Recently, built-in appliances for the kitchen have become especially popular. It does not take up much space, integrates perfectly into furniture and has a good appearance. This trend is also characteristic of other elements of kitchen equipment. Therefore, the question of how to embed a sink in a countertop is of great interest to beginning masters and people who want to do this kind of work on their own.
Design principle
Some people find it rather difficult to carry out such a procedure, and for this you need to have an expensive professional tool. However, having studied in detail the question of how to insert a sink into the countertop, it can be understood that this design is quite simple and has the appearance of a conventional kitchen cabinet on which a sink is fixed. At the same time, it is not a consignment note, but embedded in the countertop itself, which allows you to create a single whole with it.
Instruments
Many masters, answering the question of how to insert a sink into the countertop, immediately begin to talk about an expensive tool. However, this work can be done with minimal equipment. For this we need:
- screwdriver;
- hammer;
- wood drill ;
- hacksaw;
- plumbing wrench.
Material selection
First of all, you need to learn how to choose the right countertops for the kitchen. They should be suitable for furniture design and have a certain coating. A high-quality countertop is not exposed to moisture, can withstand high temperatures and is well washed.
When choosing a sink, you should also focus on certain requirements. It should not be greater than the width of the countertop, or be equal to it. In this case, a small margin should be left to create a workspace. For the rest, the sink is selected from the most liked models.
Training
Typically, preparation consists in the acquisition of tools, materials and other necessary elements. However, there is one point that I would like to highlight separately.
By purchasing kitchen worktops and washing immediately, you can greatly facilitate your work. Some construction stores offer to immediately cut a landing hole for a specific model. However, they usually do not require an additional fee, positioning this service as a bonus.
Also at the preparation stage it is very important to correctly create a design drawing taking into account the dimensions of the sink and the countertop itself. Therefore, it is worth having certain information about the parameters of the product.
Cut out the seat
The question of how to cut a countertop often arises among novice masters. The fact is that this product has a rather large thickness, a special coating, which, if improperly processed, can be damaged, and is not always amenable to conventional tools. Therefore, for work, they most often use a special circular saw with victorious tips or a jigsaw. However, you can use a conventional tool so as not to purchase expensive equipment for one-time use.
- First of all, installing a sink in a countertop requires creating holes of a certain size and quantity. To do this, we apply dimensions to the surface of the countertop, according to which we will have to perform work. If you need to create a separate hole for mounting the crane, then its parameters are also applied to the surface.
- Next, we take a drill and use a drill to make several holes next to each other along the marking contour.
- The next step is to connect them together, which can be done with a file or a thin hacksaw blade.
- Then, a hacksaw is inserted into the resulting hole and sawing is made according to the marking.
- To create holes for the crane, use a special drill. Its cost is usually low, which means that you can purchase it for one-time work without any special costs.
Fix the sink
- After the hole in the countertop is ready, you can install a sink in it.
- The further stage of work directly depends on the design of the selected product. The fact is that the sink mount usually corresponds to specific models. Therefore, the fixation is carried out, guided by the instructions included in the delivery.
- Usually, to secure the sink, it is enough to tighten the special screws that hold the clamping elements on the back of the countertop. However, sometimes it is necessary to use additional clamps, which can be purchased on the building materials market.
- In order to create a tight connection between the countertop and the sink and to get rid of the gap in which debris or moisture can get, experts recommend using silicone. Such a sealant is applied to the surface and clamped by the sink itself during its fixation.
Putting the closet together
At this stage, fasten the countertops to the cabinet. It is installed in its place and fixed with the help of furniture corners and screws. Such a connection is considered one of the most practical and reliable. If the insert was made on finished furniture, then it is enough to simply assemble the product in its original state.
Connect to the system
When the sink has been completely installed in the countertop, it is necessary to connect it to the water supply and sewage system. It is important to consider the design features of the cabinet or make certain changes to it.
If kitchen furniture was sold without taking into account the connection of such systems, then you need to create a kind of technological hole for organizing the supply. To do this, the design is installed closer to the input pipes and determine in which place it is best to create a technological hole.
If you want to create a connection on the side of the cabinet body, you should make an entry in the wall panel. It is made according to the principle of creating a hole in the countertop, trying not to damage the rest of the material.
When the supply of communications must be done at the back of the cabinet, they usually just remove the fiberboard sheet, which is stuffed to make the wall. However, after this, the design may lose its strength. Therefore, experts recommend instead of the sheet to fix several strips of chipboard, which will serve as a kind of stiffeners.
Water and sewage pipes are led inside the cabinet, placing them immediately below the sink. At the same time, taps are installed on them so that repairs can be made without shutting down the entire water supply system.
Natural stone countertops
Recently, marble or granite countertops have become particularly popular. They are practical, have a stunning appearance and create a certain image. However, it is very difficult, and sometimes impossible, to embed a sink in them independently.
The fact is that for cutting this material it is necessary to purchase a special tool, the cost of which is quite high. Therefore, experts recommend ordering such countertops with holes already made that would match the selected sink.
Fixation of such products is performed using special glue and sealant. It is applied over the entire plane of the surface in order to ensure contact density. Given this, you must first create a rough countertop made of plywood, which will serve as a support or mounting element.
Such systems use their own fasteners and auxiliary fittings. They are usually also made of natural material and are designed to work with heavy weight. Therefore, even professionals try to shift such work to the tabletop manufacturer in order to ensure quality and receive a guarantee for such products and services.
Recommendations of specialists
- Masters advise: the width of the countertop should be 20 cm greater than the sink itself. So the design will not lose its strength after tapping, and it will be convenient to use.
- If the insert of the sink is carried out in old furniture, then it is necessary to additionally carry out preventive maintenance of its fixtures. If necessary, you can completely change the way you fix all the elements.
- Some types of countertops suggest a separate approach to this issue. The hole in them is cut out at the factory or before sale. However, their installation requires a special substrate, which is created from plywood. It is on it that it will be necessary to glue the countertop itself.
- Sometimes it’s much easier to agree on a box of this design when purchasing furniture. This will save a lot of time and money. However, there are times when this is not possible.
- New countertops are sold in a special transport film, which protects their coating from mechanical stress and dust. It is worth removing it only after trimming has been made. Many experts use it as installation protection.
- Replacing countertops should be done on all cabinets, and not just on one selected item. Otherwise, it is necessary to select a product with the most similar coloring and the corresponding quality.
- When installing the sink, it is recommended to create a slight slope towards the drain hole. So the water will not linger in it and become the cause of mold and bacteria. Some people prefer to immediately choose such models of sinks, where the moment is implemented constructively.
Conclusion
Having studied in detail the question of how to insert a sink into the countertop, one can come to the conclusion that this work will not cause difficulties even for novice masters. It does not require the availability of an expensive tool or possession of certain skills. It is enough to follow the instructions and follow the safety rules. Successful repair!