How to properly cut a countertop for a sink. Step-by-step installation of a kitchen sink and useful tips for installation. Types of sinks by installation type

A kitchen renovation is not complete until the sink is built into the countertop. In this article we will introduce you step by step process installing a sink in the kitchen: how to make the correct markings, how to cut a hole in the countertop and how to achieve a truly competent installation of the sink.

How to install a sink

You should only install a sink yourself if this service is not included in the price list of the countertop manufacturer. It is quite possible to do such work at home, but attention should be paid to some non-obvious points that are known only professional assemblers furniture.

So, the sink is installed into the countertop using the insertion method. First by exact dimensions A hole is cut in the center of the array, its edges are properly processed. Then the sink is inserted, its body is fixed to the back with special fasteners, and the gap between the metal and the countertop is carefully sealed. At the end of the installation, the installation of clean plumbing fixtures, a sewer siphon or a waste shredder is performed.

There are three main requirements for installing a sink: fastening strength, tight fit and thorough sealing from moisture. Most often, chipboard with a thickness of 40-60 mm is used as the base of countertops. This material is very sensitive to high humidity, which is very typical for the washing area. Due to poor installation, the edges of the holes dry out, which may require replacing the entire tabletop or even the entire set.

Marking

The sink should be centered in the middle of the depth of the countertop, shifting left and right for the most convenient location. The distance from the side of the sink to the edge of the countertop should not be less than 50-70 mm, otherwise the sink should be moved slightly deeper. It is not recommended to make an indentation from the corner plinth less than 30-40 mm, otherwise it will be difficult to wipe the surface in this place. When installing a sink in a corner section, it is useful to leave a space of 100-140 mm from both walls in order to obtain small space for convenient placement household chemicals and cleaning supplies.

Some manufacturers provide their products with installation templates, others do not. If there is a template, it must be glued to the front side of the tabletop, lightly moistening the surface with water. This will help avoid accidental shifting and make markings without outside help. The template usually indicates the width of the sink side; otherwise, it needs to be measured and marked for visual control of the rebate.

If there is no template, the sink must be turned over and installed on the countertop, carefully observing the indentations. The sink should be outlined in a circle with a water-soluble marker and removed, and then the contour line should be shifted inward by the width of the side. If the bowl does not follow the external contours, which is the case in sinks with a drying tray, the marking lines must be shifted a certain distance on each side. If two sinks or a waste compartment are combined in one block, a common hole is cut for them.

How to quickly and accurately cut a hole for a sink

Let us immediately note that using a household tool you can only cut a hole in a countertop made of chipboard or solid wood, regardless of the type of coating. More durable materials, such as silicon agglomerate, require special cutting tool and devices.

First, you need to drill several holes with a diameter of 10-12 mm in the tabletop near the marking line, but without crossing it. Usually 4 holes are drilled at diametrically opposite points of the contour or at the corners of the rectangle. Drilling must be started from the front side so as not to tear out a large section when the drill comes out.

To cut a hole for the sink, you will need electric jigsaw, on which a file with a width of at least 8 mm and a tooth length of about 1.4-2 mm is installed. It is better to choose the opposite direction of the tooth, so that when sawing, chips do not form on the front surface. And although the edge of the sink covers a strip 12-20 mm from the edge, some countertop coatings behave unpredictably and give a rather long crack.

First, a hole is cut on two opposite sides, then a small strip of chipboard or wood is laid across the cutting lines. It is attracted by self-tapping screws to the part of the tabletop being cut and keeps it from falling once the cut is completed. After installing the strip, you need to complete cutting out the fragment and remove it. The open cut, all chips and unprotected edges are generously treated with transparent silicone, leaving a layer of at least 0.5 mm, and allowed to dry.

Installation of the sink and its connection

Almost all sinks are equipped with tape seals, but they are quite hygroscopic and accumulate moisture, creating conditions for the development of mold. Instead of standard seals, manual sealing with silicone sealant is required.

