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 utensils. Therefore, the question of how to insert a sink into the countertop is of great interest to beginners and people who want to do this work on their own.
Design principle
Some people think that it is quite difficult to perform such a procedure, and for this you need to have an expensive professional tool. However, having studied in detail the question of how to embed a sink into the countertop, you can understand that this design is quite simple and has the appearance of an ordinary kitchen cabinet on which the sink is fixed. At the same time, it is not a consignment note, but cut into the countertop itself, which allows you to create a single whole with it.
Tools
Many masters, answering the question of how to embed 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;
- drill with a drill for wood;
- hacksaw;
- plumbing key.
Selection of materials
First of all, you need to learn how to choose the right countertops for the kitchen. They must match the design of the furniture and have a certain coating. A quality countertop is resistant to moisture, can withstand high temperatures and is easy to clean.
When choosing a sink, you should also focus on certain requirements. It should not be more than the width of the countertop, or be equal to it. At the same time, a small margin should be left to create a working space. Otherwise, the sink is selected from the models you like the most.
Preparation
Usually preparation consists of acquiring tools, materials and other necessary items. However, there is one point that I would like to highlight separately.
Buying countertops for the kitchen and a sink at once, you can make your work much easier. Some hardware stores offer to immediately cut a mounting 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 createdesign 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 the countertop often arises among novice craftsmen. The fact is that this product has a rather large thickness, a special coating, which can be damaged if improperly processed, 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 also use a regular tool so as not to purchase expensive equipment for a one-time job.
- First of all, the installation of a sink in a countertop requires the creation of holes of a certain size and number. To do this, we apply dimensions on the surface of the countertop, according to which work will have to be performed. If you need to create a separate hole for mounting the crane, then its parameters are also applied to the surface.
- Next, 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 needle file or a thin hacksaw blade.
- Then a hacksaw is inserted into the resulting hole and sawed out according to the markup.
- To create holes for the faucet, you should use a special drill. Its cost is usually low, which means that it can be purchased for a one-time job without much cost.
Fixing the sink
- After the hole in the countertop is ready, you can install the sink into it.
- The next 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, fixing is carried out according to the instructions included in the delivery.
- Usually, to fix the sink, it is enough to tighten the special screws that hold the clamping elements from the back of the countertop. However, sometimes it is necessary to use additional clamps, which can be purchased from the building materials market.
- In order to create a tight connection between the countertop and the sink and get rid of the gap into which debris or moisture can get, experts recommend using silicone. Such a sealant is applied to the surface and clamped by the sink itself when it is fixed.
Assembling the closet
At this stage, the countertops are mounted on the cabinet. It is installed in its place and fixed with the help of furniture corners and self-tapping 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 just to assemble the product in its original state.
Connecting to the system
When the sink is fully installed in the countertop, it must be connected to the water supply and sewerage system. In this case, it is important to take into account the design features of the cabinet or make certain changes to it.
If kitchen furniture was sold without connection of such systems, then it is necessary to create a kind of technological hole for organizing the supply. To do this, the structure is installed closer to the input pipes and it is determined 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, then 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, then usually they simply remove the fiberboard sheet, which is stuffed to make the wall. However, after this, the structure may lose its strength. Therefore, experts recommend instead of a sheet to fix several strips of chipboard, which will serve as a kind of stiffening ribs.
Water and sewerage pipes lead inside the cabinet, placing them immediately under the sink. At the same time, taps are installed on them so that repairs can be made without turning off the entire water supply system.
Natural stone countertops
Recently, marble or granite countertops have become especially popular. They are practical, have a stunning appearance and create a certain image. However, inserting a sink into them on your own can be very difficult, and sometimes impossible.
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 to ensure the density of contact. Given this, you must first create a rough plywood tabletop, which will serve as a support or mounting element.
Such systems use their own mounts and auxiliary fittings. They are also usually made from natural material and are designed to work with a lot of weight. Therefore, even professionals try to shift such work to the countertop manufacturer in order to ensure quality and get a guarantee for such products and services.
Recommendations from experts
- Masters advise: the width of the countertop should be 20 cm more than the sink itself. So the structure will not lose its strength after insertion, 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 the prevention of its fastenings. If necessary, you can completely change the way all elements are fixed.
- Some types of countertops require a separate approach to this issue. A hole in them is cut out during production or before sale. However, their installation requires a special substrate, which is created from plywood. It is on it that you will need to glue the countertop itself.
- Sometimes it is much easier to agree on a tie-in of this design when purchasing furniture. This will save a lot of time andfunds. However, there are times when this is not possible.
- New countertops are sold in a special shipping film that protects their coating from mechanical stress and dust. It should be removed only after the trimming has been done. Many professionals use it as mounting protection.
- Replacement of countertops should be carried out on all cabinets, and not just on one selected element. Otherwise, it is necessary to select a product with the most similar color and quality.
- When installing the sink, it is recommended to create a slight slope towards the drain hole. So water will not linger in it and become the cause of mold and bacteria. Some prefer to immediately choose such models of sinks, where this moment is implemented constructively.
Conclusion
Having studied in detail the question of how to embed a sink into the countertop, we can come to the conclusion that this work will not cause difficulties even for novice masters. It does not require expensive tools or specific skills. It is enough to follow the instructions and follow the safety rules. Successful repair!
