Installing the sink in the countertop

Impossible to imagine a kitchen without a sink. Sink - this integral attribute in the kitchen is designed for washing dishes when preparing dishes. Even if a person works hard and he does not have time to cook, all the same, washing in the kitchen is necessary. Wash vegetables and fruits, cook aromatic coffee or spend an evening with friends over a cup of herbal tea - you still have to wash the dishes. For these purposes, and serves as a sink in the kitchen.

You can install the sink in the counter yourself. To do this, you do not need to have special skills and have a special tool. But it is worth considering that in any case when installing a sink there are nuances. First we learn what kinds of shells exist.

Types of kitchen sinks

There are many options for kitchen sinks. They can differ in form, material and type of frame.

To properly choose a sink that will be in harmony with the interior of the kitchen, we will consider the main aspects:

1. Depth and size. This will depend not only on the wishes of the owners, but also on the opportunities. If the kitchen is small, then you will not be able to install a massive sink( 2 or 3 bowls).Ideal for a small kitchen - corner sink. It can consist of 1 or 2 bowls of rectangular shape. They can be located with each other or at an angle. Such a sink is a wonderful solution to use the space in the corner. With an angular sink, the kitchen will look more compact.
2. When choosing a sink, it is necessary to take into account the depth of the bowl. Washing should not be too small( except for a small kitchen).It will wash not only cups, forks and plates, but also more spacious dishes - pans, pans and other kitchen utensils. Too deep a sink will be inconvenient for low people - it is necessary constantly to bend downwards. A small bowl may also not fit, since dishes will not be placed in it. The ideal depth is from 160 to 200 mm. This washing is convenient and roomy.
3. The form can be different. With a variety of modern materials, you can realize any fantasy. Do you want an exclusive washing in the form of a heart? Now this is not a problem, just keep in mind that it will be more difficult to care for a sink with bends. Let's return to the classics - these are square and rectangular washers. The palm of the championship this season is held by oval and round models. They look compact and stylish. Less often you can find kitchen sinks with a triangular bowl. When choosing a model, it is worth considering the fact that each of them will be responsible for the convenience. So, a round sink of the same volume as a square sink will look both compact and roomy at the same time. It will look organically in any interior.
4. Number of bowls. Washing can have a standard 1 bowl or several( up to 3).Choose your option will tell your intuition, the size of the kitchen and financial opportunities. Please note that a good sink made of quality materials with 2 or 3 bowls will cost more than a standard one-cup model. Such a shell is more convenient and more functional than the standard one. A sink with 3 bowls will become a working center in your kitchen. This model has 2 large bowls, and between them - 1 small. Naturally, this washing in a spacious kitchen will look harmonious. This model is chosen by the housewives, who like to cook often and often.
5. Material. The choice will depend on the family budget and style of your kitchen. For example, a stainless steel sink will harmoniously fit in the interior of the kitchen of composite materials, and in the classic kitchen or in the style of Provence - metal, ceramic or stone washes. Popular sinks are made of stainless steel with a porcelain stoneware. For example, the washing itself can be made of high-quality steel, and the coating is made of natural stone. The ideal option for such a washing is nickel plated sponge from granite. By the way, as an upper coating is used and artificial stone. You can also find sinks made of glass and acrylic.
6. By the way of installation of a sink under a table-top can be hinged, overhead and mortise. Hanging washers are extremely rare, as they are more suitable for communal apartments, cafes, restaurants and other public institutions. For personal use, fix and overhead sinks are installed, because they are considered more reliable and harmoniously fit into the modern kitchen interior. Flush sink speaks for itself - it is installed inside the prepared opening of the countertop, and the bill of lading simply "worn" on top of the kitchen cabinet. By the way, for those who do not yet plan to change furniture in the kitchen, the way-of-the-way sink is just right.
7. The location of the mixer - this issue needs to be solved immediately, as the crane can be placed in the car wash or separately from it. A popular variant of washing, when the mixer is located in the sink itself. Determine in advance and with what form your mixer will be, as well as with the availability of other appliances in the kitchen - a water filter and a waste shredder.

When choosing a sink, you should also pay attention to strength. It must withstand temperature changes, possible impacts and exposure to chemicals( detergents).Find out if the car wash is good, you can right in the store. Take a small magnet and attach it to the sink. If it is made of quality material - the magnet will "sit" firmly, and if the steel is of poor quality - even with the slightest fluctuation it will fall. Proceeding from this, it is possible to draw a corresponding conclusion - a sink from stainless steel is an ideal variant for kitchen. It's easy to install and easy to keep clean.

Tools for installing

It is necessary to prepare such a set of materials and tools for installing a sink in the counter:

• sink;
• electric drill with a set of drills;Jig saw( manual or electric);
• paper tape with a sticky edge;
• marker( you can use to take a pencil);
• sheet of cardboard;
• screwdriver and self-tapping screws;
• sealant.

