The sink cabinet measurements are going to determine exactly what size sink you can install.
- Start by measuring the depth of your cabinet.
- Next, measure the total width.
- Now that you have a total number, subtract approximately 4-inches from the overall width and 1-inch from the depth to get your sink width.
Buttrick recommends a sink that is at least 27 inches long, 19 inches wide, and 7.25 inches deep. “Once you factor in the three-quarter-inch counter depth, the sink is eight inches deep,” he says. Similar-size models are also available commercially.
So to make dishwashing easier, use the smaller bowl only for rinsing. The larger bowl is suited for storing dishes, soaking and washing dishes. You can clean and rinse glasses in the smaller side, but if the bowl is shallower than the larger bowl, you risk breaking the glass on the sink or faucet.
All faucet holes are of a standard size of 1-3/8 inches while some faucets are of 1-1/2 inches. When replacing kitchen faucets you need to consider the number of holes in your sink and the distance between the holes. For a 3-hole kitchen sink, the kitchen faucet plate, called a deck plate, covers three holes.
Base cabinet sizeTo determine the maximum sink size for your base cabinet, measure the interior of your cabinet and subtract two to three inches from each dimension. A 36″ base cabinet can handle a 33″ sink at most; a 30″ cabinet should be fitted with a sink no larger than 27″ wide.
The double-bowl (or divided) sink was popular before the advent of the dishwasher, when its two compartments served as an easy system for washing dishes: soapy water and dirty dishes in one bowl, clean water for rinsing in the other.
A sink's minimum cabinet size is a measurement indicating the least amount of under-cabinet and top counter space required for the sink to fit properly.
The standard dimensions for kitchen base cabinets are:
- Height = 720mm. Depth = 560-600mm. Widths = 150, 300, 350, 400, 450, 500, 600, 800, 900, 1000, 1200mm.
- 900mm wide (450 door) 1000mm wide (500 door)
- Height – 360, 575, 720, 900mm. Depth – 300-350mm.
- Heights = 1825, 1950, 2150mm (cabinet only) Depth = 560-600mm.
A sink base cabinet is a cabinet that has been designed to use with a sink. Sink base cabinets also do not have drawers, which interfere with the water lines, waste traps and any other pipes that are under the sink. However, the cabinets do have false drawer fronts, which balance out the cabinet's appearance.
While a double sink needs to be large enough to accommodate two bowls, single bowl sinks can take up relatively little space. Therefore, single bowl sinks are more useful for things like washing large pots or babies, while a double bowl sink has more options for how to use the sink.
Types of Kitchen Sinks
- Farmhouse Sink. A farmhouse style sink, also known as an apron sink, extends over the edge of your counter.
- Undermount Sink.
- Stainless Steel Sink.
- Bar Sink.
- Corner Sink.
- Granite Composite Sink.
- Cast Iron Sink.
- Kitchen Island Sink.
Granite sinks and stainless steel sinks are about as different from each other as you can get. Granite is less prone to damage and makes less noise than stainless steel; stainless steel is easier to maintain and less expensive than granite, but doesn't offer the color options or durability of stone.
Stainless steel sinks also resist chipping and cracking, however are likely to be scratched through everyday use and often show water spots. Although they are easy to clean, they require regular maintenance to look their best. A sink made of 16- or 18-gauge stainless steel is ideal.
The first and easiest way to find out the brand of your kitchen faucet will be if you can locate the logo somewhere on it. The logo might be large and obvious, or it might be small and unobtrusive. If you can't see an obvious one, try cleaning it first. If it is slightly dirty, the logo might be hidden.
- Best Overall: Kraus Loften Drop-In Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink.
- Best Budget: Kraus Topmount Double Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink.
- Best Farmhouse: Koler Whitehaven Farmhouse Kitchen Sink.
- Best Modern: Kraus KHF200-30 Standard PRO Kitchen Stainless Steel Sink.
- Best Stainless Steel: Ruvati Drop-In Stainless Steel 33 in.
Don't worry about the sink color matching the appliances. You are right, everything doesn't need to match anymore.
Most sink manufacturers provide a template. Position the template so it is centered on the sink cabinet and is at least 1 1/2 inches back from the countertop's front edge. If your countertop is deeper than 24 inches, place it farther back, but not more than 4 inches.
- Measure the drain opening across its widest part. This gives you the diameter of the drain circle.
- Insert the end of the measuring tape into the drain, beside the edge. Measure the depth of the opening.
- Note the measurements on a piece of paper and take them with you when you shop for a crumb cup.
On average, installation of a new 33” x 22” x 8” drop-in kitchen sink should be performed in 1.5 – 2 hours by an experienced installer. But there is no equation in all home improvement projects and some sinks are relatively easy and fast to install while others will consume much more time.
Although undermount sinks seem to defy gravity, they are only slightly different to install than topmount sinks. Turn off the water supply and disconnect the plumbing before replacing the sink or hire a plumber to do that for you.
