I don't understand. The sink base you choose is directly related to the size sink you desire. The size of any base does not dictate your countertop. Any stone top will rest on the frame of the cabinets. Additional support may be needed for overhangs ... maybe I'm not understanding your question? From what I'm understanding... you can just get a smaller sink, thereby requiring a smaller sink base cab, netting you more space next to your sink if that's what you want.

I dont understand it either--she is telling me I have to have a 36 inch base to do granite--doesnt make sense to me so wondered if anyone here had ever gotten that advice

It makes no sense at all. I assume you have other cabinets next to the sink that are not all 36". And I also assume that your stone countertop will cover all the bases in the run. There must be some kind of miscommunication. Maybe she meant you needed a 36" base for the sink she thinks you want?

What I believe that she is telling you is that because you have chosen a 33" wide sink, that will require a 36" sink base to accomodate it. Some cabinet companies and granite fabricators are OK with "scooping" the sides of the sink cabinet (cutting them away) in order to fully fit in an oversize sink into the sink base cabinet (a 33" sink into a 33" cabinet), but many are NOT OK with that practice as it does void the cabinet warranty and provides a more difficult install for the granite fabricator.

Many people are OK with a large single sink in their remodel as they uses the DW for their dirty dishes and don't hand wash items enough to need 2 bowls. You might analyze your kitchen practices and see if a 25" single sink would fit your lifestyle. You can fit a LOT of items in it. Far more than you would think! ANd you'd have even more room for your needed countertop. Right now, looking at your design in your other post, it has a significant problem with the sink area spacing that I could not in good conscience move forward with unless the client signed a waiver stating that it was their own personal instructions to do so.

The larger bowl of our main sink is 21-3/8" wide x 18-3/4" horizontal depth x 9" vertical depth. It does hold a lot...here's what we fit in ours. If you go with a 25" wide sink, you will be able to fit even more!

Cleaning up after marathon brownie (13 pans) & shortcake (4 pans) baking:

Large cookie sheet:

I would definitely consider a 25" wide sink...it would then give you 21" on the left side of the sink. Not ideal (24" to 36", IMHO, is ideal) but so much better than 12"!!!

HTH!

WOW--buehl, I think that may just work for us! thanks for sharing the pics. We have a double bowl now and do hand wash most of our dishes though. I found a Blanco online today that is 30 5/8 x 18 1/8--would that work in a 33 inch base?

One thing about a big sink: why do you need it?
Just wondering: We tell people clean up your dishes ASAP. Don't let them soak: (Change cleaning habits.) Cook: soap up: rinse: stick in dishwasher ASAP.

So I agree with going with a smaller sink: or a standard sink. Do not want to void cabinet warranty.

This summer: we had a customer "insist" on a three holed sink: Well: I didn't know it would turn into a nightmare! I got the sink wholesale for customer as a nice jester: saved them $200-$300.
Well the sink wouldn't fit on day of install! So, handyman had to go over there and cut under the sink into the cabinet! Then I got "yelled" at by the customer for not informing him of the size sink that he picked & insisted on: In good faith, I was helping him to save money buying for him! He had a drop in 3 holed over size sink: big difference from an undermount when it came to the cabinets and new granite.
***Waivers from now on and the customer can buy their own oversized sink & be responsible for the modifications. Just speaking from experience here.
~sorry if I sound like I am venting~
It's all about communication and knowledge before hand: always good to know: I guess be thankful they are bringing that up: ask them to explain in more detail to you what they mean!