Today, I’m so excited to show you how to add an apron front sink to existing granite counters. We just revealed the renovation of our Timeless Farmhouse Kitchen, but the star of the show – a beautiful new sink – was late to the party.
Thank you to Sinkology for helping me create my dream kitchen!
The one thing I hated about my kitchen was the sink. It was black enameled cast iron and had lost it’s glaze and was starting to rust.
Believe it or not, that sink is actually clean.
When I found this sink from Sinkology, my entire design for my kitchen renovation came to life.
So how can you put in an apron front sink if you aren’t replacing your granite counters?
You have to cut out the granite!
YIKES! But Yay – because we can do this – and so can you. Let me show you how!
How to Add an Apron Front Sink
to Existing Granite Counters
Supplies Needed:
- Sinkology Josephine Drop In Fireclay Sink (we purchased the all in one kit)
- 4 inch Handheld Wet Tile Saw
- Drop Cloths
- Shop Vac
- Spray Bottle
- Eye and Ear Protection
- Breathing Mask
- Silicone
- Tape Measure
- Painters Tape
- Razor Blade
- Reciprocating Saw
STEP ONE: Remove the old sink.
Using a razor blade, cut through the old silicone around the edge of the basin and unhook the plumbing.
Don’t forget to turn off the water!
As you can see we have one strip of granite across the front that needs to be trimmed.
STEP TWO: Cut the Granite.
The most important element of this step is the planning.
Measure and measure again. We traced the outline of the sink on a piece of cardboard to ensure the right fit.
For our counters, the cut out mostly fit – but we did need to trim some of the previous granite that was too short.
Now here’s how we did this – and let me start by saying that we did not take pics because this does create quite the mess.
So let me paint a detailed picture for you.
Suit up with protective gear: Ear protection, eye protection, and dust masks are essential.
Since this is a messy job in a recently finished kitchen, we came up with a creative solution.
We taped some plastic drop cloth to the counters and then tented ourselves.
Yup, you read that right.
We put the plastic drop cloth over our heads, while wearing goggles, ear muffs, dust masks – Trent holding the tile saw and me manning the shop vac and squirt bottle.
It was a sight, but you know what? It worked!
The shop vac and squirt bottle cut down on the amount of dust that went everywhere and the plastic tent kept what we missed to one small area.
We’ve seen online posts where people use an angle grinder to cut granite, but you run the risk of a miscut with one small twist of the wrist.
The tile saw has a guide that helps keep your cuts straight.
Handy Tip: The painters tape helps give a sight-guide to move the saw along a straight line.
STEP THREE: Cut out the top of the cabinet.
Check your measurements again before cutting. We were lucky in having a drawer front that was easily removed.
All we needed to cut out was the top brace of the cabinet front. We used a reciprocating saw, but a hand saw would also work.
STEP FOUR: Notch out the granite for the apron front sink.
We taped off our cut lines and suited back up.
The entire process to this point took just about an hour including measuring, cuts and clean up.
Dry fit your sink to make sure it fits. We did this often and made adjustments as needed.
STEP FIVE: Install the sink.
Apply a liberal amount of silicone, carefully drop in the sink, and let it sit before installing your plumbing.
We left ours to cure overnight.
STEP SIX: Install your Faucet.
What I love about Sinkology is that they offer this as an All in One kit, which includes the sink, faucet, drain strainer, non-scratch scrubber and care kit.
This one came with the Pfister Wheaton Sprayer Kitchen Faucet in Stainless Steel, but you can also purchase the faucet separately at Home Depot.
I think the faucet looks beautiful and my kitchen looks so much brighter now with this sink!
I hope this helped you learn how to add an apron front sink to existing granite counters.
Of course it’s daunting, that’s for sure.
But on this side of it – we’d do it again. Simply take your time and prepare well and you can have a stunning result like this one.
