How to Glue Down a Sink Top

Caulk glues a sink top to a base cabinet.

A one-piece vanity top does not fasten to a cabinet with clips or clamps like other types of sinks. You must use an adhesive to ensure it remains in place. Dirt, grease and debris reduce the effectiveness of the caulk adhesive used to bond the sink top to the mounting edge of a base cabinet. Removing all such matter will allow a bead of caulk to bond the sink top solidly to the cabinet.

Things You'll Need

• Damp rag
• Silicone caulk tube
• Utility knife
• Caulk gun

Instructions

1. Lay a one-piece sink top on a stable surface with the bottom of the sink facing up. Wipe the underside of the sink and the top edge of the base cabinet with a clean damp cloth. Allow both pieces to dry for 45 to 60 minutes.

2. Cut 1/4 inch off the end of a silicone caulk tube with a utility knife. Set the tube in the body of a caulk gun.

3. Apply a continuous bead of silicone caulk to the entire top edge of the base cabinet. Flip the one-piece sink top.

4. Lift the sink top. Align the edges of the top with the edges of the base cabinet. Set the top on the cabinet.

5. Push the top firmly toward the cabinet while twisting it slightly left and right. Wipe along the point the top meets the inside cabinet walls with a damp rag to remove excess caulk from the area. Repeat the process on the accessible exterior sides of the cabinet.

Tips & Warnings

• Install the sink faucet before gluing a sink top to a cabinet.

• Enlist a helper to aid in the installation of larger one-piece sink tops.

References

• Transolid: Solid Surface Vanity Top Installation
• The Family Handyman: Install a Vanity Sink
• Bob Villa: Solid-Surface Bathroom Vanity Top Installation