I would definately have the sink installed before the granite guy templates. Make sure the top of the sink is level with the top of the cabinets. Also, make sure you tell your cabinet guy how far out you want your sink to bump out. This is the picture I sent to my granite fabricater. Our sink cabinet bumps out as shown in this picture. We didn't have problems with the granite-it was the carpenter who cut the face of our cabinet incorrectly. That issues it still unresolved. He did a "fix" but we're not aure it's adequate and they may need to order us a few cabinet face.

The sinks are put into the base where ever you'd like them to sit. For example, my base cabinet came just like a box -- all 4 sides at the same height. My contractor had to cut out the front of the box and position my sink exactly where I'd like it, "Forward? Forward a 1/4" more? Back 2"?" Does that make sense?

But it still sticks out in the front, even undermounted, so if the cabinet is not wide enough it will interfere with the doors/drawers on the adjoining cabinets, whether under- or over-mounted. With a normal undermount sink, the sink bowl sits back a bit from the front of the cabinet so you just scoop the hidden sides of an adjoining cabinet and the face/door isn't involved at all.

Fireclay is certainly more beautiful IMHO. But I like the ease of stainless, and being free of worrying about chips, cracks, wine stains, and boiling water. I was at the store yesterday looking at sinks, and my thoughts are identical to yours. A sink is -- first and foremost -- a workhorse, so I'm going with stainless steel ... even though I think a white fireclay sink is prettier. I don't like the Vigo apron front because the front is curved and thick. The big advantage of an apron front sink is the ergonomics of being able to stand right up against the sink, as opposed to an undermount sink where there is a strip of counter in front, which makes you have to bend slightly which can be uncomfortable over time for some people. But the Vigo apron front is curved and thick and so defeats the benefit of an apron front sink. That had not occurred to me. Thanks for this. I had no idea that was the benefit of a farmhouse apron sink. I might reconsider my choice now. Farmhouse sinks are great for us short people -- I barely scrape the bottom edge of 5' tall with my shoes on. We don't have to reach our short arms so far to reach into the sink, but don't take my word for it -- go to Lowes and pretend you're working at one of their sample sinks. You'll see whether you like them or not. i contacted kohler and their's is guaranteed for life against chips but yea i suppose if that happens i''ll be stuck paying to have the work done Yeah, having them replace a chipped sink is good, but having a sink that never chips in the first place is far superior! Even if they paid for the installation, you'll never find a convenient time to schedule workmen, clear out that portion of your kitchen, and miss a day of work while it's being done. A bounce-off question: Like I said above, I was at the store yesterday looking at farmhouse sinks ... and I notice that the cabinets underneath are noticeably shorter /a little harder to access. I'm sure it has to do with necessary support under the sink. Questions: - Assuming you're sold on the farmhouse sink, is this a worthwhile trade-off? - Is this shorty cabinet still enough for a garbage disposal? (You'd think I'd have thought of that question at the store.) - I'm thinking a pull-out shelf would work well here. Any experience with such a thing?