Our Apron Front Sink Install

Our friend Jen Fancher, @notinggrace on Instagram, recently updated her kitchen with the Josephine All-In-One Kit and shared the process with us.

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We Added an Apron Front Sink to Existing Granite Counters – Here’s how we did it!

I dreamed of having an apron front farmhouse sink for years and would spend hours drooling over the sinks that I thought I could never have. When I reached out to Sinkology to see if this was a possibility – they made my dreams come true!

Before we remodeled our kitchen, the one thing I hated most was the sink. It was black enameled cast iron and had lost it’s glaze and was starting to rust.

Believe it or not, that sink is actually clean! It had seen better days and to be honest, it wasn’t the one I dreamed of.

When I found the Josephine Drop In Fireclay Sink, my entire design for my kitchen renovation came to life. I loved that the fireclay material has strength and durability, while also creating the beautiful farmhouse aesthetic I was hoping for.

We had just one big issue. Our granite counters would either need to be replaced or cut to fit my dream sink in place. But new counters weren’t in the remodeling budget.

So how can you put in an apron front sink if you aren’t replacing your granite counters? Yup, you have to cut out the granite!  YIKES! But Yay – because we could do this – and so can you!

STEP ONE: Remove the old sink.

Using a razor blade, cut through the old silicone around the edge of the basin and unhook the plumbing. Don’t forget to turn off the water!

As you can see, after we removed the sink, we had one strip of granite across the front that needed to be trimmed.

STEP TWO: Cut the Granite.

The most important element of this step is the planning. Measure and measure again. We traced the outline of the sink on a piece of cardboard to ensure the right fit. For our counters, the cut out mostly fit – but we did need to trim some of the previous granite that was too short.

Now here’s how we did this – and let me start by saying that we did not take pics because this does create quite the mess.

So let me paint a detailed picture for you.

Suit up with protective gear: Ear protection, eye protection, and dust masks are essential. Since this is a messy job in a recently finished kitchen, we came up with a creative solution. We taped some plastic drop cloth to the counters and then tented ourselves. Yup, you read that right.

We put the plastic drop cloth over our heads, while wearing goggles, ear muffs, dust masks – my husband holding the tile saw and me manning the shop vac and squirt bottle to cut down on the amount of dust that went everywhere.

It was a sight, but you know what? It worked!

Here’s the aftermath.

STEP THREE: Cut out the top of the cabinet.

Check your measurements again before cutting. We were lucky in having a drawer front that was easily removed. All we needed to cut out was the top brace of the cabinet front. We used a reciprocating saw, but a hand saw would also work.

Now we were ready to do the final step to fit the sink.

STEP FOUR: Notch out the granite for the apron front sink.

We taped off our cut lines and suited back up. These small cuts were the trickiest, but still easy to do! Handy Tip: The painters tape helps give a sight-guide to move the saw along a straight line.

The entire process to this point took just about an hour including measuring, cuts and clean up.

Dry fit your sink to make sure it fits. We did this often and made adjustments as needed.

STEP FIVE: Install the sink.

Apply a liberal amount of silicone, carefully drop in the sink, and let it sit before installing your plumbing.

We left ours to cure overnight.

STEP SIX: Install your Faucet.

What I love about Sinkology is that they offer this as an All in One kit, which includes the sink, faucet, drain strainer, non-scratch scrubber and Sinkology Fireclay Care IQ kit! care kit.

This one came with the Pfister Wheaton Sprayer Kitchen Faucet in Stainless Steel, but you can also choose from many different styles they offer.

I think the faucet looks beautiful and my kitchen looks so much brighter now with this sink!

On this side of it – we’d do it again. Simply take your time and prepare well and you can have a stunning result like this one.

I am in love with my kitchen and now have the apron front sink I have always dreamed of!

 

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If you have any additional questions during your search for the perfect copper, fireclay farmhouse sink or granite sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram for more helpful tips and design ideas.