Replace a Sink and Counter Top
Replacing a sink and counter top can make a nice change in a kitchen. Here's the specifics about doing each of these projects.

Make a sketch of the old sink with its measurements and the location of the plumbing lines and refer to it when shopping for a new one. Choose one that has the same or larger measurements so it will fit the hole exactly. The hole will need to be enlarged for a bigger sink. A single sink made from cast iron runs about $150, one made of a manmade material like Corian(TM) or Swan stone(TM) is $400. A single standard faucet runs $50 and one with a pull-out spray is $150.

Buy a self-rimming sink with a ridge that fits over the counter top, creating a tight seal. Most sinks have predrilled holes for spray units or soap dispensers so purchase one to accommodate the accessories you want. Invest in a $10 basin wrench to make the job easier.

Removing the old sink:

Empty the base cabinet under the sink so the supply lines are accessible. Turn off the water at the main shut-off valve. Loosen the nuts at both ends of the water supply tubes and remove them. Then place a bucket under the trap, loosen the compression nuts and let the water run into the bucket and remove the trap assembly.

It's a two-person job to push and pull the sink out of its hole, breaking the seal of old caulk. Loosen the screws that hold it in place and remove the clips. Remove the old sink and scrape the counter top clean of old adhesive and caulk.

Installing the new sink:

If you purchased a larger sink, use it as a template to enlarge the opening in the counter top. Preassemble the new sink, faucet, and strainer assembly with plumber's putty between all mating surfaces. Put putty under the rim of the sink and lower it into the opening. Secure the sink with clips under the cabinet. Install the new supply tubes between the faucet and wall valves and the trap assembly.

Install a laminate counter top:

For a quick kitchen face-lift nothing beats a new laminate counter top, which is sold at kitchen and home centers. Counter tops range from $5-12 per linear foot in price. Style-wise they vary, too. Some include a backsplash and front edge, making them an all-in-one unit while others are component parts. The one-piece units are easiest to install if there are no obstructions like window sills or electrical outlets in the way. For a more custom look, consider a laminate counter top with a wooden bulldoze edging, which runs about $32 per linear foot.

Use existing counter tops as a guide to make an accurate sketch with measurements of the length and depth. When shopping ask the salesperson if they send someone out to recheck the measurements.

Removing old counter top:

Remove any built-ins like the sink and range top. Look inside the base cabinets for brackets that are usually screwed and glued to edges of the base cabinets. Pry the top apart from the base cabinets with a large screwdriver or pry bar to break the seal. Carefully lift up the counter top and remove it and use a razor scraper to remove dried glue.

Use built-ins as patterns when cutting holes in the new top. Place them upside down and trace around them. Then following the manufacturer's recommendations make the cutout slightly smaller than the overall size of the unit. Drill four holes in the corner of the opening and cut from hole to hole with a saber saw.

Secure new counter top:

Attach the new counter top to the base cabinet with the brackets provided or use construction adhesive. Make sure the counter top is aligned properly on the base and that it is level. Place wood shims between the base cabinet if it's slightly uneven. Then install the built-ins.

Written by the editors of HouseNet.
Copyright HouseNet, Inc.

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