Correct installation of an undermount farmhouse sink?
Hi there, I noticed I have seen three different ways of installing farmhouse sinks. On the three sides that are covered by countertop:
• the first way, the countertop rests on the edge of the sink so there is still a piece of the edge of the sink visible:
• the second way, the countertop comes all the way up to the edge of the sink so it is one straight piece of countertop and sink, no edge of the sink exposed:
I have even seen cases where the counter goes even further over the edge of the sink where there is actually a shadow (see the back edge) caused by the counter coming out even further than the sink edge:
Is there a name for these two different styles? Are they both just considered undermount? Is one better than the other? I am trying to understand if they are both done right, and I just need to choose how I want mine?
I also know there is a third way, the flushmount, however I rarely see this:
My cabinet salesman says my cabinet contractor has not installed the sink correctly since I wanted it undermount style. Does this look correct? Is the extra space for plywood/counters? Who is right, the contractor or the salesman?
Salesman: "Are you going to under-mount or flush-mount your farmhouse style sink? From the photo (below), seems your sink will be flush with the countertop. You may want to double check with your installer. If you want to do a under-mount sink as how we planned before, he may have to lower the sink. "
Comments (18)
iamtiramisu
4 years agoThe term you’re looking for is sink reveal: positive, negative or zero reveal (also flush). Pros and cons to each. The flush is the hardest to pull off (so I’ve read) because your fabricator has to be very precise in the cutout. Lots of threads on here about all of the variations.
decoenthusiaste
4 years agoRelated Discussions
Using a reveal with an under-mount sink to create a "ledge" sink.
Comments (16)Not advised to create a ledge. You physically can, but now you depend on silicon to keep things water tight. If you keep a zero reveal or an overhang, then water is less likely to accumulate on the sink flange (Which is used to create the ledge). The silicone then can stay intact longer, and not be needed as the primary water guard. Often the biggest problem we see with ledge sinks is with the installation. Some issues we have been told is with accessories not fitting. However, this is easily avoidable with two best practices: 1. The fabricator should always follow the template 2. Once the hole is cut for the sink, dry fit the accessories to ensure smooth sailing from the client. If you like ledge sinks then check this new release: Kraus Kore...See MoreQuestion: Farmhouse Kitchen Sink Installation
Comments (12)"1) what's the typical depth of the short-version apron front sink, so that I don't need a new sink base?" The apron is around 6 1/2", the bowl is around 9". This is why the cabinet front (or stretcher rail on Euro cabinets) has to be removed. It won't let the bowl pass by. You can't put the sink in until the front is removed and you can't put the front on until the sink is in. They have to go back in together. "2) I know you have recommended SS over cast iron and fireclay. I am actually a sucker for the white cast iron sink. To install that one, is Hercules sink harness strong enough or I need metal bracket under the sink to support?" A HUSH or a couple Sink Straps will support a cast iron sink, but for ease of installation and adjustability, you can't beat a Pete's Sink Mount Kit. No wood blocking, I don't care what the sink manufacturer videos show. "The sink just can not be replaced without removing the countertop. To save cost, I was prepared to just replace with another double bowl. But, this sink was sandwiched between the countertop and plywood (on both sides, about 3" wide), I can't pull the sink out." The sink can be replaced without removing the countertop, I promise. Unscrew the cabinet front and the adjacent front(s) from each other and/or pull the dishwasher. Smack 'em off with a hammer and a wood block. Climb into the adjacent cabinet/dishwasher space, and with a multitool, cut about an inch or three off the sink base cabinet tops. Don't worry, you're replacing the missing cabinet with structural strapped sink. Now multitool the plywood off that's holding the sink in place. This really sucks, but it's doable. After you've pulled the faucet and soap dispenser, drill a hole in a 2x4 that spans the cutout front to back, drop a bar clamp through the hole and through the drain hole in the sink, and loosely clamp to keep the sink from dropping uncontrollably. Drive a scraper between the stone bottom and the sink flange. When the sink drops, remove the clamp and pull the sink out the front. Recut, re-profile, and polish the new sink cutout. Install a HUSH or a couple Sink Straps to the cabinet sides. Slide the new sink in place, silicone, and re-clamp. Remove most of the silicone squeeze-out immediately. Put the fronts back on; you can't tighten the straps until you do. Hot melt glue the back of the fronts just like the factory did. Pull the clamp, clean up the residual silicone squeeze-out, reinstall the faucet, and you're done. Unfortunately, without a tremendous amount of advanced-class work, you're not getting a Kohler Whitehaven short apron if that sink is in an island, which it appears to be. The "swoop" on the left side of your cutout is too deep. The Whitehaven maxes out at about 18 1/2" from cabinet front to the rear of the cutout. Your cutout alone is at 18". No way. I'll sell you a custom made stainless steel apron front sink with a faucet deck which I designed to fix this particular problem: No swoop: Whitehaven:...See MoreWho best to remove and replace under-mount farm sink?
