How To Install A Farmhouse Sink In Existing Granite

Farmhouse sinks are the choice of many builder-owners because of their appearance and deep basin. Oftentimes, homeowners that are eager to make renovations to their kitchen opt for a farmhouse sink to add value and character to the room. However, things can get slightly trickier when it comes to installing a new farmhouse sink in existing granite already in your kitchen.

To install a farmhouse sink in existing granite, cut the granite and top of the cabinet with a saw. Make sure to check your measurements before cutting, then place 2 x 4s in a U shape to create a support for the sink. Install the sink, set up the plumbing, seal with caulk, and let dry for 12 hours.

Let’s take a deep dive into what it takes to install a farmhouse sink in existing granite.

Before you can install a farmhouse sink in existing granite, you must remove the old sink. Removing a sink from a granite countertop is not that difficult. Make sure that you have your silicone removal tool, or knife alternative, ready. Now you can remove the sink.

1. Shut off the water supply

2. Go beneath the sink and disconnect the water lines by loosening the nuts

3. Use silicone removal tool or knife to remove the old silicone attached to the sink

4. Take a flat screwdriver and pry between the countertop and the sink until there is enough free space to move the sink

5. With 1 to 2 additional people, lift the sink out of the granite counter and set it to the side

Now that the old sink is out of the existing granite, you can install your new farmhouse sink.

Using your measurement of the farmhouse sink, cut the existing granite to accommodate for the larger dimensions of the new sink. Remember to wear glasses or goggles, as well as a face mask before cutting into the granite.

Mark the spots on the granite where you will make cuts. A circular saw is more than enough and try to keep it steady as you trim the granite. After cutting the granite, cut the top of the cabinet where the old sink sat using the same measurement.

Discard the top of the cabinet that you saw off. Once you have cut your granite and cabinet to accommodate the farmhouse sink, clean up the mess. The ground will more than likely be littered with granite trimmings and dust.

To save time, use either a wet-dry vacuum, or simply a wet mop to get the mess out of your way.

Most farmhouse sinks weigh between 100 and 200 pounds. As such, you should use 2 x 4’s, ½” to ¾” plywood, and screws as a support system for the farmhouse sink. You can install 2 x 4’s in a U shape beneath the sink with a plywood shelf above the 2 x 4’s.

Drill 2 holes in the support shelf so that you can run plumbing through it later. Once you have added the support shelf under your farmhouse sink, you can attach the cabinet doors. Be sure to run lines of caulk along the edges of the counters to secure the sink.

Finally, you are ready to install the farmhouse sink itself. With a helper or two, install the sink onto the makeshift shelf that you assembled.

Now, connect the plumbing pipes and water valve to the sink. Make sure that either caulking or some sort of silicone sealant forms a tight bond between the granite and the sink. Once 12 hours of curing has passed, turn the water supply back on and run the faucet to see how well the farmhouse sink runs.

You must make accurate measurements of the farmhouse sink and make accurate cuts in the granite to match. Use a power tool such as a reciprocating saw, circular, saw, cement saw, or tile saw to cut the granite to accommodate a farmhouse sink.

It is recommended that you have the help of at least one other person. Farmhouse sinks weigh 100-200 pounds, so placing them when the time comes can be tough. As long as you carefully follow the steps and make accurate measurements, you can install a farmhouse sink in existing granite.