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How should you mount a fireclay sink (especially undermount)?

15 years ago

We're planning to install the Rohl Allia single bowl fireclay sink. It's an undermount - not a farmhouse. I was under the impression that you just used the sink clips to attach the sink to the granite/soapstone, along with the silicone adhesive.

Talking to a few potential fabricators, we're hearing different things. We've heard that you should build a plywood support box with legs going to the bottom of the sink cabinet. I've read about just running wood slats across from front to back on either side. I think our cabinet maker built these front to back supports resting on the cabinet box with this in mind (but they'll have to be largely cut away to fit the big sink in the just right cabinet base).

Long story short, I don't want this fancy fireclay sink falling on my head when I reach for the Dawn. So what is the standard for making it secure? Could you share pictures of your under sink area if you have a fireclay sink? Especially if it's an undermount - not farmhouse. I did find a post or two with farmhouse sinks pictured, but that may be a different animal.

Thanks!

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Comments (5)

paigeysmom
15 years ago
I don't know what is standard, but in our case the Allia just fit into our 33 inch base cabinet to the point that the cabinet had to be modified to fit it. The outer lip of the sink rests on that partial panel at the top of the sink base (I don't know what its called). The granite fabricators then used adhesive to adhere it to the granite. I'm not sure how or if they used the undermount kit. We don't have any additional supports below the sink and it seems quite secure. Its also just plain fabulous. I hope you enjoy yours too.
bungalowdawn
Original Author
15 years ago
Thanks paigeysmom. Yes, that's going to be the same story with ours...major jigsaw puzzle to fit it in. May I ask what faucet you have? We're hoping to squeeze in a Rohl Perrin & Rowe single lever but I'm really nervous that it's going to not fit at the last minute and then I'll be stuck with a whopping 25% restocking fee.

If you have any pictures, I'd love to see them. Or if you've got pictures somewhere else on the forum, let me know where and I'll try to find them.

Thanks so much!
Dawn

Anyone else?! I know that the Allia must be fairly common. Please help this worried buyer!
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I previously had a top mount, but when we remodeled our current kitchen, we went with an undermount stainless steel sink and granite counters. We aren't the neatest crew and my husband splashes like a toddler in a tub when he does the dishes. And neither of us is careful of the granite (pots, pans, oven roasters banging the edges of the granite) and we haven't had a problem. No leaks around the sink, no cracks or chips on the granite. Cleaning the undermount is actually easier because I feel like we were always scrubbing where the edge of the top mount met the countertop. This way even if there IS any stuff where the undermount meets the countertop, you don't see it. But when you do one of your "thorough" cleans, you can clean there pretty easily. Same for where the faucet is mounted...way more effort to keep that area clean on a top mount sink. With the undermount sink, wiping around the faucet / granite area is easy! Major vote for undermount sink here!
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shanny75
15 years ago
Have you considered the undermount kit? I have heard that they work great....I'm just cheap and think DH can whip up some wood supports, but am keeping this option open!

Here is a link that might be useful: Rohl undermount kit
paigeysmom
15 years ago
I have a Blanco Bridge faucet--they had to squeeze 4 holes in behind the sink. The faucet just fits. Our granite installers seemed to spend hours trying to install the sink and the granite, but it turned out beautifully. There is a seam down the middle of the sink that I can't even find unless I feel for it. My husband did a bit of cursing when he installed the faucet because it was very tight for the connections but it looks great. There is still a surprising amount of space under the sink too. Here is a link to my post about my granite installation which includes some sink pictures. Let me know if you would like to see other pictures.

Here is a link that might be useful: Granite/sink pictures
shanny75
15 years ago
I just broke down and bought the undermount kit...A mere $68.00

The vision of the crashing sink on my head did me in. Lord knows how hard headed I am...I wouldn't want to crack my beautiful Allia!

One less thing for DH to complain about having to do on the weekend....priceless!

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