In the process of renovation in the kitchen, furnishings are chosen not only for visual perception, but also for their functionality, practicality and durability. No kitchen is complete without a sink. But the choice of their models is so great that it is difficult to choose the right model. If we take a benchmark for strength, then it is worth stopping at a sink made of artificial stone, and not stainless steel or ceramics.
Artificial stone is made by vibration casting, thus obtaining a durable and homogeneous material. It contains 80% natural granite or marble chips and 20% adhesive resins, as well as adding various dyes for beauty. To close all the pores, cover the top with a special gelcoat substance.
Sinks made of artificial stone differ in texture into monochromatic, contrasting, coarse-grained and fine-grained. In texture - matte, glossy, pebbled, silky matte.
The texture affects not only the visual appearance, but also the complexity of cleaning, the appearance of scratches and other things.
It is the sinks made of artificial stone that have a wide variety of shapes for every client's taste. They come in a classic form, "shell", "butterfly", with one or two bowls.
According to the method of installation, sinks made of artificial stone are divided into the following: overhead (they are the simplest, they are placed on a floor cabinet without a countertop), mortise (in tone or in contrast with the countertop) and integrated (the most modern, they are mounted on the same level with the countertop, from one material, this composition looks like a whole).
There are many advantages of artificial stone in the choice of material for the sink. First of all, it is resistance to temperature drops from -30 to +150 degrees and to the effects of chemical elements - acids, solutions and other reagents. And it's not worth talking about strength, the stone will withstand a blow from any kitchen item.
The main advantage of such a product is that it is easy and simple to care for, thanks to which the appearance will always be perfect.
It is easy and simple to take care of such a sink, there will be no bacteria, plaque, odor, radiation. Even if a scratch or pothole appears somewhere, then these defects will be very easy to eliminate. The service life of a sink made of artificial stone in your kitchen will be more than a dozen years.
To make the installation of a countertop made of artificial stone and a sink made of the same material with high quality, you need to very carefully monitor the tightness of all joints of these components.
Preparation
Before starting installation, you need to go through the steps:
First- prepare all the necessary set of tools: an electric drill, a 10 mm drill, a jigsaw, self-tapping screws, a tape measure, a pencil, a ruler, a knife, a Phillips screwdriver, a building corner, silicone sealant.
Second- the most accurate measurement of the sink for the cut-out in the countertop.
And that's it, now you can start installing!
Regardless of the shape, the installation of a sink made of artificial stone in the countertop begins with the marking:
- Most often, the manufacturer completes a stone sink with a template for cutting out a hole for it. If there is no such template, the sink is placed on the countertop and traced around the contour with a pencil or marker.
- For a mortise sink, which is installed on top of the countertop, it is necessary to apply a second circuit along which the drink will be made. The difference between the lines is the width of the sink rim, usually 12 - 15 mm. With the correct forms of washing, the difficulties of drawing 2 lines do not arise, and for curved lines it is better to make a template. As which you can use a fragment of a thin strip. By methodically applying it to the contour, it will be possible to draw an exact repetition of it.
- Previously, the place was drunk, glued with molar tape, this simple step minimizes the likelihood of chips on the surface of the countertop.
- In the corners of the inner contour, holes are drilled for inserting a jigsaw file.
- A hole for the sink is cut out with a jigsaw. Support the piece to be cut from below so that a split does not occur when it is practically sawn off.
- In order to protect the countertop from swelling, in case of accidental ingress of moisture under the side of the sink, the edges of the saw cut are treated with silicone sealant, distributing it over the entire area of the cut. Aquarium sealants are best suited for this purpose, a thin layer of which will reliably protect the MDF board.
- Attach the brackets to the sink. Each of them has 2 legs in its design, which must be carefully driven into specially designed holes with a hammer and punch.
- Depending on the manufacturer, the sink can be equipped with tap holes. In this case, it is necessary to attach a bump stop or a screwdriver to the place where the drink was drunk, and knock out the plug with a light blow of a hammer.
- But not all samples provide such a service, so if it is not there, you need to arm yourself with a Forstner drill or a bimetallic cutter. A small recess is drilled with a conventional drill for ceramics to stop a Forstner drill or crown. In the non-impact mode, the drills drill a hole of the required diameter, the edges of which are then grinded.