At a distance of 1-2 mm from the edge of the hole, a bead of silicone is squeezed out onto the countertop in a circle, the thickness of which is 2-3 mm greater than the height of the sink rim. Another flagellum is applied at a distance of 10 mm from the first. The silicone should be left for 30-40 minutes until its surface stops sticking to your hands. Then the sink is installed in the hole, its edges are carefully pressed down, giving the silicone the required form. The sink must fit tightly to the countertop along the entire perimeter, otherwise it may be slightly unscrewed when tightening the fasteners. After 5-10 minutes, remove the sink and make sure that the silicone does not burst or spread. This way, a double continuous edge is formed on the countertop, preventing water from getting inside, while the sink can be easily dismantled.

Before the final installation and fastening of the countertop, it is necessary to install fittings on it, access to which will be difficult with the bowl, that is, a mixer and an overflow hose, if available. But it is much more convenient to attach a siphon or chopper to installed sink so that it can be held during installation by the open drain hole.

To secure the sink, it is equipped with steel hinges located along the contour of the bowl in the amount of 4 to 10 pieces. They are threaded with screw clamps shaped like paws, the edges of which should be oriented outward. After this, the sink is lowered into the hole and finally leveled, then the screws are tightened, tightly pressing the sides to the countertop.

Tricks of professional installation

The main difficulties in installation arise when making the hole: if the gap between the edge of the table top and the bowl is too large, the legs of the fasteners may bend. If your hand is not steady, it is better not to touch the marking line when cutting, but if necessary, adjust the size with a rasp.

When the sink is pressed, the silicone should not burst. It is better to squeeze out a small drop from the tube in advance and observe how long it takes for a sufficiently strong film to form on the surface.

The fastening screws should not be tightened too much, especially with increased clearance. This leads to the fact that the sides of the sink do not press down, but bend upward. A small gap between the side and the countertop can also be sealed with silicone.

Installing a sink into a countertop can be done in several ways, it all depends on the type of sink structure and your personal preferences. About all stages of work on self-installation We will tell you further in our article.

Methods for installing a sink into a countertop

There are several mounting methods kitchen sink. If it is overhead, then it is mounted on a cabinet specially selected for the size of the washing structure. Sometimes, when purchasing a kitchen set, the option of an integrated sink may be offered. In this case, the sink and countertop are a one-piece structure. Both items are made from the same material by casting, welding or using glue, followed by grinding of all seams to create a perfectly smooth and complete structure. However, its price will be quite high.

Most often they resort to embedding the sink into the countertop. This option has gained popularity because you can purchase a sink made from various materials: plastic, stainless steel, stone, copper, porcelain stoneware, glass, bronze. Among this variety, there really is something to choose from, depending on your financial capabilities. In addition, such structures may also have different shapes: round, triangular, square, etc.

We invite you to familiarize yourself with three possible options how to embed a sink into a countertop:

• The upper edge of the sink is located below the level of the countertop. It is worth noting that this installation method is more typical for expensive headsets, since the installation cost is high and is carried out by professionals. These designs look solid and attractive. If you want to do the work yourself, for installation you need to purchase a router capable of making recesses with inside countertops. After cutting, the surface of the resulting cutters is carefully ground and processed isopropyl alcohol. made with polymer glue and secured with clamps for 12 hours. On final stage the edges of the sink are filled with two-component resin, and after it hardens, the front side is sanded to achieve perfect flat surface.
• flush with the countertop. Work on installing such a sink must be carried out especially carefully and carefully. First, a hole is cut out, and then along the perimeter, strictly measured according to the parameters of the sink, small grooves are made in the countertop, the width of the edge of the sink. After this, all recesses in the surface are treated with sealant. The sink is placed on top so that its edges are located in the same plane as the countertop. The structure is fixed in the tabletop using fasteners.
• Sink with edges on top of the countertop. The most common and easiest installation method. The process takes a little time, but let’s take a closer look at what tools are needed for this and the main stages of the work.

