How to attach a sink to a countertop

I fully understand and even support people who, if they need to install a sink, choose the path of saving and get down to business with their own hands. After all, let's be honest, the prices the masters now quote, to put it mildly, are not always adequate (well, if we are completely honest, the quality of services is also not always the best).

You still have to live with this sink, so you will always have more reasons to do everything conscientiously. Fortunately, most often, installing a sink is not as difficult as it seems and does not require any special professional skills (with a few exceptions, which we will talk about a little later).

Types of sinks and options for their mounting

First of all, sinks are divided according to their shape. She may be:

• square - the most popular of them, since such sinks are most convenient to be built into the countertop, especially if they have rounded corners, since they are easier to clean;
• round - it is more compact and takes up little space, so it can be used in a corner version;
• rectangular - another shape popular among buyers; additional wings can be installed on a countertop with such a sink;
• corner - a more expensive sink than the previous ones, which is compensated by its compactness, which is even higher than that of the round one.

Whatever shape you choose, each of them can be overhead, mortise or under-mounted. These, as you already understood, are installation options. Let's look at them in a little more detail.

The invoice is installed on a cabinet separate from the countertop. This is the simplest mounting option, however, it has the disadvantage of a gap between the cabinet and the table, into which water can flow.

Mortise, as the name implies, is built into the countertop. This looks more aesthetically pleasing than the previous option and is generally more convenient, but will require more effort and time to install.

The undermount sink is the most difficult sink to install, but the result is worth it: huge space savings and a modern look. It looks very cool in a high-tech style interior.

Well, we’ve got the general idea, it’s time to get down to business.

How to attach an undermount sink

A hole is first cut in the table using a jigsaw. Most modern built-in sinks come with a template that makes it easy to transfer the dimensions to the countertop. If you are the “lucky one” who did not get such a template, you will have to arm yourself with a pencil and trace the sink, placing it on the table. The hole dimensions are made 12–14 mm smaller than the size of the sink, since there are special “ears” on its back side for fastening.

Attention! Installation of the mixer, water supply hoses and siphon is carried out before installing the sink, and not after!

It is attached using special clamps or adhesive-sealant. I recommend paying attention to polyurethane silicone, acrylic silicone and elastic silicone. It is especially good if it is designed specifically for plumbing: this means that it will contain special additives against bacteria.

It is easy to glue: clean and wipe the table surface and apply sealant.Place the sink on top, press it down, remove any remaining glue with a dry cloth, and that’s it. The most difficult step in this installation is cutting the hole in the table.

If you don’t trust chemistry or like to work with tools, the sink usually comes with these clamps with a fixing screw:

This is very convenient, since when screwing a self-tapping screw or screw into the grooves, there are no gaps left. Here's what each of its elements is intended for:

• 1 - for attaching to the “ear” of the shell;
• 2 — fastening screw;
• 3 - for fixing on the tabletop.

So, to install, place each fastener on all sides of the tabletop and mark these places with a pencil. Then install each of them to the edge of the sink and the end of the countertop, then tighten it with a self-tapping screw or screw.

Important! To avoid distortion, the tightening force must be equal on all sides!

Everything with fasteners. For reliability, you can treat the ends of the cabinet with sealant, and the hole along the edge of the tabletop with sealant.

Mounting an overhead sink

From the inside it looks like a rack profile. And this is what the fastenings to it look like.

First, make markings for each of the fasteners on all sides of the sink.

Screw the screws in as tightly as possible so that the fasteners attach to the wall of the cabinet. Move the sink until it is firmly in place.

Tighten the screw as much as possible. That's all!

How to attach an undermount sink

Remember at the beginning that the exception to the rule was mentioned: “The sink is easy to install”? Here it is. The under-table version will still require experience and appropriate skill, since the installation must be done end-to-end, and this is not so easy. This is the only case in which I recommend contacting a professional.If you are confident in your abilities, you can try at your own risk.

This sink is installed below the table through a seal. On one side, the fastening element grips the countertop, and on the other, the edge of the sink. This is what it looks like:

The entire structure is fixed with screws.

Attention! For a wooden tabletop, a screw is used. If it is made of stone, then it is attached to the sink using a screw and dowel.

There is also a second method, when an under-counter sink is installed in a cutout on the back side of the countertop and filled with polymer resin. It not only attaches the sink to the hole, but also reliably seals the seam, which is then rubbed. When the resin dries, the edge is completely hidden, thus creating the impression of one continuous surface with the tabletop.

When installing a sink yourself, no matter what shape it is, and no matter what method you choose, the main thing is to follow the instructions and not leave anything to chance. Be sure to check that you have all the necessary tools and fixtures. If you do everything right, you can deservedly praise yourself for saving your budget and providing your kitchen or bathroom with one of the most important items.