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  • Kitchen Sink: Removing Old Sink and Counter
  • From "Weekend Handyman"
    episode WKH-206
    advertisement

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    In this week's episode of Weekend Handyman, host Paul Ryan shows you how to give your kitchen a whole new look. The homeowners of this kitchen hadn't made an upgrade in 20 years, and this is the "before" shot, and

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    this is what it looks like "after" Ryan and his helper completed the job!

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    Figure A

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    Figure B

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    Figure C

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    Figure D

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    Figure E

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    Figure F

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    After day one and 10 hours into the job, the sink is in. The butcher-block counter will be installed in the next segment.

    Host Paul Ryan begins the project by removing the old sink and building support for new sink.

    Time: 20 hours over two days.

    Difficulty Rating: This project rates a 4 on the Weekend Handyman scale.

    Materials:

    Sink
    Butcher-block counter
    Tile

    Tools:

    Heavy-duty router with straight bit and round over bit
    Reciprocating saw with bimetal blade
    Circular saw
    Impact driver
    Tube cutter
    Basin wrench
    Grinder

    Day One

    Notes:

    • You need to order the butcher-block counter ahead of time and arrange for delivery.

    • The standard counter width is 25", and most butcher-block companies offer standard lengths of four feet, five feet and six feet. The one we purchased is 12' and we cut it to the length we needed, and it's 1-1/2" thick, which is standard.

    • Some people think wood is hard to maintain but butcher-block (figure A) actually makes a great counter, with a little bit of care. It is relatively affordable compared to solid surface or stone.

    • You need to have the wood in your home a few days before installation so it can be acclimated. Just keep it away from any sources of direct heat.

    • Gather all tools and supplies.

    Removing Old Counter and Sink

    1. The first step is to remove the old counter and sink -- take them out together. Get rid of the old laminate backsplash.

    2. Clear out all the cabinets because you do not want them to fill up with dust. Tape the cabinet openings to prevent dust infiltration.

    3. To get the old sink out, unscrew the clips that hold the sink to the counter.

    4. Cut off the copper pipes with tubing cutter.

    5. Remove the trap (figure B).

    6. Take out the sink.

    7. Remove the casing and stops around the window so you can get at the old backsplash. You will put the casing back on later.

    8. Remove the laminate counter and the backsplash (figure C). Pry out small sections starting in the middle.

      Tip: Use a fine tooth metal blade when doing this kind of demo work.

    9. Pull off the metal trim at the edge.

      Tip: Always wear safety gear when breaking laminate apart.

    10. To build a support frame for the sink, make a line to mark the cut and then cut out the front cabinet apron at the edge of the stiles with a reciprocating saw (figure D).

      Tip: Turn the blade upside down in the reciprocating saw for the more exact cutting.

    11. Mount support brackets under the flange of the sink (figure E).

      Expert Tip: The support must hold 300 pounds -- the weight of the sink filled with water plus the garbage disposal.

    12. Corner supports (figure F) are important because they hold the heavy counter. Attach the corner brackets with glue and screws. The hole to attach the countertop is drilled oversize. This will allow some play as the wood counter expands and contracts during different seasons.

    13. Dry fit the sink.

    14. Put a bead of silicone under the edges of the sink.

    15. Set the sink in place making sure it is flush with the top of the cabinet.


    RESOURCES :
    Butcher Block Counter Top (Michigan Maple Block)
    Brand Name: Wood Welded
    Model Number: 144 x 25
    Product Information:

    • Butcher-block counters are coated with an acrylic finish, which does not require any maintenance.
    • Bring butcher-block into your home a couple of days before cutting in order to acclimate it.
    • You can butcher-block with any circular saw, just make sure you use a 60-tooth carbide blade.

    Michigan Maple Block
    Petoskey, MI 49770
    Phone: 231-347-4170

    Butcher Block Island Top (Michigan Maple Block)
    Brand Name: Wood Welded
    Model Number 48 x 36
    Available: Local Home Centers
    Product Information:

    • Butcher-block counters are coated with an acrylic finish that does not require any maintenance.
    • Bring butcher-block into your home a couple of days before cutting in order to acclimate it.
    • You can butcher-block with any circular saw, just make sure you use a 60-tooth carbide blade.

    Michigan Maple Block
    Petoskey, MI 49770
    Phone: 231-347-4170

    Dickinson Apron Front Kitchen Sink (Kohler)
    Brand Name: Kohler
    Model Number: K6546-40-0
    Color: White
    Kohler Co.
    Website: www.us.kohler.com

    Revival Kitchen Sink Faucet (Kohler)
    Brand Name: Kohler
    Model Number: K-16109-4A-BN
    Color or Style: BN
    Kohler Co.
    Website: www.us.kohler.com

    Travertine Tile (Rubble Tile Distributors)
    Brand Name: Country Floors
    Model Number: 18 x 18
    Color or Style: Ivory Travertine Unfilled Limestone
    Rubble Tile Distributors
    Minnetonka, MN 55345
    Phone: 952-938-2599
    Fax: 952-938-8045
    Website: www.rubbletile.com

    Renovating a Kitchen (For Pros By Pros Series)
    ISBN: 1561585408
    Author: Fine Homebuilding Editor
    Order this title from Amazon.
    The Taunton Press Inc.
    Website: www.taunton.com

    Kitchens: Plan, Remodel, Build
    ISBN: 1580110495
    Author: Creative Homeowners Press Editor
    Order this title from Amazon.
    Creative Homeowner Press
    Website: www.creativehomeowner.com


    GUESTS :
    Pat Stanley
    PO Box 245
    1420 Standish Ave.
    Petoskey, MI 49770
    Phone: 231-347-4170
    Tollfree Phone: 800-678-8459
    VP Sales
    Michigan Maple Block

    Laura Roenitz
    444 Highland Dr.
    Kohler, WI 53044
    Phone: 920-457-4441
    Sr. Market Analyst
    Kohler Company

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