Installing a Cast Iron Sink

Ashley Thurman
by Ashley Thurman
Hi, Wondering if anyone has experience installing a drop in cast iron sink in butcher block. I am wondering if it needs extra support being that it is 130 lbs. I would really have to figure some things out if it does because of my cabinet and the piping, so if it's not necessary I'd prefer not to add the extra work, but I want to make sure it is stable! I would love to hear about any of your personal experiences!
  8 answers
  • I have a very heavy, very deep cast iron sink on a cheap Lowe's countertop and have had no problems. the weight is spread out along the cut out so there should be no problem. I did nothing special and it has been in place 5 years. hope this helps
  • As long as your counter is supported on both sides where the sink rests there will be no issue with the cast sink sitting on the counter. We have had one for many years with no issues what so ever. Just be sure to use a good amount of silicon sealer around the edge of the sink so it squeezes out when the sink is set into place. In the past plumbers putty was used. And still can be, but it does dry out over time and it will crack and allow water to get under the sink. Silicone with anti-microbial additives is really the best thing to use.
  • Ashley Thurman Ashley Thurman on Jun 30, 2014
    Thanks @The Garden Frog with C Renee ! Definitely Helps! I just like to know that a real live person has done it. Sometimes searching things on Google I run across people that sound like they are just making up answers, lol!
  • Dee Dee on Jul 02, 2014
    We just installed an Ikea cast sink with an apron front, so it's very heavy. The weight rests on the butcher block counters, so as long as your counters are secure and properly installed, you should have no issues.
  • Judy Judy on Jan 11, 2015
    The only suggestion I would make is to caulk all around the sink to prevent leakage when water splashes out onto the counter top.
  • OnBlissStreet OnBlissStreet on Jan 11, 2015
    Hi there, I just did this. Here is a link to a couple posts on my blog so you can see what I did. I was worried that the weight wouldn't be distributed well enough on the butcher block. Worked like a charm! http://onblissstreet.blogspot.com/2014/11/replace-sink-cabinet-floor-sink-hole.html http://onblissstreet.blogspot.com/2015/01/brand-new-countertops-for-120-eat-that.html
  • Tls14450678 Tls14450678 on Nov 10, 2019

    I’m about to install that exact sink but have no clue where to cut it out! Do I need to cut around the holes or before the holes for the faucet ? Does this make sense?


  • Lifestyles Homes Lifestyles Homes on Mar 22, 2021

    Granite countertops always have a plywood substrate to spread the load, if you’re still concerned.

    Being this is a glued together wood top and sink areas are constantly wet all around the sink, what are you going to seal it with?

    A marine varnish will have high VOC’s and I would put 3 full coats on it, in the garage and let it dry in there for a week.

    It’s still cold here at night, so “curing temperatures” need to be considered.