- A layer of sealant glue is applied along the perimeter of the cutout and the installation of a sink made of artificial stone is carried out, pressing it tightly to the surface.
- In the lower part of the sink, I snap the brackets, and securely fix them with the installed hardware.
- After that, the mixer and the sewer siphon are mounted.
- Remove excess protruding sealant from the front side of the countertop.
Similarly, the installation of a sink made of artificial stone in a countertop made of marble and quartz agglomerate is carried out.
Installation process
Example of joints on a worktop
Unlike MDF countertops, which are joined using end strips, stone ones are glued together. A layer of glue is applied to the joints and pressed, additionally fixing with clamps on suction cups.
Integrated sink, made in the manufacture of worktops
In artificial stone coatings, the installation of a sink under the countertop is often carried out. The sinks made of the same material as the working surface are called "integrated". Typically, such a connection is made in production.
However, it is not uncommon to find steel sinks mounted from below, the installation of which does not require much effort:
- With bottom mounting, the cut must be absolutely even without chips and notches.
- The lower part of the countertop is selected with a router, without affecting the upper stone coating.
- Degrease the cut edges of the countertops and sinks with isopropyl alcohol.
- A layer of adhesive is applied and fixed with clamps until it dries completely.
- The inner rim of the sink is poured with a rapidly hardening resin.
- Grind the seam with abrasive materials of various grain sizes. This will make the joint visually invisible and create an impression of solidity.
Conclusion
At first glance, installing an artificial stone countertop presents many difficulties. However, having carefully familiarized yourself with the rules and sequence of installation, it is quite possible to carry out it yourself without the involvement of specialists.
At first glance, it seems that it is not at all difficult to install a sink: I put the contours of the required hole on the countertop, cut it out, inserted the sink, connected it to the sewer and water supply lines, and that's all - you can use it. Actually, the way it really is, with the exception of one "but". A sink installed in the countertop will look impeccable outwardly and serve properly, for a long time and without problems only with high-quality installation with strict adherence to technology and ergonomics. And here you will have to make some efforts, although not excessive for a home master.
Required materials and tools
To install a washing device, you need to have:
- sealant;
- screwdriver;
- self-tapping screws;
- marker;
- jigsaw;
- a grinder with a disc for cutting concrete in case you have to work with artificial stone;
- fasteners, which are usually supplied with the sink.
Did you know? Sinks in the form of sinks, similar to modern ones, existed as far back as 1700 BC on the territory of present-day Syria.
Washing installation rules
According to the rules of ergonomics, which are becoming more and more active in our everyday life, the arrangement of furniture and equipment in the kitchen must obey clear requirements, the most categorical of which is called the “golden triangle” rule, which prohibits the installation of a sink near the oven and refrigerator.
It is best to place a sink in the kitchen close to the working area where the products are cleaned and cut. The distance from the refrigerator to the sink and from the sink to the stove must be at least 40 centimeters on each side.
Not so long ago, when the installation of equipment was due to a rigid connection to sewer, plumbing, gas, electrical connections and ventilation, ergonomic requirements by themselves faded into the background. Today, the abundance of new materials and equipment makes this long-standing binding much less strict and completely removable. Step-by-step instruction
Today, there are three most popular types of washing devices, which differ from each other in the design features of the installation: overhead, mortise and underfloor. Installation of each type of sink requires a special approach and implementation in each case, often specific actions.
Did you know? Creative bathroom designers have come up with a sink that sits inside an aquarium with live fish. Its design is such that even hot water pouring into the sink does not harm the fish.
Installing an overhead sink
This type of kitchen appliance is the most economical for the family budget and easy to install. In this case, the sink is simply put on the furniture section in the form of a cabinet or a separate cabinet, as a result of which the sink replaces the countertop. The disadvantages of this type of sink include the inevitable space between it and the adjacent countertops of kitchen furniture.
Video: installation (installation) of a kitchen sink
Surface preparation
Actually, it is not particularly necessary to prepare the surface of a cabinet or cabinet due to its absence. We have a rectangular opening bounded by the walls of the cabinet. On these walls, from their inner side, with the help of special L-shaped fasteners, usually included in the delivery set, and a marker, marks are made for self-tapping screws.
