Chief Architect Help Database - Article Number:  733

How to Place an Apron Sink into a Cabinet

The information in this article applies to:
  • Chief Architect X5
  • Chief Architect X4
  • Chief Architect X3
  • Chief Architect X2
  • Chief Architect X1
QUESTION

How can I place an apron sink into a cabinet?


ANSWER

An apron sink, which has a finished front surface that extends past the counter, can be placed into a base cabinet by following the steps below.
 
 
To create an apron sink base
Like most kitchen sinks, apron sinks are placed in base cabinets.  However, a few changes must be made to the cabinet for an apron sink to display correctly.

  1. Open the plan in which you would like to create an apron sink and select Build> Cabinet> Base Cabinet  from the menu.  Click in your plan to create a base cabinet.


  2. Click on the base cabinet to select it, then click the Open Object  edit button.  On the General Tab of the Base Cabinet Specification dialog box:

    • Increase the Width so the cabinet is large enough to contain a kitchen sink.  In this example we will use a 36" wide cabinet.

    • Change the Counter Thickness to zero.   


  3. On the Front tab:  

    • Click on the drawer in the cabinet diagram to select this front item.  

    • In the Item Type drop-down list, select "Blank Area".  

    • Click OK to close the dialog and apply your change.  


To create a custom countertop

  1. With the base cabinet still selected, click the Generate Custom Countertop  edit button to create a custom countertop over the top of your cabinet.

    In Chief Architect X1 and prior, click the Custom Countertop tool and draw a custom counter top over the top of your cabinet.


  2. Click the Select Objects  button, and then click on the custom counter top and use the the Move  edit handle to position it in front of the cabinet where its shape can be more easily edited.


  3. With the counter top selected, double-click the Break Line  edit button.  

    • Click on the front edge of the custom counter top where you estimate the left edge of your sink will sit.  The counter top edges can be adjusted later, so the exact location isn't important right now.

    • Click on the front edge at the approximate location of the sink's right edge.  Again, it's not important to be precise at this time.


  4. Select the front edge part of your cabinet in between the breaks that you just made. Drag that edge back into the countertop to create the space where the sink will sit.



  5. Select the custom countertop and click the Open Object  edit button. 

    • In the Countertop Specification dialog, set the Top Height to the height of your cabinet plus the thickness of your custom countertop. In this example, the Top Height is 37 1/2".

    • Make sure that the Thickness is equal to your desired countertop thickness.  In this example the thickness is 1 1/2". 


  6. Move the custom countertop back in place on top the cabinet.  



To place an apron sink

  1. Select Library> Library Browser from the menu to open the library.  In the Library Browser:

    • Search or browse to the apron front sinks.

    • When you move your cursor back to the drawing area, it will display the Fixtures  icon.  

    • Click on the cabinet edited in step 2, above, to place an apron sink on top of it.

       
  2. Select 3D> Create Perspective View> Full Camera  from the menu and create a 3D view of the cabinet you are working on.

    In Chief Architect X1 and prior, use 3D> Create Render View> Render Full Camera.


  3. The apron sink is sitting on top of the cabinet. You can adjust its height in either of two ways. 

    • The first option is to click on the sink to select it and then drag it down to the desired height using the Move  edit handle.  If the sink bumps into the counter, try holding down the CTRL key on your keyboard while dragging it.

    • The second option is to select the sink and click the Open Object edit button and change the Floor to Bottom value in the Fixture Specification dialog.

    • When you are satified with the appearance of the apron sink, select File> Close or click the   button at the top right of the view window to close the camera view and return to floor plan view.


  4. If you see any gaps between the sink and the countertop or if the countertop material can be seen inside the sink basin, adjust the shape of the custom countertop so that it fits around the sink correctly.

    • If you have trouble selecting the custom countertop because other objects are selected instead, click the Select Next Object  edit button or press the Tab key on your keyboard until the countertop becomes the selected object.

    • Editing the shape of the countertop may be easier to do if you temporarily turn off Grid Snaps  and Object Snaps



  5. To see the result, select 3D> Create Perspective View> Full Camera .

    In Chief Architect X1 and prior, use 3D> Create Render View> Render Full Camera.
 


Last updated on: Mar 29, 2013


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