And now let's look at the main working moments.

This plan will help you navigate the work and do not miss anything:

1. The installation of a sink in the countertop starts with a choice. Buy the right model.
2. The next step is to cut a hole in the countertop under the sink.
3. Treatment of lines with a sealant.
4. Adjustment of fasteners.
5. Washing treatment from the inside.

How to install a sink in the table top

Let's start with the main thing - the choice of sink. After determining the type of shell and its size, it is advisable to choose the product by yourself. This will help to avoid such unpleasant moments as deformation( it can significantly affect the installation).

Sink installation can be done in various ways: sliding and simple. The first assumes the presence of special grooves on the sink and the pedestal. They are located on the side of the sink and the facade. To fix the sink to the pedestal there must also be special openings on it. After the furniture is assembled, it is necessary to "put" the washer in the hole so that the grooves are aligned. That's all, now it remains to connect the mixer and other devices.

This is the simplest and most affordable way to install a sink in the countertop, which is actually rarely implemented, because you can meet with such a moment as a mismatch groove. As a result, it will not be possible to firmly fix the sink. Therefore, consider the second, common version of the installation of the sink, when it is necessary to cut it into the countertop.

How to cut under the sink top

Often when installing a sink you can encounter such a moment as cutting the countertop. This work is responsible, therefore it is better to get acquainted with the nuances in advance. The sink is sold in a cardboard package. Careful to open it, because its inner part of the package is a template for the tie-in of the sink in the countertop. Armed with scissors and cut out the contour of cardboard.

How to properly cut the sink into the countertop:

1. Take the pattern and lay it on the countertop. Align it and determine the place. It is important that nothing interferes with both the installation itself and the further operation of the sink.

1. Take the paper tape, fix the template on the surface.
2. Circle it with a pencil or a marker so that when working with a jig saw, lines are not blurred.
3. It is more convenient to cut a hole in the table top with electric jig saw. To work it was more convenient, first make a few initial holes, so the blade will freely pass into these holes.

1. In order not to damage the countertop, it is desirable to protect the working area with a paint tape.
2. Work with a jigsaw without hurry. It is better not to hurry, because the saw blade can swing to the side and get an oblique cut.
3. The shear can be protected with a water-repellent silicone sealant. After silicone treatment, wait until the edges are completely dry.

1. Often it happens that you need to cut the right hole for installing the sink not only at the top of the countertop( the lid itself), but also the internal partitions. Try to do this as accurately as possible so as not to damage the structure.
2. During work, periodically apply a template - if all is well, you can try on the sink.
3. If the sink has approached - it can be fixed thoroughly. We collect completely a sink( we establish a siphon, we connect a mixer).To install the mixer in the sink itself, it is necessary to drill a hole.
4. We fix the mixer and connect it to the communications.
5. Special attention is given to fastening elements. In the complete set with a sink the standard fixture which can not cope with the task can be on sale. Therefore, if you hold plastic parts in your hands - put them aside. We need metal fasteners. Mounting the sink to the table top can be purchased separately. Better in advance buy more fasteners.

1. After the washing is installed on the fasteners, check your work again. You may need to pull the sink to the countertop so that it is firmly fixed. To do this, it is necessary to bend the fastening elements( "crocodiles") to form an acute angle.
2. Tension of the sink. When it is well attracted to the countertop, then you will see droplets of silicone. Immediately remove them with a clean rag. Fasteners have no more sense, since if you overdo it, you can tear the thread and ruin the whole work.
3. Treatment of the countertop - immediately after the installation of the sink, it is necessary to remove the remnants of the outwardly emitted silicone from the countertop. If you miss the time and hesitate for at least 10 minutes, then it will start to freeze and remove it will be very difficult.

Important: if you have already pierced the sink in the countertop, do not rush to install it immediately. First, mount the mixer, because then this part of the job will make it uncomfortable.

How to install a sink in the countertop - see the video:

Other methods for installing the

sink If you bought a sink, it can be installed as described above or at a level with a countertop. This type of installation of the sink is considered laborious and requires some experience, since the top layer will have to be removed from the countertop.

In the event that the decision to install a sink below the surface level( under the countertop), then this stage of the work itself will not work out - you will have to invite a specialist. To work, you will need a special tool - a saw with diamond spraying or a jig saw. Wash the washing with special glue. Such installation is acceptable for expensive models of sinks made of artificial or natural stone.

What else you need to know

If you want to handle the installation of the wash yourself, consider these recommendations:

1. Instead of rubber seals( included), it is better to use a silicone, colorless sealant. It will provide a more snug fit and fill every crack. In addition, he has a longer service life.
2. Stone sinks are better to install with an assistant, so as not to accidentally drop a heavy shell.
3. Try to attach the sink to the countertop not with a screwdriver, but manually to control the pressure.