DIY Network

Countertop and Undermount Sinks Amy Matthews tops off the vanity in style. From "Bathroom Renovations" episode DBTR-504

The custom vanity gets topped with sophisticated teak and swanky undermount sinks.

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Materials:

sawhorses
fitted teak countertop
undermount sinks with mounting hardware
silicone caulk
caulking gun
drill
tape
screw gun
jigsaw

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

Countertop and Undermount Sinks

Note: An exotic wood like teak may seem like an odd choice for a water-prone bathroom countertop. But this teak countertop is sealed with marine epoxy – the same material used on wooden sailboats – and finished with polyurethane. A similar teak treatment is used on the surround for the jetted bathtub.

• Set countertop face down on sawhorses.

• Check the sinks and countertop to make sure the pre-cut openings in the countertop are the right size.

• Apply a bead of silicone to the top rim of one undermount sink (figure A). Set the sink on the countertop and adjust it so it is centered in the opening.

  Note: Follow host Amy Matthews’ example and have a helper on hand when setting the sink in place. Ideally, one person should be below the countertop to help guide and center the sink, while the other person works from above (figure B).

• With the sink in place, position the mounting clips around the edges of the sink. Drill pilot holes, then secure the clips with the screws provided (figure C). Use a stopper on the drill bit – or put a piece of tape around the bit as a guide – to avoid drilling all the way through the countertop.

• Install the other sink in the same manner.

• Amy installed a batten board above the vanity to act as a spacer when tiling the wall. If there's a batten board on the wall, remove it before installing the countertop.

• Dry-fit the countertop and sinks on the vanity and make any needed modifications (figure D). Amy used a jigsaw to remove part of the front nailer from the vanity to get a good fit; she added more support to the structure once the countertop was in place.

  Safety Alert: Use caution and wear safety glasses whenever working with a jigsaw or other power saw.

• Once everything fits perfectly, apply silicone to the top of the vanity cabinet and affix the countertop. Allow the silicone to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Connect the drain lines and overflow pipes to the sinks. If the drains were blocked or covered during renovation, make sure to clear any obstructions before connecting.

RESOURCES :
Undermount Sinks
Toto USA
Website: www.totousa.com

Teak Countertop
Raging River Counterworks
Website: www.rrcwoodcountertops.com