Comments (14)$2000 is a steal for what Joseph would be taking on....especially if he promises to replace the top if he breaks it. Not many fabricators would offer that! My fabricator would only change out this sink if they homeowner signed a waiver...that if the top was damaged during the rework, they would not be liable. Same goes for uninstall and reinstall of countertops...homeowner takes on entire liability. In my neck of the woods, just a plumbing REHOOK costs $400-$800. But back to the liability....homeowners often wonder why the high price....'but it's just a little sink install"...why is it so expensive. By the time Joe would pack up tools, drive to your house, unload, set up and get an extra man (maybe) to help lift sink out, a half day is gone. You aren't paying for the sink install as much as a very specialized SKILL and service that is very hard to find. You might be able to hire a handyman to give it go....but that's a huge risk to you. Joe does it everyday, knows the tricks, knows the sink models...has been around forever. You're paying for years of knowledge and experience. Skilled, dying out trades are all getting top dollar these days and I only see this as going higher in the future. Get your sons and daughters into trade schools. I wish I made as much $ as one of my 30-something woodworking friends makes....See MoreKitchen Sink Advice: Stainless farmhouse or stainless undermount?
Comments (65)After getting the sink installed I'm regretting not purchasing a self-trimming apron front sink instead. When the contractors cut the cabinet, it left a small gap around the sink edges (and a few chips too). The contractor says they'll cover it with scribe molding so you won't see it, and hopefully that will resolve the issue. Wonder if other folks here with this sink or similar ones have had the same issue? Video showing the gaps around the sink here: https://1drv.ms/v/s!AmD8KjGtqRzxjohVhtoxF_BKmAksdQ?e=N315sO...See More
Rita / Bring Back Sophie 4 Real
4 years agoTanna M
4 years agoReveal is the word I was looking for.
But I think my salesman is asking something else. I think he thinks that my sink is not going to be undermount at all but stick up from the counter. Flush mount sink, but not flush mount reveal. Like this or even higher
jhmarie
4 years ago
daisychain Zn3b
4 years agoTanna M
4 years ago
PROHALLETT & Co.
4 years ago
amazon4
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoI had wantd a postive reveal on mine, for cleaning vs. appearance. Then when the counters were being measured I asked about it. The counter installer said it is best in my case, to go with a negative reveal. He took a staight edge and showed that my sink was not truly straight. That would be very obvious once you placed a straight edge of granite (in my case quartzite) around it. So in my case having a Blanco sink, which I love, was just off enough due the nature of the material/manufacture that it would have looked "off". I went with a negative and I think it looks awesome. Here's are pics but the lighting isn't great.
Also, when mine was just sitting in the base waiting for the counters...it was obvious that it was in place to be under mount. I'd definitely be questioning your installer/contractor just to be sure.
House · More Info
House · More Info
stillpitpat
4 years agoamazon4
4 years agostillpitpat
4 years agoShannon_WI
4 years ago
PROJoseph Corlett, LLC
4 years agolast modified: 4 years agoI replace sinks for a living. My customers get a slight positive reveal. It's the only way the flat stone bottom and the flat sink flange can come together to form a nearly invisible and non-maintenance caulk joint.
I'm not a fan of the negative reveal. It can hide crud. It's the fabricator's favorite because he's got some slop to play with.
Flush reveals require precise cutting and can create an elongated silicone joint as the silicone tapers off the rounded sink edge. This looks nice at install, but after cleaning repeatedly, it starts to fray and looks awful.
Slight positive reveal please. It's the best way to go.
Michelle misses Sophie
4 years agowilson853
4 years agoI have a Kohler Whitehaven which has a much wider lip around the rim of the sink. The lip rests on the sink cabinet. Here is what it looked like after countertop install. I much prefer a positive reveal as it shows off the curves of the sink and with it pulled back a bit, just a little more insurance against chipping. Wiping crumbs from the countertop into the sink is never an issue and very seldom does anything land on the reveal.
cpartist
4 years agoI asked for a negative reveal. Had it on my last farm sink in my condo and have it now in my new house farm sink. I prefer the look, have never had a problem in 6 years in the condo with crud, etc.
catlady999