What tools are needed and how to apply the markings correctly

Before starting work, you must make sure that the purchased product is complete. For correct fastening of the structure, special fasteners must be supplied with the sink, which will help fix the sink in the countertop, and a sealing tape. It can be in the form of a tube or completely flat. Its edges are treated with a special adhesive compound, which promotes better adhesion of the elements to each other and helps seal the joint between the sink and the countertop.

Installation work cannot be done without certain tools, the simplest of which are a pencil, a measuring tape (tape measure) and a ruler. You should take care of a screwdriver or a drill with a wood drill bit, optimal size which will be 12 mm. You will also need Phillips and flathead screwdrivers for self-tapping screws, which come with the mount, sandpaper and a drywall knife. You also need to take a jigsaw with a set of wood files. To seal the seams and as a waterproofing we will need a sealant.

When purchasing a sealant, give preference to a transparent composition, and make sure that the product is sanitary - specifically designed for “wet” areas.

Installation of sinks can be done both at the stage and later, when the countertop is already installed. For ease of use of the sink and its stability, before applying markings, you must choose the right place. It is necessary to retreat from the edge at least 60 mm; the structure should not be located close to it. The distance from the corner should be more than 3 mm, so as not to create inconvenience during cleaning later. If possible, it is advisable to provide a place for detergents and sponges.

If the sink consists of two blocks, then a common hole will be cut for it, and not separate ones for each bowl. It is important to measure the distance correctly, especially on the inside of the cabinets, so that the edges do not touch the walls of the set. When the selected model does not provide space for a faucet, the faucet can be installed on either side of the sink, where it will be most comfortable to use, but as close as possible to the countertop.

If a template is included with the washbasin, then there will be no problems in outlining the contours of the structure, and you can easily transfer the outline to the surface of the countertop. If you don’t have a template, cut it out yourself from paper or turn the sink upside down and draw its contours. For convenience, it is better to work together - one holds the structure, the other outlines it. This will help prevent the sink from moving while making the markings. You can also use clamps. Having fixed the structure motionless on the countertop, after the outline is transferred to the surface, you need to step back from its edge inward at a distance equal to the sides of the sink and draw another, smaller outline. In the standard version, the distance between the two circuits will be 12 mm, although depending on the washbasin model, it may vary.

Recommendations for cutting holes and processing the cut

Before cutting out the countertop for the sink, you need to check everything again and only then start working. We take a drill or screwdriver with a drill installed on it and make as many holes in the corners of our contour as there are in the sink (4 for a square, 3 for a rectangular, etc.). For washing round shapes You can make a larger number of holes for ease of working with a jigsaw on a curved surface. It is important to remember that the holes must be made from the inside of the outline, and their edges should be in contact with the drawn line.

Carry out drilling work from the front side of the tabletop. This way you can avoid large chips and breaks.

After this, we take a jigsaw, insert the blade into the hole and slowly begin the cutting process. Remember that the hole for the sink must completely coincide with the outlined outline. Even if it is smaller, you can always adjust its dimensions after cutting. After finishing the work, you need to insert the sink into the prepared hole for fitting. If there is minimal play, then the work was done correctly. The sink should be removed and the cut areas should be thoroughly cleaned sandpaper.

If the tabletop is made of wood, chipboard and similar materials, then the saw cuts must be treated, otherwise if water gets on them, the surface will swell with subsequent rotting, infection with fungus and mold. To do this, after processing the end with a grinder or sandpaper, you need to apply protective layer, for which you can use PVA glue or waterproof sealant (silicone). The glue is applied to the sawn edges in a thick layer and left until completely dry. If you use silicone sealant, then it must be applied in such a way that part of the composition gets on the edge of the saw cut. After carrying out the waterproofing work, you can begin the actual installation of the sink.

How to install a sink correctly - finishing touches

At the initial stage, you need to degrease the inner edge of the sink and attach a sealing tape to it. We do this not along the very edge, but by retreating a short distance. In some designs you will notice that there is a small depression near the side. It is designed for applying silicone. If there is no groove, then the compound must be applied with a small bead between the edge of the sink and the installed seal. Also, a small amount of silicone should be applied along the edge of the cut out contour, without going beyond its edges.

