I want to replace a bathroom sink that sits flush w/counter. How do I go about finding right replacement size?

Question

I haven't taken the sink out yet. The existing (round) sink is attached to the counter with a metal frame that forms a 3/4 inch wide ring on the coutertop. As best I can measure (from underneath the counter), the cutout is 18 inches in diameter. Can I replace using a 19 inch self-rimming sink? I know that most instructions call for a 1 inch margin (all the way around) between the edge of the cutout and the outer edge of the sink (meaning the sink should be 2 inches larger in diameter than the cutout. But, in my case, this would call for a 20 inch overall diameter sink. 20 inch diameter new sinks are almost nonexistent today. So, the question is, could I (technically) use a 19 inch overall diameter sink, meaning that there would only be a 1/2 inch margin (all the way around) between the cutout and the outside diameter of the sink? (There are many more 19 inch overall diameter sinks on the market than there are 20 inch diameter sinks.)

Answer 1

Remove the sink and replace it with a 19" sink.A 1/2 inch margin is plenty.I have done it a hundred times in bath remodeling.You are just supporting a sink,just get a good seal with some 100% silicone caulk.

Answer 2

You make this sound complicated.. I dont see why you cant use a 19 inch overall diameter sink..You at least wont have a sink thats too big.. You can work around the sink if its too small...a 1/2 inch gap can be covered in a number of ways...