How to Install a Kitchen Sink: Framed and Frameless Tutorial

Installing a new kitchen sink is often an integral part of any do it yourself kitchen remodeling project. For the careful homeowner this is an excellent way to save money rather than calling a plumber to do the work. If you would like to tackle this job, follow this easy tutorial to get the job done.

Begin this project by determining what type of kitchen sink you have. Kitchen sinks will either have a frame or are frameless. Framed models have a metal piece that is attached to the inside of the hole for the kitchen sink while frameless varieties have only a single piece to install. Both are easy to install for a typical homeowner, but the installation instructions vary depending on the type you have.

You should begin this project by cutting a hole in your countertop. For molded countertops, the hole for the kitchen sink is often cut after the countertop is installed with a reciprocating saw. Ceramic tile countertops require you cut the hole and install the sink before you lay the tile. Regardless of the type of countertops your kitchen has, follow the manufacturer's directions to cut the correctly sized hole using a reciprocating saw.

With the hole cut, you can install the kitchen sink. For a frameless unit, you will need either silicone caulk or plumbers putty to complete the installation. To begin, turn the kitchen sink upside down on the countertop. Run a bead of plumber's putty or silicone caulk near the edge of the unit, underneath the lip. Be generous, you want at least a ¼" bead to create a good seal.

Then you should set the kitchen sink into place. To put the unit in the hole in the countertop, it is easiest to hold it by the drain opening or openings. Touch the edge closest to you to the countertop and slowly lower the kitchen sink until the back edge hits the countertop. Press down to make sure that it is in place and to bond the silicone caulk or plumbers putty to the countertop. Wipe away any caulk or putty that escapes the outside edges of the sink and allow the area to cure before using the sink.