At the next stage inner part fasteners need to be installed on the sides, and they should not be fixed completely, otherwise the sink will not be able to fit into the hole. Now you can begin installing the structure in its place. To do this, start installing the sink in the hole on the side where the faucet will be located. The sink is placed tightly on the surface until the two surfaces are completely aligned. Some of the sealant applied to the edges of the cut should protrude from under the edges of the washbasin, which must be removed before it completely hardens, otherwise it will be difficult to do this later.

Then you need to take a level and check how level the installation was. If necessary, the sink can be moved a little so that it fits tightly into place. After this, it is allowed to completely fix the fastening elements. Do not tighten fasteners with great strength. This can cause the edges of the sink to bulge. After the mortise sink has been installed, you can begin mounting plumbing equipment– installation of a mixer and siphon.

The type of sink and its location largely determine the convenience of preparing dishes and the comfort of the entire kitchen. It's not only functional item, but also part of the design of the room. Therefore, the choice of a kitchen sink must be approached with all responsibility.

We will help you decide optimal model and we’ll tell you where it’s best to place it. We will also describe how to install a sink in the kitchen without the help of specialists. The installation technology is quite simple; the main thing is to adhere to the rules and requirements outlined in the article.

One of the key aspects in installation is the type of sink, which implies a certain design and fastening device:

• mortise– installed in a specially prepared slot in the countertop, cut to fit the size of the sink;
• invoices– inexpensive and easy-to-install models, placed on a free-standing cabinet.

By type of location relative to the table top kitchen sinks They are divided into table-top, under-table and wall-mounted.

The first is mounted below the level work surface. The latter are installed on hanging brackets and are rarely used due to their low aesthetics.

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Attachment to mounting brackets. In some cases, it is sold together with the sink special fasteners. First in internal walls The cabinets are equipped with self-tapping screws on which the brackets are hung. Then the screws are screwed in ¾. After this, the sink is installed in the opening with mixing on the mounting angle.

During the maneuvering process, you need to ensure that the sink is completely pressed against the cabinet, and the self-tapping screw is fixed in the place where the corner is deepened. Then the screws are tightened until they stop.

Installation of a free-standing sink is somewhat simpler, because... implies in its design the presence of special holes and brackets for fixation

Mounting on wooden bars X. This method used when the previous two are not suitable, for example, due to a defect in the countertop or lack of appropriate connectors on the sink. In this case, you will need 4 wooden blocks and furniture corners. Using these materials you can make an installation platform.

The height of the bars is selected so that the sink is at the same level as the rest kitchen furniture. The bars are cut to the size of the cabinet and fastened to outside using furniture corners. Homemade design It is installed on the cabinet and screwed with corners with self-tapping screws on the inside to the walls of the underframe.

In two latest ways you need to take care of the tightness. To do this, apply a layer of sealant to the contact points of the cabinet/wooden platform with the sink.

Additional information on installing an overhead sink is presented in.

Conclusions and useful video on the topic

This video visualizes the process of installing a sink and will help you see some of the subtleties of the master’s work.

Installation of a mortise model:

Installing a sink is a responsible task on which the functionality of the workspace and reliability depend. Improper installation can lead to rapid destruction of the countertop if water begins to penetrate under the sink.

The main thing in installation is high-quality sealing the joint between the sink and the ends of the kitchen furniture.

If you have experience installing a sink, please share the information with our readers. Leave comments on the article and ask questions. Form feedback located below.

From the author: Good day, dear readers! Today we will introduce you to the algorithm for performing work on installing a kitchen sink. Organize water supply in the kitchen - important stage any repair work. To install an undermount sink into a countertop, you may need the help of a specialist. But if you are sure of own strength and have already been renovating the premises, you can try this procedure yourself.

What tools are needed to install the sink?

