Installing undermount sinks in granite
jarenski
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I looking for suggestions re: undermount stainless steel sink installation in granite. As a carpenter, I realize I’ve missed this step in projects I’ve worked on since we usually sub it out. How would one mount clips into the stone? Please don’t tell me it simply gets glued. What about the weight of the disposal?
Revealing my ignorance, I’d greatly appreciate any help.
thanks
Replies
This is one option.
http://www.vanceind.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5
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A-holes. Hey every group has to have one. And I have been elected to be the one. I should make that my tagline.
Buill's gadget works. or you can mount a piece of 3/4 ply so it's flush with the top of the cabinet, the use that to support the sink. Actually you have to either set it just below the top of the cabinets, or rout a recess for the flange.
"Put your creed in your deed." Emerson
"When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it." T. Roosevelt
Most often its the "glue" doing the work of holding up the sink with all the bits that hang on it. But you can use brackets and bracing to help support the sink.
Problem is you don't always know where the sink hole will be cut, so making a drop on wooden platfrom to support the sink is tough to do. if you can get in quick during install or if your installing the sink. Take your precut sheet of plywood and hold it under the cutout and trace the outline.
Cut a little outside this line so the sink will fit with a little play around it. Rase this piece and sink inside the cabinet and prop in place. Secure with some blocks short enought to be hidden when installed. Seal the sink to the top.
i worked for a granite guy for a year or so and we always just glued(read siliconed) the sinks in from the bottom and supported them w a 2x4 untill the caulk set up never had a single call back knock wood one tip though install the faucet sets first its hard to reach around some of those deep sinks
USAnigel,
I think you have the start of an idea there.. What you could do is make a cut out for the sink after you trace the opening then fit it underneath the granite with the sink on it and put it it place with either cleats or using Kreg screws..
i like to rest the pieces of stone on a piece of 3/4 ply which forms the top of the cabinet and adds lots of strength and support-- so with a sink, you just have a sandwich of the sink with caulk (and the weight of the stone) keeping it from moving.
like so -- stone/caulk/sink/caulk/plywood.
Getting the cutout in the plywood is not that hard, as long as you remember to save
gets glude to that and the concrete on my sink rests on a piece of 3/4 ply
http://www.integra-adhesives.com/video1.html
Kowboy
My granite shop cuts/drills keyhole mounting slots in the underside of the stone and provides clips and screws for undermounts. An option that I've seen included with some higher-end sinks is that they come with knurled brass inserts, threaded on the inside, that can be epoxied into a simple hole drilled in the granite from below with a masonry bit. These will then accept standard machine screws and undermount clips.
The other option is mount the sink in a sub of ply, but that's a PITA if you ever wanna lose the sink without removing the top.
Mike Hennessy
Pittsburgh, PA
Thank you all for your responses; they are most helpful. As I suspected, there is no mystical instant solution. In the interest of time, I'll probably use the bracket suggested by Bill in the first response.
A carpenter for the last 14+ years, I recently began my own company and am rapidly learning the limits of my experience. I've been a dedicated FHB reader but am a novice to Breaktime. Given how green I am, I believe I'll be spending a fair amount of time here. Thanks for your time.
Mike Hennessy - What granite supplier do you use (I am also in Pittsburgh)?
Colucci. The ladies in the sales offices are moroons, but the guys in the shop are top-notch.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
Thanks for the tip. The last two kitchens I've done the customers were adamant about using Home Depot (Innovative Stone / Apex, Inc.). The jury is still out on the installs themselves; however, their service and lead time is abysmal.
Not a chance I'd do the Depot for stone.
Also, Brookside Lumber just got hooked in with a big stone fabricator and they're always great to work with -- just haven't had the chance to use them for stone yet.
Mike HennessyPittsburgh, PA
I'm learning the hard way not to let customers strong arm me into using subs and vendors I'm not familiar / comfortable with. I work more frequently in the east end; however I recently sent a customer from Mt. Lebenon to Brookside for cabinetry - I didn't know they did stone. Some years ago I worked for a general in the South Hills a delt regularly w/ Brookside - I'd like to do what I can to support them.
Thanks,
Joe Harenski
jarenski
Try making a plywood cut out the size of the interior of the cabinet. then hold it up in place with either cleats or Kreg screws..
This one is similar to the one Bill H. recommends, but come in three sizes:
http://www.granitecitytool.com/showitem.cfm?itemnum=526&catnum=2&pcatnum=0
These work great and are simple to use (probably similar to what Kowboy recommends, but I couldn't get his link to work):
http://tinyurl.com/2ewxwr
Granite City Tool has good prices and their sales staff are knowledgeable and helpful.
Jerry