Copper Kitchen Sink Installation
Step-by-step installation guides for your new copper kitchen or bar and prep sink.
Sinkology can be defined as the study of sinks: we are here to educate and support you—and that extends well beyond the day you make your purchase. We’ve created step-by-step installation guides to give you the information and details you need to complete your at-home installation.
When you choose one of our products, we will be with you every step of the way. In everything we do, we prioritize your satisfaction, which means we believe in offering great customer service to every customer, every day. Your experience with us defines our business. If you need assistance with your installation or have questions about your product, contact our team of Sinkologists.
Important Note about Installation Styles
Sinkology copper sinks can be installed in a variety of ways, and each way varies based on the type of sink you purchased and your personal preference. It is important to know which type of installation style you prefer and pick your new Sinkology sink to match. Our Sinkology Installation Guides cover the following styles of kitchen and bar sink installation:
- Drop-In: Drop-In sinks are designed to be easy to install in a wide range of countertop materials. Sinkology copper sinks make updating your design effortless.
- Undermount: Undermount sinks are the ideal choice for a clean high-end look with granite or solid surface countertops. This installation maximizes countertop space and highlights the elegance of your countertop.
- Farmhouse: Farmhouse kitchen sinks are the ultimate kitchen design element. Sinkology apron front kitchen sinks are designed to be highly functional yet make a bold statement. The apron front design and large spacious bowl make kitchen clean up more comfortable.
Step-by-Step Installation Guides for Sinkology Copper Sinks
The following instructional guide covers installation steps and requirements for Sinkology copper kitchen and bar sinks and drains.
Download our full installation guide (PDF).
Kitchen & Bar Sinks: Drop-In
Drop-in kitchen sinks are easy to install and are designed to install beautifully in a wide range of countertop surfaces. Sinkology Drop-In kitchen sinks make DIY kitchen renovations effortless and impactful. Drop-In sinks can be used to replace an old sink or installed in luxurious new countertops.
Not all Drop-In kitchen sinks require mounting hardware. If your kitchen sink does not come with mounting brackets, we recommend securing your sink with 100% silicone and expandable foam.
1. Flip sink upside down and trace the outside edge onto craft paper or cardboard. Add a second line that is 1/2” inch inside that line. Cut out the traced template using the second line.
2. Position the template flat on the countertop and align with cabinet and plumbing connections.
3. Mark openings and cut the countertop.
4. Always double check the sink for fit inside the hole before moving on.
5. If your sink does not come with mounting hardware, refer to bath sink drop-in installation instructions.
6. Before dropping your new sink into the countertop for the last time apply a thick bead of Sinkology antique brown or clear neutral cure 100% silicone around the hole on the countertop to form a water tight seal around the sink. See our Complete Silicone Installation Kit (#SINSTALL-101) for Copper Sinks.
7. Install hardware. Place the notched end of all bolts into the keyhole slots. See diagram 1. Lower the sink carefully into the countertop so the bolts enter without interference.
8. Turn the claws out 90 degrees so they will grasp the underside of the countertop. See diagram 2.
9. Claws can be bent to accommodate larger or smaller gaps. Tighten the clamps evenly until all of the clamps grasp the underside of the countertop firmly and securely.
10. Some Sinkology copper sinks feature rear deck brackets that are designed for hardware with two claws per bolt. First claw closest to bracket bolt tip will sit against the underneath of the sink rim. Second claw will be used to grab underneath the countertop. See diagram 3.
11. Install drains.
12. For a professional look apply a thin bead of Sinkology antique brown or clear neutral cure 100% silicone around the rim.
13. For regular maintenance simply wash with gentle soap and water. For extra protection against water spotting, use Sinkology Copper Armor care kit (#SARMOR-201) or high quality carnauba wax.
Kitchen & Bar Sinks: Undermount
Professional Installation Recommended
Undermount kitchen sinks are recommended when installing new granite or solid surface countertops. Undermount installation adds a luxurious and professional look to kitchen design and maximizes countertop space. By installing your Sinkology kitchen sink under-counter it makes wiping countertops easy and helps during kitchen clean up.
Sinkology undermount kitchen sinks do not include mounting hardware. We recommend providing your sink details to your countertop manufacturer for approved mounting hardware and method.
1. Flip sink upside down on a sheet of craft paper or cardboard and trace the outside rim of the sink. Select preferred countertop offset. See diagram 1. Measure the distance between the edge of the basin and the inside edge of the lip. Add a second line inside the first according to this measurement. Cut out the template along the second line.
2. Place the template onto the countertop and cut the hole into the countertop.
3. Use clear or Sinkology antique brown neutral cure 100% silicone (#SINSTALL-101) on the rim of the sink. Mount sink under the countertop using mounting hardware. Sinkology does not provide under mounting hardware due to the wide variety of mounting surfaces which require specific hardware. Contact your countertop manufacturer for specific mounting hardware.
4. Ensure sink is mounted flat against countertop on all sides, adjust hardware as needed.
5. Use plumbers putty to install the drain. Clean excess.
6. To complete your install we recommend applying a thin bead of Sinkology antique brown or clear neutral cure 100% silicone to any gaps between sink and countertop.