Installing a sink yourself will not do without special tools. You will need:

• hacksaw;
• screws;
• drill;
• jigsaw (tool for woodworking);
• cardboard, pencils, scissors and wide tape;
• sealant (silicone is best);
• brackets and fastening elements;
• drills included;
• sandpaper;
• rags.

Be careful with the tabletop canvas: if the movements are unsuccessful, you may have to change it. Before starting work, check how strong the sink you have purchased is, and use this knowledge during the installation process.

What types of kitchen sinks are there?

There are several types of structures. They differ in the installation method.

1. Invoices. Such a sink requires any supporting structure, for example, a cabinet. After installation, there should be a small space between the structure and the tabletop itself. Such products are usually made of loose, thin material.
2. Under-table. Made from a more durable material than countertops, such sinks should be mounted below the surface of the countertop. This strengthens the structure and “couples” it with the supporting pedestal.
3. Mortise. The type of sink we will talk about today. Similar design It simply crashes into the countertop during installation. It does not require additional supporting pedestals and similar structures.
4. Mounted. This thing is convenient: it provides quick access to all pipes.

In addition, sinks can be various forms, have more than one bowl, and are made from materials of varying strength. Stainless steel, ceramic, acrylic, glass or granite are the most common materials used for kitchen and bathroom sinks. You should pay attention to these characteristics in order to understand how to work with the product you have chosen.

Don't forget about additional elements, which may also require installation. Such elements include filters, special valves, and secondary outlets that complement the main outlet.

How to properly install a mortise structure?

If possible, do not use a screwdriver. Manual screwing is considered the strongest and safest. Without a screwdriver, you do not injure the sink, which may be subject to deformation.

How to attach a sink to a wall without using a cabinet?

You will need brackets for mounting. They can be purchased at a repair and construction supply store.

1. Mark the wall at a height of eighty centimeters from the floor.
2. Measure back wall models. After this, make a second marking on the wall below the first one by as many centimeters as you got after the measurements. These markings will be the lines for attaching the brackets.
3. The location of the brackets is already marked on the product. You will need to measure the distance between these locations and transfer the measurements to the fastening lines. You need to drill small holes at the resulting points.
4. Start screwing the brackets. Do this with special tools, not with your hands! You will need as many fasteners as the number of points for connecting them to the sink indicated in the plan that comes with your purchase.
5. Secure the model using brackets. You do not need to additionally protect the wall with various gaskets.

Choose the strongest possible brackets. They should serve you as long as possible for a long time, so you should not skimp on such materials.

How to choose a kitchen sink?

Pay attention to functionality. Choose a sink that suits you with the number of taps, wings, and bowls. It is also important to consider the availability of drying space. In sinks that are mounted into the countertop, such a place is usually provided.

Don't forget about capacity. If you cook daily for big family, you will need a spacious, deep sink.

The material from which the model is made is important. The stronger it is, the longer your purchase will last. Check reviews of a particular company's products online to choose the design that best suits your needs.

Nothing about the sink design should confuse you. The sink should be comfortable and aesthetically attractive. Moreover, the structure cannot compete with the design kitchen sets, so choose the model that fits perfectly with its surroundings.

If it is important for you to have a separate faucet with filtered water, pay attention only to those models that meet this requirement. Don't buy a sink that doesn't satisfy you completely. Subsequently, such a model will not please you with its durability, since you will see only one drawback.

We wish you good luck in choosing and installing mortise sink! This type of sink is considered the most convenient and durable to use. When using such a sink, moisture does not accumulate between the cabinets, and the products themselves are very practical. Usually mortise models are made from very durable materials, which significantly increase the service life of the product. Be careful when installing such a product and do not forget about safety precautions so as not to accidentally damage the objects around you, yourself or your assistants.

Regardless of what interior style has been chosen for your apartment, it is important that it includes functional and aesthetic equipment. The kitchen is no exception, since it also needs to be equipped with appliances for a specific purpose. One of the most important places in this room is the sink, since comfort largely depends on it. The stores offer a wide range of these products, so it will not be difficult to choose the option that suits you. But before you go to the store, you need to understand the types of sinks and their features.

