How to Install an Undermount Kitchen Sink

Undermount kitchen sinks give a clean look to the kitchen counter, because you do not have the caulk line around the sink's edge, which accumulates water and food debris over time. Without the sink lip on top of the counter, you can scoot water and food debris off the edge of the countertop and into the sink, making for easier cleanup. If you do not install the undermount sink properly, you will face problems down the road as the sink begins to separate from the bottom of the counter.

Things You'll Need

• Microfiber cloth
• Silicone caulk
• Board
• Bar clamps
• Drill
• Construction epoxy

Instructions

1. Clean the bottom side of the counter using a damp microfiber cloth. The presence of any dust from cutting out the sink opening in the counter may prevent the caulk and epoxy from properly adhering to the counter.

2. Apply an even amount of silicone caulk to the top edge of the sink. Press the sink into position on the underside of the counter, sliding it to the exact position you desire.

3. Place a board over the width of the sink's opening. Feed bar clamps through the drain openings in the bottom of the sink, clamping them to the underside of the drain openings as well as the board.

4. Attach any clips that came with the sink to the edges of the sink per the manufacturer's instructions. Drill holes into the bottom of the counter if the sink has holes for driving bolts into the counter.

5. Apply construction epoxy to the sink's clips as well as the holes you drilled for the mounting bolts. Drive the bolts into the counter and leave the sink alone for at least 24 hours, allowing the epoxy and the silicone caulk to dry completely.

References

• Ask the Builder; Undermount Kitchen Sinks; Tim Carter
• Home Construction and Improvement: How To Install Undermount Sinks