7. For regular maintenance simply wash with gentle soap and water. For extra protection against water spotting, use Sinkology Copper Armor care kit (#SARMOR-101) or high quality carnauba wax.
Kitchen Farmhouse Sinks: Undermount
Professional Installation Recommended
Farmhouse kitchen sinks are the ultimate kitchen design element. Sinkology apron front kitchen sinks are designed to be highly functional yet make a bold statement. The apron front design and large spacious bowl make kitchen clean up more comfortable.
Most Sinkology farmhouse kitchen sinks can be installed as an undermount or drop-in. We recommend undermount installation with new granite or solid surface countertops.
Farmhouse sinks require extra installation steps, we recommend using professional tools and professional experience when installing farmhouse copper sinks. Occasionally the cabinet face front and countertop will be cut to accommodate apron front sinks. Undermount farmhouse sinks require additional support to hold the sink in place.
1. Flip sink upside down on a piece of craft paper or cardboard and trace the edge of the basin. Measure the distance between the edge of the basin and the inside edge of the lip. Add a second line inside the first according to this measurement. Cut on the second line to make your cut out template. The apron front is designed to extend past the front of the cabinet. Take this measurement before making any cuts. When you make your cut out measurements, accommodate the apron extending past the cabinet front.
2. Cut the countertop and cabinet front to accommodate the sink basin using your cut out template.
3. Build a support ledge for your sink. Screw three lengths of 2×4’s (depends on cabinet width) along the back and both sides of the cabinet. The sink is fully supported when ¾” inch of the rim is supported on three sides. If additional support is needed four vertical 2×4 supports can be installed. See diagram 1.
4. Ensure top sink rim rests 1/8” inch below the top of cabinet frame when supported and in place.
5. Countertops will be placed directly on top of cabinet and sink. Farmhouse sink typically needs to be fully in place before countertop templating can begin.
6. Install the countertop. Apply a thin bead of Sinkology antique brown or clear neutral cure 100% silicone into any gaps between sink and countertop. See our Complete Silicone Installation Kit (#SINSTALL-101) for Copper Sinks.
7. For regular maintenance simply wash with gentle soap and water. For extra protection against water spotting, use Sinkology Copper Armor care kit (#SARMOR-201) or high quality carnauba wax.
Kitchen Farmhouse Sinks: Drop-In
Farmhouse apron front kitchen sinks are a great centerpiece to any kitchen. Our farmhouse sinks can be dropped in to existing countertop and cabinets with a simple DIY project to make your kitchen the envy of friends and family.
Most Sinkology farmhouse kitchen sinks can be installed as an undermount or drop-in. If your sink has 1/2” inch rim or less, it was designed for undermount installation only.
1. Flip sink upside down on a piece of craft paper or cardboard and trace the edge of the basin. Add a second line approx. 3/4” inch inside that line. Cut out the traced template using the second line. Note: The apron front is designed to extend past the front of the cabinet. Take this measurement before making any cuts. When you make your cut out measurements, accommodate the apron extending past the cabinet front.
2. Cut the countertop and cabinet front to accommodate the sink basin using your cut out template.
3. Often cabinet doors need to be modified to allow for extra-large Sinkology farmhouse copper sinks.
4. Sinkology farmhouse sinks are considered fully support when ¾” inch or more of the rim is supported on three sides.
5. Apply a thick bead of Sinkology clear or antique brown neutral cure 100% silicone around the edge of the countertop and install sink. Wipe off excess silicone. See our Complete Silicone Installation Kit (#SINSTALL-101) for Copper Sinks. See diagram 1.
6. Allow silicone 24-48 hours to cure before using sink.
7. For a professional look apply a thin bead of Sinkology antique brown or clean neutral cure 100% silicone around the edge of your sink and countertop.
8. For regular maintenance simply wash with gentle soap and water. For extra protection against water spotting, use Sinkology Copper Armor care kit (#SARMOR-201) or high quality carnauba wax.
Kitchen & Bar Sink: Drains
Sinkology drains are designed to perfectly complement Sinkology copper sinks. Sinkology kitchen drains are designed to fit any standard drain hole. Sinkology disposal flanges are designed for InSinkErator disposals.
Sinkology disposal flanges are designed for use only with InSinkErator disposals. If you have questions regarding drains, please contact customerservice@sinkology.com for assistance.
Disposal Flange
1. Our disposal flange is designed to only work with InSinkErator disposals. Follow the InSinkErator instructions to install the disposal to the flange.
2. Apply plumbers putty around the underside of the outer drain flange lip and place it in the drain hole in the sink. The metal flange will sit directly on the metal sink. See diagram 1.
3. Wipe away excess plumbers putty around the rim of the drain.
Basket Strainer
1. Unscrew the locking nut and washer from the drain flange.
2. Apply plumbers putty around the underside of the outer drain flange lip and place it in the drain hole in the sink. The metal flange will sit directly on the metal sink. Clean any excess. See diagram 2.
3. Place the rubber washer on the large metal nut and screw the nut on to the drain underneath the sink. 4. Wipe away any excess plumbers putty around the rim of the drain.