Choosing the right sink size

This fact sheet is intended to help expose some of the hidden considerations necessary to choose the correct size sink for your vanity cabinets. Many of the same principles apply for kitchen sinks as well. Using these guidelines will result in a functional, visually pleasing, and structurally sound finished product that will withstand the tests of style and time. This fact sheet is in direct reference to Kohler under mount sinks, but may be applied to most vitreous china, cast iron and stainless steel sinks.

What to Measure

• Measure the actual cabinet opening.
  Remember to observe bracing.
  
• Measure the TOTAL size of sink including
  rim and add 1/2” for variable tolerance.
  
• Measure faucet base, add approx. 3/4”
  Remember variables such as splash thickness, and possibly bowed walls, etc.

2209
Kohler 2209 sinks are
generally used in furniture
style vanities.

2210
Kohler 2210 sinks are generally used in 22 inch deep vanities.

2211
Kohler 2211 sinks are
generally used in 24 inch deep
vanities or vanities designed in
the “bump-out style.”

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Understanding Cabinet Measurements

The 24 inch measurement of a 24” cabinet is the OUTSIDE dimension of the cabinet frame. There needs to be enough INSIDE room in the cabinet for BOTH the sink and faucet. Note that the thickness of the backsplash often further reduces the usable interior size of the cabinet.

The upper-front brace is usually cut away to a minimum size, but is necessary to provide strength, so it cannot be removed. Different manufacturers use different types of front bracing, and some cannot be cut away as much as others. A tolerance factor is ALWAYS needed to adjust for the best fit. If your sink “just fits” into the cabinet, it will be too big.

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