have to fabricate the countertop and more than likely install it as well. For a material such as laminate, however, you can do the fabricating and installing yourself.
What You'll Need
Silicone caulk
Caulk Gun
Drill
Jig saw
1 3/8" drill bit or hole saw
Faucet
Drain
Top mount or undermount sink?
If you have a top mount sink, the countertop should be installed first. Then you’ll cut straight into the countertop after it’s installed. If you have an undermount sink, it will sit on the rough mount countertop (usually plywood) and the actual countertop will be installed overtop of it once you’ve put in the sink. In some cases, the countertop manufacturer may cut out where the sink will be installed and you can skip this step.
4 Steps to Installing Your Sink
Step 1: Cutting
Most sinks come with a template. Center the template over the sink cabinet at least 1 1/2 inches away from the counter's edge (if the countertop is deeper than 24 inches, you may place it farther from the edge to a maximum of 4 inches). Tape down the template and trace around it.
There are different methods for the actual cutting. If you're experienced and have your own way of going about it, then by all means do so. Some recommend drilling a hole in each corner and moving from hole to hole. Whatever you feel is easiest or more comfortable for you, do it that way.
Step 2: Install Faucet and Strainers
Save yourself a lot of time and hassle and install the faucet and strainers before you install the sink.
Step 3: Caulk the Underside Lip
Flip the sink over and take the silicone caulk and bead it along the underside lip of the sink. This makes a watertight seal between the countertop and sink.
Step 4: Install the Sink
Flip the sink back over (with help if needed) without disturbing the caulk. Carefully set the sink down into the hole you cut. To prevent squishing your fingers, you may want to set some wood scraps around the edge of the hole for the sink to rest on as you set it in place. Mount the sink from underneath according to the manufacturer's instructions. Screwing the sink into place may squeeze out some of the caulk so just wipe this away. Connect all the plumbing underneath and you're done.
If you're a veteran do-it-yourselfer then these four steps may be a breeze. If not, then take your time. Read the instructions that come with your sink carefully. And by all means ask for a professional's advice if you have any questions or are concerned about how to proceed.
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