Then self-tapping screws 15 mm long are screwed into the walls of the pedestals through the holes in the fasteners so that at least 5 mm remains between their caps and the walls.Installation of a sink
After this, it is the turn of the direct installation of the plumbing device. But first, the end of the cabinet must be treated with a sealant to isolate it from moisture and to additionally fix the sink on the cabinet.
Important! To facilitate the process of connecting the sink to the water supply, the mixer must be fixed to it before installing it in place.
Then the sink is put on the cabinet and the screws are tightened until it is securely fastened with fasteners. 
System connection
After removing the excess sealant, you can connect the sink to the water supply and sewerage system. To do this, a mixer pre-mounted on it is connected to the water supply inlets with the help of flexible hoses for hot and cold water. The siphon is attached to an already installed sink and is connected to the sewer by means of a corrugated squeegee.
It is advisable to install this type of washing device if the kitchen furniture is located under one worktop, and is not assembled from separate sections. The mortise type fits harmoniously into the ensemble of the overall table top and provides high tightness, but it is more laborious to install. And the main difficulty is to accurately and accurately cut a hole in the countertop for the sink. 
Before installing the sink, check for the presence of special clips and a tubular seal in the kit. You also need to prepare tools in the form:
- electric jigsaw;
- self-tapping screws;
- drills for metal with a 10 mm drill;
- colorless silicone sealant;
- level;
- roulette;
- Phillips screwdriver
- construction knife;
- rulers;
- pencil;
- corner.
Surface preparation
To begin with, it is recommended to determine the place of the future drain on the countertop area where the sink is supposed to be inset and mark it with two perpendicular pencil lines. Then, turning the sink upside down, through the drain hole, you need to find the intersection point of the previously drawn perpendicular lines on the countertop and visually align the center of the drain hole with it.
Then, having aligned the upper and lower edges of the sink strictly parallel to the farthest and near edges of the countertop, you need to draw a pencil around the edges of the sink. After that, you should measure the width of the sink rim and, inside the contour outlined on the countertop, use measuring tools and a pencil to outline the boundaries of the future hole. The width of the rim varies in different models of these kitchen appliances, but most often it is 12 mm.Video: installing a flush sink in the kitchen
Cut a hole
Before cutting a cut with a jigsaw along the smaller contour outlined on the tabletop, you should use a drill to drill holes in the corners that will facilitate the cutting process. Then, with a jigsaw, you should cut out a hole extremely carefully, screwing self-tapping screws in several places of the resulting cut, so that the detachable piece of the tabletop does not collapse at the end of the process.
Important! This operation should be carried out especially carefully, since, on the one hand, the sink should enter the hole freely, and on the other, the real deviation from the marking can be a maximum of 3 mm.
Having finished working with a jigsaw, it is necessary to remove the self-tapping screws, and then the cut-out part, after which you need to carefully remove the dust from the cut and insert the sink into the resulting hole to check whether the sink fits well into it. 
Slice processing
An untreated cut during operation in high humidity conditions can undergo rotting and subsequent deformation, which will cause serious problems with stability in the sink. Therefore, the cut, free from dust, is cleaned with sandpaper and then covered with plumbing sealant. You can protect the cut with PVA glue, but you will have to wait about an hour until the glue dries well.
Installation of a sink
After that, it is necessary to glue the seal supplied with the sink around the perimeter of the sink rim. To do this, first, it should be degreased with the help of some solvent. Then a sealant is applied to it with a thin layer and pressed against the side of the sink. A layer of sealant is also applied to the countertop in the gap between the outer contour and the cutting line.
And from the inside, it is necessary to install fasteners on the washing sides, which are not fully fixed. This is followed by the installation of the sink, which must be started from the side of the mixer, and then, without fuss, it is necessary to continue immersing it into the hole until it is in close contact with the countertop.
After making sure with the help of a level, the quality of the installation, you should finally fix the fasteners. If excess sealant is squeezed out from under the sides of the installed kitchen device, then it should be removed at the same time along with the markings applied to the countertop. After about a day, when the silicone has completely hardened, the sink will be ready for use. System connection
The mixer, together with the hoses screwed to it, can be attached to the sink immediately before installing it in the countertop, or afterwards. The hoses for hot and cold water supply must be connected to the appropriate pipes of the water supply system and then the connection must be checked for leaks. The siphon should be fixed in the drain hole and connected to the sewer by means of a corrugated pipe.