Types of sinks and features of their connection

The sink can be installed different ways, which directly depend on the type of product.

• The simplest and most budget-friendly models are overhead sinks. It will not be difficult to install the structure yourself, since it is simply put on a separate pipe. The disadvantage of this installation is the presence of gaps between the cabinet and the sink.

The simplest and cheapest model

• The mortise structure is installed into the tabletop, for which you need to carefully measure and then cut a hole of the appropriate size.

Important! The sink cannot be installed close to a gas stove!

• There are also under-table sinks; they are usually classified as a more expensive segment. This type of sink is mounted below the countertop, therefore providing an aesthetic appearance and impeccable sealing.

An integrated sink looks more expensive and original

How can I install

The recessed design is ideal for floor-standing modules with a single tabletop. An overhead sink is necessary for sets with free-standing cabinets.

The best option would be to install a deep sink in combination with a low faucet. This will prevent water from splashing when washing dishes. You can choose a product made of stainless or enameled steel.

Properly installed kitchen sink

A built-in sink can be mounted either flush or below the level of the countertop. The first option is quite labor-intensive and requires skills and experience, since you will need to remove the tabletop layer under the side. The depth will be equal to the height of the side along with the sealant.

It is very difficult to install a sink below the level of the countertop yourself. It is better to immediately contact specialists. This installation method is usually used when a sink was purchased from natural or artificial stone, glass and other materials other than of stainless steel. If you are using a sink of an unusual shape, then its installation must be done according to the paper template that the manufacturer includes with the product. Installation above the countertop level is described in detail below.

Self-installation may not be of such high quality!

Required Tools

To install a kitchen sink, you will need:

• sealant,
• jigsaw,
• simple pencil,
• drill,
• building level,
• screwdriver,
• screws,
• adjustable wrench,
• fastenings (supplied with the sink).

Inset sink type - step-by-step installation

Advice! If a chip appears during installation, it is enough to cover it with sealant using a rubber spatula.

If installation is carried out using self-tapping screws, do not use any power tools. The installation must be carried out manually in order to feel what voltage is applied to the structure.

The video will help you familiarize yourself with the installation process in more detail.

Video: How to properly cut a hole and embed a sink into a countertop

Features of installation of structures of unusual shapes

If the sink has an unusual shape, but is a mortise type, its installation will not take much time and effort. It will be enough to use the template included in the kit. The material can be any: steel, stainless steel, plastic, MDF, chipboard. Another thing is integrated sinks, which are mounted below the countertop level. This type of installation is typical for granite products, natural stone, plastic or wood. Their shape can be round, oval, square, triangular or abstract. In any case, it is important to ensure perfect sealing and precision when cutting the hole. As a rule, jig milling machines are used to cut them. It is thanks to the possibility of programming such equipment that the accuracy of the cut and the entire trajectory as a whole is ensured.

Remember! The sink should not come into contact with the internal parts of the cabinets; take this into account when choosing a place for the sink.

1. Initially, you need to connect the hoses for hot and cold water. Be sure to use a rubber gasket. It must be installed between the nut and the tap to ensure a reliable seal. Rubber seals can be replaced silicone sealant. This way you can increase the service life. To carry out installation to the sewer, you need to take a siphon, insert it into the sink and secure its outlet.

Advice! Use S-shaped siphons.

2. Next, a corrugated pipe or a rigid pipe with an angle is screwed to the siphon, and it is this that is inserted into the drain. Pay attention to the diameter; if it differs, purchase a sealing collar. Finally, check the connections for leaks.

Important! Connect the faucet before installing the sink, otherwise installation will be difficult.

By following the above recommendations, you will be able to connect your kitchen sink without any problems. If you do everything correctly, the sink will last long time and will provide aesthetic appearance premises. Choose the right location for your plumbing fixtures. Do not place it near the stove and try to make sure that the sink divides the countertop into two parts: for cutting, cleaning food and for serving.