How to Reinforce a Counter Top When Installing a Kitchen Sink

Remodeling a kitchen often includes the job of installing a new kitchen sink. When you tackle this job, especially in older homes, it's important to take time to reinforce the area of the counter top where your kitchen sink goes.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Determine the amount of reinforcement you're going to need when you install a kitchen sink. This depends on the weight of the sink you are installing and the condition of your counter. The heaviest sink is the cast-iron sink. This type sink requires more reinforcing than your standard stainless-steel sink.

2. Use boards that are at least 2-by-4 in size to reinforce your counter top when you are installing a cast-iron kitchen sink. Run a 2-by-4 across the back side of your sink base cabinet, from end to end. Make sure the board is touching the underneath of your counter top in order to support it well. Cut two 2-by-4s and run them front to back on each side of your sink cut-out. Attach to the 2-by-4 at the back and the front of the cabinet on the inside.

3. Reinforce a counter top when you are installing a stainless-steel sink by using lighter lumber. You can use 1-by-4s or 2-by-2s. These will do fine since the sink is not that heavy. Repeat the same process of mounting the reinforcements as seen in Step 2.

4. Make sure you reinforce around the sink cut-out hole on the counter top if your counter is in a weakened condition due to water damage. To do this, use at least 2-inch wide strips by ¼-inch thick. Apply these strips of wood around your counter top on the bottom side. This allows you to have a solid surface when you're using your sink clips to secure your sink to the counter top.