Is it safe to install a sink made of artificial stone in a worktop without fasteners? Quite - if the installation was performed not by a third-party master, but by the one who made the sink. For its customers, "KreaKam" performs installation free of charge - this service is already included in the manufacturing price. We ourselves will bring it, bring it into the apartment and assemble the sink - all you have to do is accept the job.
Installation of acrylic stone sinks - photo
Let's put a sink made of artificial stone:
- on the kitchen,
- in the bathroom,
- in an office building,
- in a restaurant, beauty salon, sports club,
- outdoors - if you have an outdoor cafe.
Installation of a sink in a countertop or cabinet begins immediately after delivery and takes several hours. The craftsmen will build a sink with a mixer and a siphon into the table and connect it to the water supply system. Our specialists have been working with acrylic stone for several years - they know how to avoid leaks and fix the sink so that it merges with the surface of the table.
We are responsible for the reliable installation of washbasins - you do not have to worry about the washbasin being fragile. We provide a 12-month warranty for all work - but even with daily intensive use, the sink will last for several years.
To clarify the details of the installation, as well as the cost of installing a product not ordered from us, you can contact the operators by phone.
In this article, we figure out how to embed a sink into the countertop, and if you joined us, it means that you have a change of scenery in your kitchen, and I would like to try myself as a master. Well, we will try to consider in detail all the pitfalls in order not only to carry out the installation, but also to ensure the durability of the new acquisition.
Installing a sink in a countertop - why choose a flush-mounted sink?
There are two ways to organize a sink in the kitchen - overhead and mortise. In the first case, you, along with a bowl for washing dishes, receive a pedestal or cabinet on which it is placed. But in the second case, the sink is installed in the countertop of your kitchen set. Most often, buyers' preferences are given to the mortise version, although it is more troublesome to install, it still has a number of advantages that force us to make a choice in its favor.
The first, and most important, argument not in favor of an overhead sink is considered to be the constantly reigning humidity in the kitchen, which forms between the cabinets adjacent to the sink unit. Further, users argue for the type of variety in the range and the aesthetics of the sinks. Here you can often find a wide selection of both materials and shapes. Ceramics, porcelain stoneware, stone, plastic, stainless steel, copper, bronze - an enviable list, right? And if you diversify it with round, rectangular, angular and various asymmetric shapes, then the eyes run up.
When thinking about how to embed the sink into the countertop, it should be borne in mind that it can be installed in three ways: exactly at the level of the countertop, slightly lower and slightly higher. It depends not only on your desire, but also on the configuration of the purchased kit. Specify how the bowl should be located, what fasteners are used during installation. Also think about how durable they are, and what may affect their lifespan, because sometimes the quality of the sink is good, but it is attached almost on parole.
How to embed the sink in the countertop and prepare for the operation?
Before figuring out how to install the inset sink in the countertop, you should make sure that you have a reliable water supply to the inset and that the sewage system is also well established. Of the strategically important tools that you will need to look for through friends, perhaps more than one day, if you personally do not have them, you can bring a jigsaw. It is pointless to start work without it. From purchased materials, in addition to washing, a sealant should be present, preferably transparent silicone.
Buying a sink, you can get a pleasant surprise - a template for its inset (it acts as its packaging), otherwise you will have to draw it on the countertop, applying the sink. Also, do not forget that if the kitchen set is completely new, then there are no holes for pipes, in fact, like the pipes themselves, it is possible. That is, the siphon and associated hoses are purchased independently; they are rarely included in the sink set.
If you are just assembling furniture, and you have the opportunity not to fix the countertop lid for now, then do not do it. This will make it more convenient to cut.
How to install a flush sink in a worktop - step by step instructions
Here we will give a general principle of operation, it does not matter whether a round sink is installed in a countertop or a sink of any other shape.
How to install a flush sink in a worktop - step by step diagram
Step 1: making the template
First, create a cardboard template or draw it directly on the countertop using the sink itself. If you are in luck, you have a template packaging, you just need to cut along the indicated contour. If it is absent, take a clean cardboard, attach the sink upside down to it and draw a line with a pencil, cut it out. When it is impossible to get either one or the other, then get ready to use the sink itself, turn it upside down, put it on the countertop, and we will trace the outline.
