Cabinet modification for an undermounted Whitehaus® Farmhaus Fireclay sink
How to modify a 36” sink base to hold an undermounted 36” Whitehaus® Quatro Alcove Farmhaus Fireclay sink: This particular Whitehaus® sink is 36” x 20”x 10” and weighs 90 lbs. Because the sink is wider at the top than it is at the bottom, as an undermount, the only way it will fit into the 36” base was if the sides of the cabinet are cut down. [Above]: Getting started with the measurements, sketching the outline is a crucial step.
[Above]: Make the cuts to the cabinet. Here, a table saw was used. [Above]: After making the cuts, the cabinet is ready to be assembled. P.O. Box 26064, West Haven, CT USA 06516 • [P]: 203.479.8466 • [F]: 203.479.8477 [Toll Free Phone]: 800.527.6690 • [Toll Free Fax]: 800.694.4837 • info@WhitehausCollection.
Now, the cabinet has been cut and assembled. After assembly, it is a good idea to check the sink against the cabinet for correct fit. [Left]: Only the top piece to the rear part of the cabinet is added on. [Right]: Then, to check the fit, turn the cabinet upside down over the sink. Why did we do it this way? Because right now, there is nothing to support the sink. The sink tapers and is too narrow at the bottom to sit on the cabinet sides. P.O. Box 26064, West Haven, CT USA 06516 • [P]: 203.479.
Because of the sink’s weight, it’s necessary to build a support structure to hold the sink. This can be done by using 5/4” lumber (shown), or for an easier route, Whitehaus® undermount support bars are available for purchase. To make this structure, the bottom piece of lumber is screwed to the cabinet side and then the cross braces were measured and cut to sit on top of that. The cross braces are also screwed into the sides of the cabinet.
It is necessary to measure where the plumbing would go in the cabinet floor. This step may also be done before cabinet assembly. Cut the hole out in the bottom panel with a circular saw. Once the plumbing cut out and support structure for the sink is set, the cabinet was pushed into place to make sure the plumbing fit, and the sink was lifted onto its supports.
Now that everything is properly looked over, it is time for the final assembly and installation. [Left]: The back of the cabinet is nailed on, and now the modification of the cabinet is complete. [Above]: The cabinet is lifted up over the plumbing, and set in place [Above]: The cabinet is now fully installed, and ready for the sink to be set in. P.O. Box 26064, West Haven, CT USA 06516 • [P]: 203.479.8466 • [F]: 203.479.8477 [Toll Free Phone]: 800.527.6690 • [Toll Free Fax]: 800.694.
All that’s left to do is to lift the sink into place, and connect the plumbing. Done! Below is the kitchen fully completed. P.O. Box 26064, West Haven, CT USA 06516 • [P]: 203.479.8466 • [F]: 203.479.8477 [Toll Free Phone]: 800.527.6690 • [Toll Free Fax]: 800.694.4837 • info@WhitehausCollection.
