A set of kitchen furniture includes many components for various purposes. The central element of the headset in this room can be called a countertop. This is not just the main work surface, but also a kind of frame with which kitchen utilities, shelves, cabinets and, of course, a sink interact. And if the connection of communication is carried out according to standard schemes with the given parameters of the holes, then the integration of functional elements into the platform niche itself requires more serious preparation. Cutting and fastening operations are only part of the working steps without which a sink can be installed on a countertop. It is not easy to independently implement these and other tasks, but it is possible if you follow the instructions.
Preparing for installation activities
Prior to the commencement of work activities, consumables, tools and a sink should be prepared. At this point, a countertop should be installed, and the material of its manufacture should correspond to the sink. The fact is that different countertops, depending on the size and material of manufacture, have different bearing capacity. Thin models based on composites can only withstand stainless sinks. If it is planned to install a sink from stone into a countertop, then you should focus on a high load. In this case, either the countertop should be made of at least artificial stone, or additional holders should be provided in the cabinet itself under the platform.
As for tools, you should prepare a set of measuring instruments, an electric drill or a jigsaw, screwdrivers, an adjustable wrench, a construction knife and a gun for sealant. What consumables are needed - it depends on the installation method, which will be discussed later. The universal list includes building glue, screws and sealant. In addition, do not forget about the plumbing, the organization of which involves the use of a siphon, a water supply hose and a mixer.
Markup Rules
This is a crucial stage, during which the configuration of the placement of the sink in accordance with its dimensions will be determined. Of course, you should start from the parameters of a specific sink, but there are standard rules for placement, which should not contradict the selected installation scheme. First of all, the cutting edge, that is, the line of contact of the sink with the countertop should be located no less than 50 mm from the edge. This value should be maintained regardless of the method used to further install the sink in the countertop.
You can put the sink yourself on glue and hardware, but in both cases the load on the edge must be minimized. The only exception is the section with the rear end, where the distance from the edge to the cut can be 25 mm, since in this part the pressure on the structure will be less. Also, when marking, you should remember about the communications that will be connected to the central point of the sink - they must be freely suitable so that both water supply and drainage are provided.
Cutting countertops according to sink size
After marking, the lines of the future cut should be ready. To perform the cutting, two tools are used - a jigsaw and an electric drill. First, a drill comes into play that creates niches for sawing. If you plan to install a rectangular sink, you must make holes with a depth of at least 10 mm in each corner. Next, from each hole with a jigsaw, you need to connect to another nearby point in a straight cut line.
A different approach should be taken if a round sink is installed in the countertop. It is more difficult to cope with this task independently, since it will be necessary to perform not a straight line, but a curved cut. But you should also start work by creating a hole with an electric drill. It will be one. To facilitate cutting, it is advisable to initially have a jigsaw designed for curly cutting. Then you should carefully lead the saw strictly along the intended circular line. It is important to avoid even small deviations, to cut smoothly and without jerking.
Installing a sink with glue
The glue method of fixing the sink is not the most reliable, but practical and, given a tight fit, can be quite durable. Before applying glue, it is necessary to process the edges of the countertops in the places of cut. For this, finely abrasive materials are used in the form of sandpaper or a fine-grained grinding wheel. Next, a sealant based on polyethylene is applied. Usually it is supplied with the product.
It is also worth noting that the glue is used to install a sink from a stainless steel into a countertop, but not stone models, the shift of which can lead to a violation of fixation. Previously, the places of future contact of the sink itself and the polished edges of the countertop are smeared with glue. It will be possible to use the washing for its intended purpose only after complete crystallization of the composition - you need to wait about 24 hours.
Installation of washing with fixing materials
Mechanical fixation will provide greater reliability, but there is one caveat. The adhesive composition increases the tightness of the toe and sink countertops. In the case of screws, the risk of flooding at the joints will be prevented by the use of waterproof sealants in a larger volume than in the case of adhesive mounting. Usually fasteners are supplied in the kit, so you don’t have to look for special hardware.
The “cross” installation of the sink in the countertop is considered optimal. You can independently perform such an installation either with a screwdriver or with a screwdriver manually. Fixing plates are located diagonally, after which complete screws are integrated into technical holes.
Mortise and surface sinks - differences in installation
Mortise sinks require individualized installation, including curly cutting countertops. Overhead models also rarely do without preliminary processing of the platform, but in this case, the marking for future cutting is done in straight lines. As a rule, a square or rectangular shape is prepared, and cutouts of this format are made in special panels even in the factory.
What is the advantage of installing a mortise sink in a countertop? It is more difficult to independently realize curly cutting for such a sink, but in the end it will provide a higher degree of reliability, not to mention aesthetic appeal.
The nuances of installing ceramic sinks
Both ceramic and stone sinks are made only using the insert technique. Such models require the creation of a more durable bearing structure with high-quality fixation. It is recommended to mount using the combined method - that is, with the use of glue and mechanical fasteners. Thus, an optimal installation of a ceramic sink in the countertop will be performed.
You can independently prepare and internal retention base. This is done with the help of wooden planks, which insure the niche of a heavy worktop under the pedestal. You can also fasten such strips with nails, but a more preferable option involves the use of self-tapping screws or screws.
Connection of a sink to communications
First, cold and hot water hoses are connected. On the one hand - to the mixer, on the other - to the water channel. The place of integration of the mixer must contain a rubber seal. Then a siphon outlet is introduced into the sink - it is advisable to use a curved model, since the bottle ones quickly become clogged. A sewer pipe is connected to the siphon.
If you installed a sink made of artificial stone in the countertop, then the communication eyeliner should be used as hard as possible. For example, the pipe may have a reinforced angular structure. At the final stage, it is necessary to check all the joints and, if necessary, provide the joints with sealing cuffs.
General installation recommendations
During installation, regardless of the installation method, sealant will be used. It is not worth stinging it, because the joints should be well sealed. However, excesses that go beyond gaps must be removed before they are dry.
Another nuance concerns working with stone and ceramic structures. This is the most time-consuming installation of a sink in the countertop. It is physically difficult to make such an installation on your own in the kitchen, so it is better to work with a partner. And one more point concerns the choice of the method of screw tightening. If possible, it is better to perform such operations without a power tool and manually, since excessive force can lead to deformation of the materials of the countertop and the sink itself.
Conclusion
How ergonomic the sink integrated into the countertop will be depends on many factors. Of greatest importance will be the location of the object in the general configuration of the headset. The durability and reliability of the designed structure will be determined by the installation of a sink in the countertop. Self-assembly can guarantee the success of future operation only if the above recommendations are followed, as well as with the high quality of the consumables used.
Particular attention in this context should be given to sealant and adhesive composition. It is desirable to choose both tools from the lines of large manufacturers recommended for use in the kitchen in harsh operating conditions.