How to Install Undermount Sink to Wood
So, you’re ready to install an under-mount sink to your wooden countertop? But before you begin, you need to understand that the type of clips used for wooden countertops are different from those used for tiled countertops.
So, you’re ready to install an under-mount sink to your wooden countertop? Well, it’s a great choice because it’ll give your kitchen a sleek and modern look. But before you begin, you need to understand that the type of clips used for wooden countertops are different from those used for tiled countertops.
Typically, clips used for tiled countertops fit onto the edges of the cutout and are hidden by tiles. But for wooden countertops, flat clips must be used, and they are installed on the underside of the countertop. You’ll need to grab the right clips and wood screws to get started.
Tools and supplies
- Flat under-mount sink clips
- 1-inch wood screws
- Cordless drill with a screw-tip attachment
- Silicone adhesive caulk
- Two-part epoxy
- Denatured alcohol
- Masking tape
- One-by-two pine or fir as vertical supports to hold the sink in place at the underside of the countertop while the clips are installed
To start, cut two pieces of one-by-two pine or fir as vertical supports to hold the sink in place while you install the clips.
Measure the distance from the upper rim of the sink to the lower edge of the sink’s bowls and note it down.
Then, measure from the underside of the countertop to the surface of the bottom shelf of the sink cabinet, and subtract the measurement of the sink. Use a handsaw to cut the supports to the correct length.
Next, apply a bead of clear silicone sealant to the upper side of the sink’s rim that fits against the underside of the countertop.
Carefully position the upper rim against the underside of the countertop at the cutout, and install a vertical support under each bowl.
Now, work from above and adjust the sink so that the exposed portions of the rim are uniformly aligned with the edges of the cutout in the countertop.
Use your finger to smooth the silicone along the seam where the rim meets the edges of the cutout for a clean, uniform appearance.
Set up your cordless drill with a screw-tip attachment and install a pair of flat under-mount sink clips at one side of the rim. Hold a clip against the underside of the rim, perpendicular to the side of the sink, then drive a 1-inch wood screw through the machined hole in the clip and into the underside of the countertop.
Repeat the process and install another pair of clips, evenly spaced, at the opposite side of the sink. Don’t forget to remove the vertical supports to make room for the remaining clips.
Finally, install four clips evenly spaced along the front and rear edges of the rim, and against the underside of the countertop using 1-inch wood screws at each machined hole in each clip. And there you have it!
You’ve successfully installed an under-mount sink to your wooden countertop. It may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and techniques, it’s a project that anyone can tackle.
FAQ
Can you mount a undermount sink on the plywood?
Yes, you can mount an undermount sink on plywood. To do so, you will need to build up the cabinet that the sink will rest in. Begin by cutting a piece of 3/4″ plywood to the inside dimensions of the sink cabinet. Next, add support for the plywood using 2x4s.
This will ensure that the plywood is stable and can support the weight of the sink. Once you have added the necessary support, you can proceed with installing the sink using the appropriate clips and sealant.
Can you have an undermount sink with wood?
Yes, you can have an undermount sink with wood. However, the type of under-mount clips used to secure the sink in place will be different than those used for tiled countertops. Flat clips must be used for laminated or solid wood countertops to ensure that the sink is securely installed.