Kitchen sink





Every housewife's favorite pastime is to fill up your kitchen with various little things to create a cozy atmosphere. The hostess will not ignore such important elements of the working area as the stove and the sink. In modern interiors, it is extremely rare to find headsets consisting of separate cabinets that are not connected by a common countertop. Although, for example, a cabinet or a cupboard for a sink for the kitchen allows you to more optimally place all the necessary communications inside your space. Manufacturers made sure that modern models of kitchen cabinets for washing were devices equipped with storage systems and devices for convenient location of not only the sink, but also other equipment. Today we will tell you what are the advantages of the underframe with a washbasin, and how to independently install the cabinet under the sink.

to contents ↑

We deal with sinks and cabinets

The requirements for furniture for the kitchen are always high, as it should be not only attractive, but also practical. The emphasis in the interior of the kitchen space is on functionality and quality. The sink deserves special attention of the hostess, as the ease of use and its service life depend on the correct choice of this important element of the kitchen.

Types of sinks

There are two main types of sinks that differ in the type of installation:

• Mortise. The sink is not mounted on the cabinet itself, but crashes into the countertop. The main advantage of this model is that the cabinet itself has less contact with water, which means it will last longer.
• Waybill. This is a more versatile option. Most often, the overhead sink is purchased with the cabinet.

Types of pedestals

When choosing a sink, you need to pay special attention to the cabinet, which can be located separately or be on a par with other models of the headset.

Structurally, the models for washing differ in this way:

• Mortise sink cabinet.
• Underframe - floor stand for surface wash. The model of a curbstone does not have a back wall and a kitchen countertop. The dimensions of the cabinet should correspond to the size of the sink so that it fits tightly in its place.

What's inside the cabinet?

Each consumer seeks to maximize the use of the space inside the cabinet for washing. And if it’s hard to argue about the external qualities of furniture for the sink, because everyone still chooses a model suitable for the headset set, then you can talk about the internal space.

So, what should be in the pedestal:

• Siphon and corrugated sink hose.
• A hidden part of kitchen appliances, such as a water filter or a chopper for food waste.
• Bin.
• A convenient place to store detergents. For these purposes, you can embed a small shelf in the cabinet.
• Instantaneous water heater (if the width and depth of the cabinet allows).

to contents ↑

Advantages of a washbasin stand

Today, overhead sinks are used not only in budget kitchens of economy class. Every day more and more there is a tendency to design the kitchen space in a classic, retro or country style. It is in such an interior that an overhead sink looks more harmonious than a mortise sink in a common countertop.In addition, today manufacturers produce kitchen sinks not only from enameled steel and stainless steel, but also from modern materials: ceramics and artificial stone. Floor cabinets made of such materials look very elegant and modern.

In addition to creating an original and unique design, a sink with a curbstone has a lot of advantages:

• Easy to install. If necessary, you can dismantle the sink yourself and put it back.
• Ideal for giving or as a temporary option during long-term repairs.
• Versatility and practicality.
• Possibility of independent installation of cabinets under the sink for the kitchen in accordance with individual needs.
• Perfect for a small kitchen, which does not fit a complete set of furniture.
• A variety of sizes, styles and shapes.
• Low price.

Important! Even a stone underframe with a surface sink will cost an order of magnitude lower than a stone countertop with a mortise sink. At the same time, the design of the kitchen space does not deteriorate at all.

to contents ↑

How to choose a sink with a curbstone?

When buying a cabinet with a sink, the following factors should be considered:

• Material for washing and underframe.
• Dimensions of a curbstone.
• The shape of the sink.

Important! If you plan to install a mortise sink, then before ordering a separate table-curbstone, first determine the shape of the sink. It can be: round, rectangular, trapezoidal. The depth of the sink is not taken into account when planning. This is a matter of personal preference only.

• Compatibility with the interior. For example, a steel cupboard will look great in a modern style kitchen.

Consider some of the nuances of choosing a product.

to contents ↑

Washing materials

First of all, pay attention to the materials.

Stainless steel

The simplest and most cost-effective option for washing is stainless steel. Stainless steel sink has good performance:

• Easy to wash.
• It does not deteriorate from the effects of household chemicals.
• Withstands heavy loads.
• Durable
• It has an excellent appearance and low weight.
• Diverse design: matte, glossy sinks perfectly decorate the kitchen.
• Affordable cost.