Step 2: choosing a place for washing
You need to find the best location. To do this, evaluate where you will have a mixer, on the sink or next to it in the worktop itself, how the pipes will fit, whether it will still be necessary to cut the edge of the worktop before final installation. Try not to place the sink close to the edge, indent at least 6 cm so as not to accidentally break off these thin places. Also look under the countertop, there will also be other elements of the furniture block, possibly load-bearing, it will not be possible to cut on them, everything else can also be cut if the sink will not fit.
Step 3: mark the countertop
Let's say you have a template. To mark the countertop, you need to attach it to the surface with something to ensure immobility, and circle it. We will cut along this line in the future. If you have a factory template, then the necessary dimensions of the sink border are already marked on it, you can immediately cut along them. If you are using cardboard or even the sink itself, then the outlined outer contour is not a cut line, because the bowl of the sink is inserted, not its contour, it is the contour of the bowl that we need to calculate and mark. To do this, measure on the sink itself the distance from the outer edge to the connectors or fastening ears, deviate this distance from the contour drawn on the template, draw a new contour, already inner. Cut it out, attach it to the countertop, and trace it around with a pencil. If you draw directly on the tabletop, without a template, then the essence does not change. The markup is ready.
Step 4: cut out the outline
Some do not draw on the tabletop, but attach cardboard and saw on it, but this one is extremely inconvenient, our advice is to apply the drawing with a pencil. We have to cut a hole along the marked contour, but how to avoid chipping at the edges of the countertop? To do this, cover the surface along the line with masking tape, then it can be easily removed. We make a hole somewhere in the contour, preferably with a drill, but so that it turns out to be on the inside of the line and then goes away along with the cut out piece of the countertop. Insert the jigsaw blade into this hole and move along the outlined line. This should be done slowly so as not to create an increased load on the file, it can then bend and deviate from the course.
Step 5: processing the slice
The resulting cut is best cleaned a little, blown out and smeared with silicone with high quality... So the cut will not be subject to the destructive effect of moisture. If there are some other internal elements of your kitchen cabinet on the way of the bowl, you will have to mark and cut them, also treating them with silicone. In the case of using the factory template, even the marking of the inner area is provided in it, otherwise you will have to get lost, just do not try to act "by eye".
Step 6: Fitting additional equipment
If you have a new kitchen unit, then you will need to do these operations before the final installation of the sink. Namely: assemble and try on the siphon and pipes, make the necessary holes in the cabinet for water supply and sewage drainage, cut some hoses. For all this, use the same jigsaw, and for round holes, you can take a wood crown. Now all pipes are being laid. Next, a mixer is installed if it is located on the countertop, or a hole is marked and drilled on the sink itself, if it is located on it.
Step 7: Installing the sink
First you need to equip the sink with the sealing tape that comes with the kit. It is fastened almost along the edge, but leave room for silicone, sometimes there is even a special groove there. Attachments are put on, but they are not fixed tightly, then they will need to be tightened according to the connector under the sink. We fix the mixer, if it is provided on the sink, and now we put silicone in the groove along the edge and insert the sink into the opening, having previously bent the fasteners. Move the structure slightly so that it sits well and as tightly as possible along the contour, crawl under the sink and tighten the fasteners well. Wipe the exposed sealant around the perimeter before it dries and wait for it to cure. Use it to process the gaps, if they did happen somewhere.
The use of innovative technologies in the field of design has significantly expanded the range of interior solutions for the kitchen, where the equipment used should be not only aesthetic, but also functional. In accordance with existing requirements, a modern kitchen should be equipped with a number of devices and devices designed to optimize the cooking process. One of these devices is a kitchen sink, the installation of which only at first glance seems to be a fairly simple task. However, given the variety of models and possible locations for its placement, it is important to approach the choice of structure and the procedure for its placement most responsibly. Despite the wide range of models, the most popular are mortise structures made of stainless steel and built into the kitchen worktop. Given the popularity of these products, it would be most appropriate to consider the design features of this product and search for an answer to the question: "How to install a flush sink in a worktop?"
