Tech Tip #2 — Undermount Apron Sink Installation

Apron sinks (also known as farm sinks) are a very popular alternative to the basic undermount sink. They are taller, deeper, and have a waterproof apron front which is ideal for cleaning large cookware. The image below depicts an apron sink installed over a full-width, base cabinet under the countertop, which is the most common way to install an apron sink. These sinks should be installed inside the sink base cabinet (and checked for proper fit) prior to templating and installing the countertops.

There are two ways to handle an apron sink installation:
1. You can order a custom cabinet and deduct the height of the sink. Then you will only have to cut the top for feed and drain holes, and the sink will sit on top of the cabinet until it is fastened to the top.

2. If a custom cabinet isn't available, a generic sink base cabinet will need to be cut by the installer to match the apron sink. Moreover, there will likely be space between the doors and the sink, as shown in the picture below. That space can be filled later with an overlay filler or a piece of stock.

Solid sinks (like the one in the example below) require that the sides of a stock cabinet are notched the same height as the front and the depth of the sink less the front overhang. Lighter, stainless-steel sinks are usually hollow on the sides and don’t require notching. Given the added weight when filled with water, it's advisable to support the sides and back of large sinks like this with cleats made from 2 x 4s and ¾” plywood.

When you start an installation and the job has an apron sink, most of the time it won’t be prepared on site. The good news is that most installations take multiple days to complete, so it's best to meet with the job supervisor, designer, or whoever is providing the sink on day one.

Thank you for reading, and keep building!

—The Cabinet Academy Team