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Replacing kitchen sink: How to measure and find correct size replacement?

16K views 6 replies 3 participants last post by  shoeamoa  
#1 ·
I have a dual-basin kitchen sink that I'd like to replace, since it's very old. I plan to get a single-basin sink of the same size, also a drop-in top-mount.
Photo here:

My question is - how can I find a new sink that will be the exact correct size for the hole in my counter? Are these sizes pretty standard?

My current sink on the top measures 33-13/16" side-to-side by 19-5/8" front-to-back on top. The opening (measuring from under the sink) is about 32-3/4" side-to-side x 19" front-to-back. It's a little tough to measure exactly given the cramped space. The faucet mounts to the counter - the sink doesn't have any faucet holes. The basin is about 7" deep.

I looked around on home depot's site but it's hard to tell what size opening any sink would use. So I could use some advice on where to start. I'm located in Vancouver, Canada, if that offers any clue about standard sink sizes here. Thanks!
 
Discussion starter · #3 ·
Thanks! I'll try
The numbers they give you is the outside measure .
View attachment 753329
If you can measure the hole in the cupboard that would give you some idea how much smaller you might get away with
From under you will be able to see if you could go a bit wider before running into the side of the cupboard.
If you find one that is close and if you can print their picture I can help with the math to figure the inside measure.
Thanks! I'll try getting some more precise measurements of the inside.

I just saw that if I go to the sink manufacturer's websites they usually have pretty detailed drawings with inner and outer dimensions. So maybe I'll just need to search by trial and error through some models with roughly the correct outer width, and an inner width that's the same or smaller than my current sink. Glad to know there isn't some standard universal sizing system at least, so that helps me know what I need to look at.

Seems like this size might work. I may need to cut some counter material away where the faucet goes though since this sink has a mounting point for the faucet.
 
Discussion starter · #5 ·
I made the mistake of buying a sink on sale, only to find it just fit between the walls of the cupboard below no room for the little hold down clamps.
So it was installed on a big beard of silicone and had 2 5 gallon pales of water in it for a day. It is fine after near 15 years so there are cheats if you have to.
Thanks! Weighing it down with the water pales sounds like a great trick. I may need to do that too since my cabinet space is short by ~1", so not sure if I'll have trouble with the clips.
 
Discussion starter · #7 ·
Your hole is cut for a 33" sink- pretty standard. The hole is about 3/8" back from the edge.
If you go with cast iron or a composite drop in you might find a few more options available
As for SS sinks, there are a few mounting systems and clip designs so be sure to research the submittal data sheets you previously mentioned. Every plumbing product will have them on the manufacturer website
Thanks! Good to know it's likely standard! I'd like to get a composite sink. The Blanco 33.5" wide sink I mentioned is what I'm leaning torwards now, and their website has the template for the cutout and outside measurements too. I'm going to triple-check my measurements since the sink has slightly curved edges. And if some of the clips don't quite fit, I can cut into the cabinets to the sides to give myself a bit more space to work, and maybe rely on a bead of caulk all around like Nealtw mentioned to adhere any remaining areas if I run into trouble.