How to Install an Apron Front Sink

Apron front sinks are different from conventional sinks in that the front portion is higher than the surrounding counter. More important, the apron sink is not level with the support cabinet -- it projects out a little bit. Apron front sinks are easy to use -- their large size is definitely an advantage when you have many utensils to be cleaned. They also manage to give the most spartan of kitchens a luxurious look. There are designs available in materials as widely different as porcelain and copper. Installing an apron front sink is a simple process that mainly depends on getting the measurements and the finish right.

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Apron front sink
• Pencil/marker
• 2"x4" supports
• Construction adhesive
• Drill
• Screws
• Jigsaw
• Tapered wood shims
• Silicone caulk

Instructions

1. Measure the height of the sink and the height from the top of the wooden cabinet to around ½ inch below the false drawer area. Use this to decide the type of mounting. Apron front sinks can be mounted in three ways -- the rim of the sink flush with the countertop, rim rising above the countertop or rim at a level below the countertop.

   If the space available is more than 6 inches in height, you can choose to mount the apron front sink level with or below the countertop. However, if the height is less than 6 inches, you have no option other than top mounting. The undersurface of the sink must have supports to hold it. The sink will rest on these supports, not on the wooden cabinet. Check the level at which the sink will rest inside the wooden cabinet. Draw a line at this level on the inner sides of the cabinet to mark the points where you have to add the supports.

2. Take a 2" x 4" support; hold it on the left inner side of the cabinet. Place the support such that its top part is aligned with the line you marked earlier. Apply the construction adhesive and press the support into position. Next, drive the screws into each support through the sides of the cabinet. Repeat the same for the right inner side of the cabinet.

3. Measure the sink height at the front. Add 1/8" to this figure and mark the front cutout of the base cabinet. Ensure that the sink is not resting on the cut edge, but just a little above it. Cut out the front of the cabinet with a jigsaw.

4. Check if the sink is aligned correctly to fit into the opening. Check that it is resting entirely on the side supports and not on the cabinet. Look at the sink to make sure it is level sideways and front to back. Adjust wrong alignments using shims of tapered wood. When all is fine, mount the sink. Fill up gaps left in between the countertop and sink and also below the front of the sink with silicone caulk.

Tips & Warnings

• Check if the sink will fit into the cabinet; if not, you'll need to cut the countertop. This is usually the case when the countertop is made of stone.

• Make sure your screws are long enough to pass deep into the cabinet side through the support board.

• Apron sinks are heavy, so take care while handling them. Arrange for someone to help you lift or hold the sink.

References

• Front Apron Sink
• DIY Network
• DIY Network