Appropriate sink size?

7 years ago

What would the appropriate sink size be for a 36" cabinet base? We will just be doing a single bowl undermount sink and I see fang they come in sizes ranging from 28 - 32". If it helps visualize the sink is below a window and there are a set of cabinets on either side. We would have a regular faucet, soap dispenser, and filtered water dispenser at the back of the sink. Thanks in advance for your help!

Featured Answer

PRO

Kitchen Cabinet Kings

7 years ago

General rule of thumb is actual sink should be 3" in actual width less than the sink base for smooth fit. However if you notch the sides of the cabinet, you should be able to get something as tight as 1.5 less than cabinet to fit.

So for your example go with the 32" W actual sink to fit in the SB36, it will wit without issue.

Good luck with your new kitchen!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis
7 years ago
I would get the largest one that fits..large that fits doesn't look inappropriate..
sail_away
7 years ago
I agree with nicholsworth55 ... love, love my big, single bowl sink. Everything I might want to wash or rinse in the sink fits. One caveat, however---if you lack counter space you may be willing to sacrifice the larger sink in favor of extra counter space. (Just don't go too small.) But if you are okay with the counter space that will be left with the larger sink, definitely go larger.

As a side note, we just had a home built and bought a 32" single bowl SS kitchen sink that is identical to the one we put in our previous home. I've been so happy with it that I wanted the exact sink again. When showing people the house (both before it was finished and after), almost every person had commented on how much they like the sink, and my contractor said some of his subs mentioned liking the sink, as well. Neither the contractor nor I pointed out the sink----people just noticed it on their own.
Related Discussions
Kitchen sink
Q
Comments (1)
Normally they make it square so you do not end up with a large gap between the sink and the edge of the countertop, since some sinks come with a small bevel around the parameter to accommodate the silicone. If your sink does not have this bevel then the gap will not be large and you should be ok.
...See More
Win a design consultation at The permanent tsb Ideal Home Show!
Q
Comments (74)
Hello Houzz Ireland, We are currently renovating a 1960's build - so as you know, there is a lot of decisions to be made!! So it would be nice to get some gems of advice from the experts to help us through this daunting task. Areas where we would really like some inspiration for - small bathroom downstairs. I would really like to do something fun with this room and although small, I think it could work really well with some funky wallpaper or possibly tiles?! I'm just not sure what to do with it. Also - pulling a whole house together?! Where do we start? We have the bigger pieces of furniture but how do I know what nest of tables goes best with a suite? Or what accessories will bring a room together? I'm due a second baby in 2 weeks time so any help at this stage would be so amazing - to guide me on the right interior design path for our new house. Thanks, Laurie
...See More
kitchen island, sink or not ?
Q
Comments (0)
I am planning on creating an island in my kitchen. Size will about 1200mm x 1200mm or 1200mm x 1oo0mm ( with a mini overhang). Ive been advised to put a mini spink in it but Im concerned it will be too small for a sink. Also main sink isn't too far away. I had been thinking about putting a drawer dishwasher on it too but is there any point if I don't put the mini sink in ?
...See More
Compact Bathroom Design Help
Q
Comments (6)
It small But your cabin sink unit is a good idea as you have storage space and it looks neat. I have changed my bath many times to shower unit and it has leaked every time, some times it has been the plumbers fault or bad design then it was a visitor who let the water spill while showering the last time it flooded the insurers wanted the bathroom TANKED! meaning waterproof walls and floors. This is done by an experienced plumber contractor of repute! as the insurers said too many claims from too many people with bad waterproofing. the insurer said they would not insure again or any other clients who had not got their bathroom water proofed by expert plumber fitters. SO I have gone back to the Bath with a shower enclosed and found it tops for waterproof.
...See More
1gofishing
Original Author
7 years ago
Thank you! May I ask what kind of sink you have?
practigal
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Not larger than 33" I have the blanco super single and love it. The kohler iron tones smart divide in one of their frosted colors, like sugar cane or sea salt, was my second choice, it is much more bling (also more $$).
jhmarie
7 years ago
It depends on the sink. My Kohler Whitehaven cast iron farmhouse sink is held up in part by the cabinet edges, so I put the Whitehaven 36 (which is slightly smaller than 36") in my 36 " sink base. I assume a carpenter could build up the sides to hold a smaller sink, but I love the large basin.
Buehl
7 years ago
last modified: 7 years ago
Be aware that if you notch/scribe a cabinet to make a sink fit, you will probably void the warranty on that cabinet. So, stick with sink that has a width no wider than the width of your cabinet minus the thickness of two side walls plus 1" or so for wiggle room - this lets the sink fit inside the cabinet and (1) there's no need to notch/scribe and (2) the sink will be installed such that if it fails later, it can be replaced (that doesn't happen often, but still...)

So...
- If your cabinets have 1/2" side walls, than the sink should be no wider than 34": 1/2" thick wall + 34" wide sink + 1/2" thick wall + 1" wiggle room = 36"
- If your cabinets have 3/4" side walls, than the sink should be no wider than 33.5": 3/4" thick wall + 33.5" wide sink + 3/4" thick wall + 1" wiggle room = 36"
33" will definitely fit - as will 32". I would look for one that's at least 33" wide, if I were you.

If the sink you want is only 28" wide, then I would downsize the sink cabinet to a 31" or 33" sink base. Sink bases generally have the least useful storage - so I'd add those 3" to the another cabinet to gain more useful storage!
writersblock (9b/10a)
7 years ago
You can also use a HUSH instead of the clips, which lets you use a larger sink than you could if you used the clips.
lisadlu16
7 years ago
I just installed a 32" sink in a 36" cabinet. I recommend single bowl and as big of a sink that will fit.
PRO
Rachiele Custom Sinks
7 years ago
I have been a kitchen designer since 1977. The vast majority of 36" sink bases have 34 1/2" of available space inside. I have been a long proponent of single bowl sinks with rear corner drains so you can place a double rollout trash cabinet behind the door opposite the drain. Sink cabinet with trash storage.
chisue
7 years ago
36" cabinet here. 35" big/little sink. (Little is 12" wide.)

I don't want to wash out an entire sink when I rinse a dish; that goes into the small side. I don't want to fill a whole sink to wash a few pots; I wash in the large side.

Appropriate sink size?

Kitchen Cabinet Kings

Comments (11)

nicholsworth Z6 Indianapolis

sail_away

Related Discussions

1gofishing
Original Author

practigal

jhmarie

Buehl

writersblock (9b/10a)

lisadlu16

Rachiele Custom Sinks

chisue

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

Appropriate sink size?

Comments (11)

Related Discussions

1gofishingOriginal Author

COMPANY

EXPLORE HOUZZ

CONNECT WITH US

1gofishing
Original Author