Hi – I’m new to this forum but think you guys can probably help me out with a question.
I’m in the middle of a kitchen renovation and have a 1920s cast iron wall-mount farm sink. It’s about 51.25″ long and must weigh about 250 lbs.
I was planning on attaching it to the wall using the 2 original cast iron brackets (there are 4 tabs on the back of the sink for the 2 brackets) and then buidling a cabinet to go underneath the sink so the edge will sit atop the face of a 2×4 that’s being supported from below. The weight will mainly be on the floor, with the wall brackets some of the load but mainly serving to stabilize and anchor the sink itself.
Do you think I need to do anything to strengthen the framed interior partition wall to install this sink? I was planning on blocking between the studs, but my neighbor – a cabinetmaker – thinks I need to put in a stronger wall framed to carry a load and reinforce the flooring below. I respect his opinion, but I also know he tends to over-complicate jobs to a point that they become un-doable.
Has anyone worked with a sink like this before? Are there any obvious problems I’m missing here? I’m planning on using a 16″ o.c. interior wall and anchoring the sink itself to a 2×4 framed extension that will have a 4×4 header for the two anchor brackets. Then the sink will rest on 2x4s laid lengthwise supported by doubled-up 2x4s at each end, sitting on a 2×4 plate, and tied together by one upper and one floor-level 2×4 bolted in across the ends at both the front and rear of the sink.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Replies
If, after you got it installed, would you be leery if yourself and a buddy sat on it?
Actually I'd be fine with that, as long as it wasn't photographed.
But seriously: that's a standard I could live with.
You will be fine with what you are planning. I am well familiar with these sinks. Apron on right, apron on left, and the rarest of all is the double with both a right and left apron (about 7 feet and 400 pounds). Back on subject. These mounted with the brackets you mention, and most had a pipe leg on each front corner. (except the 'corner' sinks that only had a single leg) Ok, now back to the subject. The frame you describe should be more than adequate if you are planning on supporting the front edge with this frame.
Your plan will work
I have a similar sink in my basement. Years ago a plumber stopped by with the sink in the back of his van. He asked if I'd go with him to the dump to help him offload it. Don't mind if I do, I offloaded it right into my basement. It's a large two bowl, about 26" deep and 53" long. Two legs, but the legs are almost directly centered under each bowl.
Great sink, I love the thing.
Your plan is more than adequate.