skip to main content

Plumbing Remodeling Design Dilemma

change undermount sink in Caesarstone counter

last year

I have a Caesarstone counter with a small, undermount sink. I'd like to replace the sink with a larger model. Can the counter be recut to accommodate the larger sink? If it can, does it have to go back to the fabricator or can it be done on site?

Featured Answer

PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

last year

"If there is someone local that offers that, it will cost at least half of what a new countertop will.

Or more."

That depends upon the size of the kitchen, the layout, and the rarity and desirability of the existing stone. You aren't getting a color/particulate/movement match with a replacement piece, so you'll probably have to do the entire kitchen and that's not happening in one day as is a sink replacement. I wouldn't have a sink replacement business if we weren't a cost effective value.

"And you are limited by the actual size of the sink base."

Again, the layout is critical. I've stuffed 33" sinks into 27" cabinets with no problem.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

PRO
Sabrina Alfin Interiors
last year
last modified: last year
I have my doubts this is a job that can be done on site. The stone saws they use at the fabricator's shop are generally huge pieces of stationary equipment. This is not as simple as drilling holes for the faucet on site.

My guess is that either (a) you'll have to remove the whole counter piece or (b) you'll have to replace the counter material entirely. But no harm in asking a local provider to see what they say.

P.S. It's not just the stone that has to be changed. Most countertops have a plywood substrate, so that, too, will have to be re-cut to accommodate the new sink.
Jennifer K thanked Sabrina Alfin Interiors
ci_lantro
last year
You will have a much better chance of finding someone to do the job and do it on site if you can live with a top mount sink.
Related Discussions
reusing undermount sink with new granite countertop
Q
Comments (2)
Sinks are not epoxied in place----at least a reputable fabricator doesn't epoxy them in place. They do use silicone to make a water tight seal, and silicone is difficult to remove. Perhaps he doesn't want to take the time and effort to remove the residual silicone on your sink. Why don't you undertake the project of removing the silicone so that the sink is "like new" and there would be zero issues/excuses left as to why you can't reuse your sink. Or, change fabricators. There might be a small charge from some fabricators to do that silicone removal task, so that's why I suggested that perhaps that'd be something you'd be willing to do yourself.
...See More
Undermount sink with Butcher Block counters?
Q
Comments (17)
I recently stayed at an airbnb on a small island that had a wooden countertop with an undermounted sink. It was a little cottage that had been built in the 1920s. The owner said he hadn't done anything to the counter when he bought the cottage 6 years earlier or since, except replace a small section of countertop where the old hand pump had been before electricity had come to the island. It was edge-joined cypress (face up). It looked heavily varnished but the wood was in great shape and looked fantastic after 100 years. In no way would I shy away from an undermount sink with butcher block if I was willing to invest a little care. It's a beautiful look. I'm trying to figure out a way to install an undermount sink in one of the new IKEA "butcherblock" countertops, which are really only a thin layer of wood on an MDF core. The laminate-friendly sinks from KARRAN look promising, but they're made to mount flush into an MDF surface which then has laminate installed over the sink and trimmed away. I have to work out a way to rout out the MDF from underneath and leave only the solid wood over the sink and make sure it all gets sealed up. I haven't seen anyone on the internet do this, so I might be venturing out on my own.
...See More
Silicone to close gap between countertop and undermount sink
Q
Comments (9)
"1. What kind of clear silicone can I use to fill the gaps?" Any 100% clear silicone will work, but this should be done by the installers, not you. You don't want to give them the opportunity to say you screwed it up. "2. How long does it last before I have to scrape it off and re-apply?" The silicone that's doing the gasketing job it's meant to do should have been applied to the sink flange liberally enough that when the sink was clamped tightly to the bottom of the top, it squeezed out. The squeeze-out should be tooled. Any additional silicone as you are applying is topical and cosmetic in nature. Peek under your sink. If you see no silicone squeezing from the flange, have them remount your sink properly. Your top looks like estone, but in natural stone tops that have been rodded, improperly gasketed sinks can cause catastrophic rod failures which I charge $800=$1,600.00 to fix and you can usually still see the crack. "3. Is there a clear silicone with antibacterial features? The sink will be exposed to a lot of germs?" Keep it clean and it will be fine.
...See More
Who best to remove and replace under-mount farm sink?
Q
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 More
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
last year
We enlarge cutouts for undemount sinks on site with no dust or mess every day, then profile and polish the edges. It's not rocket surgery; you just need the right tools and knowledge. We have never removed a top to replace a sink the exception being Corian. It's a one-day job for one man, plumbing included. This is estone:

Notice how much more round the edge is than the pencil chip factory original please.
Jennifer K
Original Author
last year
@Joseph Corlett, LLC, it's a 4' Caesarstone vanity with left offset sink. So no matching worries. The vanity is composed of two 24" base cabinets. This is a new installation and I should have chosen a larger sink, but I didn't so now I get to spend money or live with an irritant.
PRO
Patricia Colwell Consulting
last year
How small was the sink you had? You only have 24" so what size are you planning?

Related Stories

KITCHEN SINKS Undermount Sink? Our Guide to Placing Holes for Accessories

By Barbra Bright Design

With an undermount sink, you decide where to put the faucet and accessories. These guidelines can help

KITCHEN DESIGN How to Choose the Best Sink Type for Your Kitchen

By Jennifer Ott Design

Drop-in, undermount, integral or apron-front — a design pro lays out your sink options

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Fireclay Brims With Heavy-Duty Character

By Rachel Grace

Cured at fiery temperatures, fireclay makes for farmhouse sinks that just say no to scratches and dents

MOST POPULAR How to Choose the Right Kitchen Sink

By Mary Jo Bowling

Learn about basin configurations, sink shapes, materials and even accessories and specialty sinks

BATHROOM DESIGN How to Choose the Right Bathroom Sink

By Anne Ellard Design

Learn the differences among eight styles of bathroom sinks, and find the perfect one for your space

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Sinks: Granite Composite Offers Superior Durability

By Rachel Grace

It beats out quartz composite for strength and scratch resistance. Could this kitchen sink material be right for you?

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Durable, Easy-Clean Soapstone

By Ivon Street Studio

Give bacteria the boot and say sayonara to stains with this long-lasting material that's a great choice for kitchen and bath countertops

BATHROOM VANITIES Should You Have One Sink or Two in Your Primary Bathroom?

By Tiffany Carboni

An architect discusses the pros and cons of double vs. solo sinks and offers advice for both

KITCHEN DESIGN Soapstone Counters: A Love Story

By Alison Hodgson

Love means accepting — maybe even celebrating — imperfections. See if soapstone’s assets and imperfections will work for you

KITCHEN DESIGN Kitchen Counters: Stunning, Easy-Care Engineered Quartz

By Ivon Street Studio

There's a lot to like about this durable blend of quartz and resin for kitchen countertops, and the downsides are minimal

Sponsored

Daniel Russo Home

13 Reviews

Premier Interior Design Team Transforming Spaces in Franklin County

More Discussions

Looking for feedback on Grohe & Moen faucets

15

kitchen Faucet Opinions Please

2

Separate shower head and hand-held shower controls

15

Need help identifying a bathroom faucet.

0

Can't decide gold fixtures what would you do

12