Ergonomic principles in the kitchen: the role of the kitchen sink
To optimize the cooking process, it is necessary to correctly position the kitchen furniture and appliances. Surely everyone is familiar with the concept of "ergonomics" and its basic principles, which can be slightly modified depending on the type of room. The kitchen is no exception - repairs on the territory of this room are subject to strictly defined principles of ergonomics. In accordance with them, the arrangement of furniture and equipment in the kitchen depends on the sequence of work, and therefore, it is recommended to arrange furniture from left to right in a strictly defined sequence: refrigerator - dishwasher (if available) - sink - stove. It is recommended to place work surfaces with cupboards between the named technical objects.
As for the minimum distances between objects, then certain requirements are also imposed on them:
- The distance between the sink and the stove, as well as between the refrigerator and the sink, should be 40 cm;
- The refrigerator and stove should also be spaced 40 cm apart.
What should be considered when choosing a kitchen sink?
When choosing a kitchen sink, pay attention to the following factors:
- Functionality determined by the nature of the work carried out in the kitchen and depending on the number of additional bowls in the sink and drying wings. These offices will be useful if you are used to carrying out several manipulations in the kitchen at once;
- Capacity, in the process of determining which it is necessary to pay attention to the amount of daily washing dishes;
- Stability and durability, largely dependent on the material from which the structure is made;
- The design solution and design of the sink should be such that it fits perfectly into the surrounding environment and becomes a full-fledged element of a holistic interior concept;
- Ease of use: the configuration of the sink should be such that it is comfortable to stand and work near it.
Design types of kitchen sinks: a brief description
A number of requirements are imposed on the installation of a kitchen sink, and therefore, it must be carried out in accordance with a certain technology. The choice of the required technological solution, and, accordingly, the installation method depends on the design of the sink. Let's consider the most popular constructive types:
- Overhead sinks- the most budgetary option, a distinctive feature of which is the ease of installation of the structure. The principle of their installation is based on the fact that the sink is put on a separate cabinet, in this connection, they become an extension of the countertop, as if replacing it. Despite the undeniable advantage described above, sinks of this type are also characterized by disadvantages - the relatively small thickness of the product and the formation of a gap between the sink and the countertop, which leads to additional inconveniences;
Important! Experts recommend giving preference to overhead models if the kitchen set consists of separate sections. If the kitchen units are combined under a common worktop, the use of built-in models will be more appropriate.
- Flush sinks- they are models, the installation of which is carried out directly into the worktop, and therefore, installation activities must begin with the preparation of the corresponding hole in the worktop. The technology for installing inset sinks involves fastening the structure to the inside of the tabletop using special clamps and brackets. Built-in sinks of this type are characterized by a solid appearance and ease of use. Despite the fact that the cost of such models is slightly higher, experienced specialists often give preference precisely to them in view of their practicality and the ability to avoid the accumulation of moisture between the pedestals;
- Undercounter sinks- innovative models, the high cost of which reduces their widespread availability and limits widespread use. The principle of installation of these plumbing products involves their fastening below the level of the countertop, and therefore, they form a single whole with it. The advantages of undercounter sinks are aesthetic appearance, high noise absorption and effective sealing of joints. In addition, such products are hygienic and durable.
Materials for the manufacture of inset and overhead sinks
As for surface-mounted and inset sinks, both are made of stainless steel with the same frequency, remaining at the moment one of the most popular. The appearance of stainless steel inset sinks can be different - most often there are smooth sinks and sinks with a texture that imitates flax.
In addition to traditional sinks made of stainless and enamelled steel, flush sinks made of stone and mineral-epoxy composite materials are no less popular. Artificial stone is also a popular material. Sinks made of composite materials have a striking granular structure reminiscent of polished stone in appearance. Inset sinks made of artificial stone constitute an extensive group of kitchen accessories characterized by high aesthetic and operational characteristics, including resistance to scratches, abrasion and sudden temperature changes.
The shape of sinks is no less diverse - along with single-bowl sinks, there are also models with several (from two to four) bowls, which can be both shallow and deep, equipped with additional dryers.
Basics of installing a surface-mounted washbasin
- The installation of the surface-mounted sink is carried out on a separate module of the kitchen worktop in such a way that it completely covers its upper part. Such an installation is quite simple - the equipment is fastened using L-shaped elements with an oblique slot. To fix one sink, you need to prepare at least 4-5 fixing elements.