The disadvantages include:

• Poor sound absorption.
• The appearance of limescale.

Important! When buying a stainless steel sink, pay attention to the thickness of the metal - it should be at least 2-3 mm. The optimal ratio of nickel to chromium should be: 18% chromium, 10% nickel. Pay attention to the surface of the sink, it is desirable that it is neither matte nor polished, but textured - then scratches will be less noticeable on it.

Composite

A composite sink will last longer than steel, but costs more. The composite sink is very resistant to mechanical damage.

A rock

Stone washing is made of natural or artificial stone. It is strong enough, resistant to mechanical, thermal and chemical influences, easy to care for, durable and environmentally friendly.

Important! The disadvantages include: the complexity of installation, high weight and high cost. Moreover, it is very easy to break the dishes on such a sink.

Ceramics

Ceramic models look spectacular. They are environmentally friendly, resistant to temperature and chemical effects, perfectly absorb the noise of water, are pleasant to the touch and easy to care for.

The disadvantages include: a high probability of chips, high weight and high price. Moreover, such models cannot be cleaned with abrasive products. Therefore, the ceramic sink is completely unsuitable for use in the kitchen, but in the bathroom it looks just perfect.

Important! When choosing a material for washing, consider the following fact: the maximum weight of a metal sink is 4 kg, ceramic - 15 kg, and stone - 20 kg.

As for the depth of the sink, it should be such that it was convenient to wash dishes or food, and at the same time, water should not be sprayed around.We recommend buying a sink with a depth of at least 15-16 cm, preferably 19 cm.

to contents ↑

Cabinet materials

Based on which sink you prefer, the material variant of the cabinet itself will also change, because everything should look very organic. The material of the furniture for washing should not only be outwardly attractive, but also practical in terms of operation. It must be resistant to moisture, temperature, mechanical damage, easy to maintain and durable.

Sink cabinets are made of the following materials.

Chipboard

Curbstones from this material are found most often. They are cheap, resistant to mechanical damage, are not afraid of moisture and sudden changes in temperature, provided they are properly coated.

Chipboard

This is the most budget option, but the quality wants to be better.

MDF

This material is very dense and homogeneous. MDF is a better material, as it is the result of advanced technologies for the manufacture of fiberboards.

Curbstones for sinks from this material are the most popular, as they are durable, are produced in a wide range of colors, and are resistant to temperature, mechanical influences and even microorganisms. In addition, such models are easy to maintain.

Solid wood

Cabinets for sinks made of natural wood are solid and durable. They boast a unique natural flavor, environmental friendliness and a solid appearance.

Solid wood cabinets look great in spacious kitchens made in rustic, country and provence style. Wooden models are in first place among the cabinets for mortise sinks.

Among the shortcomings can be identified:

• the need for careful care;
• high price;
• odor absorption and color loss over time.

Important! To make the wooden stand cheaper, choose a model in which only the facade is made of solid wood.

Output

If we talk about which cabinet is suitable for which sink, then:

• stainless steel sink is perfect for MDF and chipboard;
• A wooden sink will complement the composite sink.

to contents ↑

Dimensions and shapes of the cabinet

The dimensions of the table should be selected depending on the size of the kitchen, the parameters of the sink and your needs. The sink can serve not only as a bowl for washing dishes, but also serve as a countertop in the work area. In this case, the cabinet should be at the same level with the tables next to the standing modules.

Important! Underframes for sinks are produced in standard sizes. Width can be 50, 60, 80 cm or 1 m 20 cm. And height: 85-93 cm.

In appearance, the sink cabinet may be:

• Straight.
• Angular.
• Trapezoidal.

The cabinet can be with one, two or more doors. Trapezoidal and corner cabinets are preferable, since inside them you can place not only the bin, but also other things necessary in the kitchen. However, if the trapezoidal and corner cabinets are part of the kitchen set, then the direct model can be used separately.

Important! Small sinks have only one bowl. And sinks for larger double-wing cabinets can have two bowls and a special wing for drying dishes.

to contents ↑

How to choose a stand with a sink?

