Installing a Drop-in Sink

Installing a drop-in sink is a project you can easily do yourself. This guide includes installation information for cutting a laminate countertop. However, you may prefer to have this done for you by a professional, especially if your countertop is composed of stone or other hard materials that may require special tools and cutting expertise.

If this is the case, or if your countertop already has a hole for the sink, you can begin your project at step eight. After your sink is in place and you’re ready to connect the fixtures and trap, refer to the list of related project guides below for easy step-by-step instructions. As you work on your project, be sure to follow any manufacturer’s instructions that come with your sink.

Tools:

Tape measure

Scissors

Power drill

Bits (including 3/4" spade bit)

Tools (Cont.):

Plastic putty knife

Screwdriver

Utility knife

Caulk Gun

Jig Saw

Materials:

Drop-In sink

Masking tape

Carpenter's pencil

Silicone caulk

Follow These Steps

Steps 1 - 10 of 10

Step One

Create a Template (If your sink comes with a template, skip this step and begin your project at step two.)

1.	Lay the sink upside down on a piece of cardboard and draw a line around it.

2.	Remove the sink and draw a second line ¾” inside the first line.

3.	Cut along the inside line with scissors.

Step Two

Mark the Center of the Countertop

1.	Measure the length and width of the countertop from underneath and make a mark at the exact center.

2.	From underneath, drill a hole at the exact center of the countertop large enough to fit a nail through.

Step Three

Position the Template

1.	Determine the exact center of the template and place a mark at the center.

2.	Push a nail through the center of the template.

3.	Align the hole in the template over the hole in the countertop and push the nail through the aligned holes to anchor the template.

Step Four

Trace the Template Outline on the Countertop

1.	Make sure the edges of the template are square.

2.	Trace the outline of the template on the countertop.

3.	Remove the template and apply masking tape centered over the line.

4.	Center the template again and draw the outline of the template on the tape.

Step Five

Drill Starter Hole

Use a power drill and ¾” spade bit to make a starter hole for the saber saw.

Step Six

Install Braces Under the Countertop

Support the section of the countertop you’re cutting with scrap wood or 2X4s placed beneath the countertop to keep the material from binding while being cut.

Step Seven

Cut Along the Line on the Countertop

1.	Cut along the line using a down-cutting 5/16” wide laminate or similar saber saw blade designed to cut countertops without chipping. Ease the blade through turns with a series of short cuts inside the curves.

2.	When the cut is complete, remove the cut portion from the countertop.

Step Eight

Apply Caulk Around Opening

1.	Test fit the sink in the opening.

2.	Draw a line around the sink rim lightly on the countertop.

3.	Remove the sink and apply a steady, continuous bead of caulk around the opening between the line and the edge of the opening.

Step Nine

Place Sink in Opening

1.	Holding the sink by the sink holes, place and center the sink in the opening

2.	Press the sink firmly into the silicone caulking.

3.	Make sure the sink is level and squared.