Important! Before proceeding with the installation of the sink, it is necessary to connect the mixer, which subsequently will avoid difficulties in the installation process.
- Attach the fasteners prepared in advance to the inside of the cabinet and leave the appropriate marks;
- Prepare the shortest self-tapping screws (15 mm) and screw them in the marked places so that at least 5 mm protrudes above the mark;
- Treat the end of the curbstone with a sealant, which will protect the furniture and increase the reliability of the sink fastening;
- Install the sink on the screwed-in self-tapping screws and move until it is completely seated;
- Secure the fasteners and, having removed the excess sealant, connect the sink to the water supply and sewerage systems.
Installing a flush-mounted sink in a worktop: a step-by-step guide
Consider the principle of installing a flush sink in a chipboard worktop covered with plastic on top. If you are wondering how to fix a flush sink in a countertop made of other materials, including artificial stone, carefully read the product passport, where the manufacturer should describe in detail the recommendations for working with this material.
Preparation of materials and tools
Before proceeding with the installation of the sink, check that it is complete with fasteners. Most often these are special clips that are mounted on both sides - on the cut end of the countertop and on the inner surface of the sink. In addition, the kit should include a tubular seal, which is required to seal the joints. In addition, prepare the following set of tools:
- A jigsaw, which can be replaced with a conventional hand tool, and a set of spare wood saws;
- Drill with a 10 mm drill (for metal) and self-tapping screws;
- Standard set of measuring tools: construction knife, level, angle, tape measure, Phillips screwdriver, ruler and pencil;
- Colorless silicone sealant required for the lubrication of cracks and joints.
Performing markup: important nuances
- The markings made in accordance with the recommendations below will be relevant in the case of installing a standard rectangular inset sink. When installing a round cut-in sink, check out the additional installation nuances.
- Using a pencil, in the place where you plan to install the sink, draw two perpendicular lines at the intersection of which the drain will be located;
- Turn the sink over and place it on the worktop with the bowl facing up and align in accordance with the prepared markings (you can see the intersection of the axes through the drain hole). Take a simple pencil and trace around the outer edges of the sink. In this case, it is important to take into account the dimensions of the mortise sinks, as well as the relative position of the boundaries of the sink and the edge of the countertop that remains free, the presence of which is necessary for the rational installation of the cabinet doors;
Important! So that the sink in the countertop does not become an obstacle to closing the cabinet doors, it must be inside the cabinet.
- Next, measure the width of the sink rim and, in accordance with the obtained value, draw the inner contour along which the cutting line will pass. Despite the fact that the width of the side is a value that is individual for each sink, on average it fluctuates within 12 mm.
Important! The size of the hole should be such that the sink can freely enter it, while the permissible deviation from the marking should not exceed 3 mm.
How to cut a hole in a worktop correctly?
- This process is carried out using a jigsaw, however, before the saw of the tool enters the entire depth of the material from which the tabletop is made, it is necessary to make technological holes to facilitate the process of work. The holes are made with a drill or screwdriver in the corners of the internal marking.
Important! Corner holes should be located in the inner plane of the cutting area, and their edges should only be in contact with the cutting line.
- In order to avoid the formation of chips of the laminated surface, the entire front of the cutting work must be carried out on the front side of the tabletop.
- After you have made the holes in the corners of the cutting plane, use a jigsaw to cut the hole along the inner cutting line. To prevent the cut off part of the table top from falling, screw in the self-tapping screws along the cut line, which will ensure its fixation.
- After you have made a hole in the countertop, remove the self-tapping screws and the cut-off part of the countertop from the main plane, clean the cut from dust. Pre-install the sink in the resulting hole, which is necessary in order to check the conformity of the product to the dimensions of the hole.
Important! The sink should freely enter the resulting hole (if difficulties arise, it is necessary to trim the edges with a jigsaw).