When choosing a cabinet with a sink, use the following recommendations:

• Choose furniture, focusing on the layout, size and design features of the kitchen space.
• A compact cabinet with a wide sink without additional wings for drying dishes is perfect for a small kitchen. Small cabinets have only one door, which allows you to solve the problem of lack of space in the working area.
• For a large kitchen, a cabinet with drawers, a countertop or a dish dryer is suitable. In this case, a corner stand is ideal, which will allow you to place a sink with several bowls, a large and comfortable wing or a compartment for vegetables and fruits.
• An extraordinary solution is the hanging cabinet under the sink for the kitchen.This model is perfect for decorating a kitchen in a modern style.
• If your kitchen is decorated in an Eco-style, pick up a massive and rough wooden cabinet.
• For bright kitchen sets, a lightweight chipboard cabinet is perfect. It is very easy to paste such furniture with a film of a suitable shade so that it does not stand out against the general background.

to contents ↑

Installing the cabinet under the sink

The installation process of the underframe is responsible, but simple. If you follow certain rules, then the cabinet will last for many years. The most important thing when installing a kitchen unit is to protect furniture elements from contact with water as much as possible.

Important Nuances

The frames of tables and cabinets are made of standard chipboard, which does not tolerate constant exposure to moisture, so when installing the cabinet under the sink, follow these rules:

1. All open and not glued edges of the furniture must be treated with a water-repellent compound, special mastic or silicone sealant.
2. When installing the siphon, mixer and corrugated pipe to drain the water, tighten all nuts securely. Be sure to use special insulating agents and silicone sealant, as leaking communications can cause damage to furniture.
3. All cutouts and holes made during the installation of furniture must be treated with any water-repellent.

Important! Instead of silicone sealant or special mastic, you can use ordinary drying oil, which also has water-repellent properties.

Mounting

As a rule, cabinet furniture comes unassembled. The kit includes all the necessary fastening and front hardware, as well as instructions for assembling furniture, so you can easily deal with the assembly of the cabinet.

The only advice - do not screw the facade onto the cabinet until you finish installing the sink and connect it to the communications.

Checking the strength of the cabinet - the “scarf” method

After you have installed the cabinet, it is recommended to solve the problem of rigidity of the entire structure. Due to the lack of a back wall, the sink cabinet does not have the rigidity that other cabinets have.

As stiffeners, metal or wooden angles-triangles (“scarves”) are used, which are attached to each of the four corners of the structure from the rear side. But during the installation of the cabinet, they can interfere, so some owners simply delete them. In this case, to solve the problem of furniture strength:

• Pull off the sink and another table next to it using special tie bolts.
• Another option is to simply drill a pedestal against the wall so that it stands firmly.

DIY washing installation

If you have any questions about mounting and connecting the sink, then read the following recommendations.

To fix the sink on the cabinet, you can use three main methods:

1. Glue. This is the easiest installation option. The edges of the upper part of the sink should be wider than the frame itself to completely cover the ribs. Treat the ends of the cabinet with silicone glue so that the lid of the sink is well fixed after the glue dries.
2. Mounting brackets. If brackets came with the sink, install a sink with their help. First, screw the screws from the inside, and then attach the mounting brackets from the top.
3. Wooden bars. If the standard options are not suitable (there are defects or missing mounting hardware), then screw the bars inside the frame with corners to get a kind of platform for installing the sink.

Important! Do not use automatic tools during installation, as their impact can lead to cracking and deformation of the planes.

Advice:

1. If there are no special fasteners for the sink complete with a stand, then purchase them yourself. For installation you will need 4 mounts. They are L-shaped plates with an oblique slot.Install the mounting plate on the self-tapping screw and prepare the sink for installation - mount the siphon and mixer. Apply silicone sealant to the ends of the cabinet and carefully insert the sink into the hole in the cabinet.
2. If excess sealant leaks out when tightening the fasteners to the cabinet walls, immediately remove them with a rag.
3. When connecting the mixer to the pipeline, use an FUM tape to prevent leakage.

to contents ↑

Stock footage

We hope that our information has helped you choose a practical, beautiful and functional washbasin cabinet, and this model fits perfectly into the interior of the kitchen space. And if after a while she will disappoint or bother you, then you can always send her to “rest” in the country or in a country house. There will always be a place for her.