Step 13: Set the Sink

set the sink
Photo: Wendell T. Webber
«»
For an undermount sink, squeeze a bead of silicone along the top of the sink's flange. Lay a 2x4 across the center of the sink opening. Position the sink underneath the cutout. Holding it with one hand, thread a bar clamp through the drain hole with the other. Tighten the clamp over the 2x4 enough to hold the sink in place. Adjust the positioning of the sink to center it and create an even reveal all around the opening. Tighten the clamp fully, and wipe away any sealant that squeezes out with denatured alcohol.

For an overmount sink, squeeze a bead of silicone underneath the flange. Drop the sink in place and make sure it is centered and even all around. Push the sink down until it is flush, and clean any excess silicone that squeezes out with denatured alcohol.
Next

Related Content

Ask TOH users about Kitchen Countertops
Discuss

Contribute to This Story Below

Add Comment

    More in Kitchen

    Tools List

    Close
    • four-foot level
      4-foot level

    • bar clamps
      Bar Clamps and Spring Clamps

    • hammer
      Hammer

    • drill
      Drill/driver fitted with 2-inch diamond hole saw

    • straightedge guide
      Straighedge

    • circular saw
      Circular saw fitted with diamond blade

    • jigsaw
      Jigsaw fitted with metal-cutting blade

    • random orbit sander
      Random-orbit sander with 100-grit and 220-grit paper

    • angle grinder
      Grinder fitted with diamond blade

    • putty knife
      Putty Knife

    • single edge razor
      Razor Blade

    • caulk gun
      Caulk Gun

    Shopping List

    Close
    1. Soapstone. For the best price, buy directly from an importer (most soapstone comes from Brazil or India). You can find them online, and many will send you samples to help you select the right color. Plan ahead, giving yourself as much as six weeks for delivery time.

    2. Shims to level cabinets.

    3. 2x4s to support the slab when cutting it and act as a brace.

    4. 2½-Inch Deck Screws to hold cabinets level and flush to each other.

    5. Masking Tape for protecting the stone as you cut out for sinks and other fixtures.

    6. Painter's Tape for protecting the stone as you create the joints.

    7. 1/4-by-1½-Inch Carriage Bolts to brace an undermount sink.

    8. Undermount Clips to hold an undermount sink in place. Most new sinks come with the clips, or are available at plumbing-supply stores.

    9. Polyester/Acrylic Stone Seam Adhesive (available through stone suppliers) to form an invisible bond between two slabs. This is a two-part product that has to be mixed before use.

    10. Kitchen and Bath Sealant to secure the sink to the stone. Look for a 100 percent silicone product.

    11. Denatured Alcohol to clean the stone.

    12. Mineral Oil to finish and seal the stone.