To see the details of the Timeless Farmhouse Kitchen Reveal, as well as the items we used to make over this kitchen for less than $1500, head over to the final reveal.
Pin this Tutorial for Later!
Hey Mandy! Those are some great questions! Our counters are between 25-26 inches deep and the space between the sink and the wall is about 1 inch. Hope that helps you out and that this sink will fit your counters. I am still in love with mine! Let me know if you have any more questions – I’m happy to help!
Hi there what was the width of your countertop? After you had the sink installed how much space was there between the sink in the wall? Just trying to see if this thing is gonna work for my kitchen.
Hi there what was the width of your countertop? How much space did you have left between the sink and the wall in the sink was installed? I’m trying to figure out the sink would work for my kitchen thank you.
Yes! I got it from Home Depot – if you look up in the post, there should be a direct link for you to the exact one!
Hi! Can you share with me where you bought the kit from? Thank you! Melanee
Hi Kathleen – great question! Our base cabinets were custom made and measure between 34 and 35 inches. It was a great fit for our kitchen! Hope that helps!
Can I ask what is the width of your base cabinet that you put your sink in?
Thank you so much Whitney!
Thanks so much for sharing this! So helpful
Hey Mike – I hope you can zoom in on the pics for a better view, but we used a template set out from the sink. That left a 2 inch lip in the back, but no need to backfill. In fact, we had to trim a few places to get it to drop in. It’s definitely a snug fit. Hope that helps!
It sure looks like you had to back fill part of the cabinet as the original hole looks much bigger than was is shown in the final product.
Thank you so much Michelle!
Hi Kristin – thanks so much for reaching out! Our sink is holding up beautifully and we are so glad we did it! I would have the counters measured and installed first letting them know the sink you want to use. Once those are in, a quick cut to your cabinetry would be all you need to do! Send me a pic when you’re finished – I would love to see it!
Jennifer,
Thanks for these helpful tips. I’m so honored to join you today as guest host. Have a blessed day.
Rachel.
This is amazing Jen! I had no idea you could cut granite yourself. Thanks for the great tutorial. Definitely pinning this one!
Hi Mark – that’s a great question! We used a fresh blade, so our cuts were very clean. I’m rather picky about the details and this one doesn’t bother even persnickety me! Hope that helps!
Hi,
I am looking to do this exact thing. My concern is the aesthetics of the sides. It is hard to tell, but looks the part of the granite that was cut can be seen from the side? Does it look clean or are there any imperfections? Thanks, Mark
Hi there. This is exactly what I want to do myself! Although I’ll be replacing countertop with soapstone (or something) at the same time as I replace the sink. I guess I’ll need to cut cabinet front and install the new sink and then have the countertop measured and installed. Does that sound right to you? Also, how is your work holding up over a year later? Anything problems or things you would do differently now? Thanks so much for sharing this DIY job!
That may be tricky if the counters have been cut to fit the apron front sink. You might have to build the cabinets to house the new sink.
I need to install an undermount farm house sink into an existing apron sink cabinet
Michele – you are so kind! Your sweet words made me smile this morning. And I understand about the hesitation to do it yourself. We went back and forth for almost 2 hours before we made the first cut!
Hope you get your dream sink soon!
Honestly one of the most helpful tutorials I have ever seen – I never in a million years thought we could have an apron sink – sure not able to replace 8 year old granite anytime soon – I think you are my new best friend.
I am sooooooooooooooooo showing my husband this. I like the look of my sink but I want one big sink not two medium sinks – my pans are too large and it isn’t working. This might. Though to be honest I don’t think we can DIO (do it ourselves) as I don’t trust us to do it properly. Maybe I will call Tile Dave and he can for me.
Thanks for the hopeful inspiration, it is really appreciated!!!!
It looks awesome! It really brightens up the space and was the finishing touch to a beautiful kitchen remodel. So proud of you for tackling the difficult tasks and sharing the step by step diy instructions. Can’t wait to see the next project! Good job!!