- In the process of preparing the hole, all kinds of micro-chips and roughness can form on the inner cut line. In this regard, it is necessary to consider the rules for processing a slice, if neglected, problems of the following nature may arise:
- Absolute sealing of the uncleaned chipboard surface is practically impossible;
Important! Insufficient sealing will lead to moisture ingress on the unprotected area of the countertop, which will cause the activation of decay processes and the formation of fungal plaque. Subsequently, the cut-off edge will become brittle, which will reduce the stability of the sink and lead to its distortion.
- Rotting tabletops will soon lead to a decrease in its physical, aesthetic and operational characteristics, and therefore, it will be necessary to replace it.
- To avoid this, the end side of the cut is sanded with fine-grained emery paper;
- Thoroughly coat the entire cut area with plumbing sealant. Experts recommend doing this work with a spatula, in the absence of which you can do it with your finger. By taking these protective measures, you will prevent the countertop from getting wet and swelling.
Important! If in the process of work you find chips on the plastic (front side of the countertop), carefully coat them with a sealant, while it is absolutely not necessary that the layer be thick - its thickness does not matter in this case.
- There is another way to protect the end side of the cut - processing with PVA glue. Despite the fact that it is more laborious, it is not inferior to the previous one in terms of its reliability, however, for greater protection, the applied layer of glue should dry out within 30-50 minutes.
- The next step involves gluing a seal made of foamed polyethylene (it was previously noted that it should be included in the set of the sink). It is glued to the side of the sink along its entire perimeter. If, after gluing the sealant, you find protruding edges of the material, carefully trim them with a knife. If you disregard this advice, you will find that the edges of the sink do not fit snugly against the countertop, and water entering the resulting gaps will lead to swelling and subsequent rotting of the ends of the countertop.
Due to the fact that the process of gluing the seal directly determines the durability and performance of the future headset, we will consider it in more detail.
- Take the sealant and use a rag moistened with gasoline and solvent, degrease it;
- Apply sealant to the sealant with a continuous strip (the strip of sealant should be thin enough so that the glue does not come out during compression);
- Press the seal against the outer edge of the sink.
How to fix a flush-mounted sink to a worktop?
- Apply a layer of silicone to the countertop (between the cut and the outer marking line);
- Install the fasteners on the inside of the sides of the sink and, making sure that they are not completely fixed, proceed with the installation of the sink. It starts from the deepening of the side where the crane will be mounted;
- In the future, the rest gradually becomes in the hole until the sides of the sink are in close contact with the inner surface of the countertop.
Important! While installing the sink, firmly press on the entire surface of the structure, which will remove excess silicone from under the sides of the sink.
- Using the building level, make sure that the installation is correct, and then proceed to the final stage - the final fastening of the fixing elements;
- After completing the above activities, proceed to connect communications. To do this, connect the hot and cold water hoses to the water supply system using a sealing gasket.
After fixing the hoses, the installation measures are as follows:
- Insert the siphon outlet into the sink (it is recommended to give preference to the S-shaped design);
- Add a hard corner or soft corrugated pipe to the siphon;
- Take the pipe from the siphon into the sewer pipe;
- Check all system connections for leaks.
How to cut a hole in a countertop if it is made of artificial stone?
- In most cases, artificial stone countertops are ordered with holes designed for a specific sink, however, if such conditions were not agreed upon in the ordering process, you can contact a specialist who, using special tools, will cut a hole of the required shape and size.
- If you want to carry out the work yourself, in accordance with the technology described above, instead of a jigsaw, use an angle grinder (grinder), as well as a diamond-coated concrete cutting disc.
Installation features for corner, round and granite sinks
The process of inserting a corner and a round sink is identical to that described above, however, there are certain installation features for both types.
Features of installing a round sink:
- On the cutting line, experts recommend making several holes with a step of 7-10 cm, which will facilitate this process;
- If your sink model of your choice does not come with a cutout template, make one yourself.
Features of installing a corner sink:
- Due to the fact that the angle of rotation of the cutting lines is less than 90 degrees, in order to improve the passage of the jigsaw saw, make several holes along the cutting line - in the corner connection of the lines and at a distance of 2-3 mm from it.
The specifics of the installation of a granite sink:
- The point is that the design of a sink made of granite does not imply the presence of holes for installing a drain siphon for a mortise sink and a tap. They must be done independently using a drill equipped with a special attachment. If you have no experience with artificial stone equipment, you need to be extremely careful, as the slightest mistake can cause equipment defect.