Cast iron kitchen sinks typically weigh 50–150 lb; large farmhouse sinks can reach 180–220 lb depending on size and style.
How Much Does A Cast Iron Kitchen Sink Weigh? Real-World Ranges
Most buyers want a clear read on pounds before picking a base cabinet or planning a lift. Small bar sizes can sit under 50 lb, classic single bowls land near 80–120 lb, many 33 inch doubles run 95–140 lb, and big apron-front sinks can reach 180–220 lb. Those ranges come from brand specs and install literature. If you’re asking, “how much does a cast iron kitchen sink weigh?”, the ranges below give a clear starting point.
Typical Weights By Style And Size
| Style / Size | Common Weight Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bar / Prep (15–18") | 25–50 lb | Compact cutouts; easy two-person carry. |
| Single Bowl (24–25") | 70–100 lb | Good for small kitchens and secondary sinks. |
| Single Bowl (30–31") | 90–130 lb | Deeper bowls add pounds fast. |
| Double Bowl (33") | 95–140 lb | Center divider increases casting size. |
| Apron-Front (30") | 110–160 lb | Apron adds metal across the face. |
| Apron-Front (36") | 140–220 lb | Plan a team lift or a cart. |
| Oversize / Drainboard (42–60") | 200–300 lb | Often vintage; verify cabinet support. |
Two factors dominate: outside size and apron depth. Apron-front pieces carry more iron across the face, so they trend heavier than drop-ins of the same width. A disposer and a basin of water add load once installed.
Cast Iron Kitchen Sink Weight By Size And Style
Think in bands. A 24–25 inch single bowl often rides around 70–100 lb. At 30–31 inches you’ll see 90–130 lb. The common 33 inch double bowl spans 95–140 lb. Farmhouse 36 inch sizes run 140–220 lb, and oversize drainboard styles can exceed 220 lb.
Why Published Weights Vary
Not every brand posts net weight. Some list shipping weight; others give only a support requirement. Kohler’s guide calls for support near 300 lb when the sink is in use, which sets a clear target for rails and brackets. See Kohler’s guidance in the enameled cast iron instructions.
How To Plan The Lift And Support
Plan the path, clear the deck, and stage the lift. Use two people for anything near 70 lb, wear grip gloves, and slide the carton on rails until the final set. Solo? Use a lift table or a plywood slider.
Plan the lift with helpers.
For manual limits, the CDC’s NIOSH model uses a 51 lb base under ideal conditions and adjusts down for reach, twist, and frequency. Real installs rarely meet those ideals, so team lifts or mechanical help make sense. Read the CDC’s overview here: Revised NIOSH Lifting Equation.
Cabinet And Counter Support Basics
Match the sink size to a base that meets the manufacturer’s minimum width. Use the supplied clips or a wood cradle when the design calls for it, and check that the subtop, rails, or hanger bars can carry a live load in the 200–300 lb range during use. Stone tops often need a plywood deck or steel spans at wide apron cutouts so the edge doesn’t sag.
Model Examples With Actual Listed Weights
Here are real listings and weights. Numbers come from brand pages and retailer specs that show net or shipping weight. Plan for the heavier number during carry-in.
| Model | Size (L × W × D) | Listed Weight |
|---|---|---|
| American Standard Delancey undermount double bowl | 30" × 19" × 8-7/8" | 90.5 lb (product page) |
| CECO Royal Palm self-rimming double bowl | 33" × 22" × 10" | 98 lb (shipping) |
| CECO Newport undermount double bowl | 33" × 22" × 10" | 120 lb (shipping) |
| CECO Little Corona single bowl | 24" × 20" × 6-1/2" | 57 lb (shipping) |
| Kohler farmhouse single bowl (Whitehaven family) | ≈36" apron-front | Plan cabinet support for ~300 lb during use (install guide) |
| Typical 25" single bowl (various) | 25" × 22" × 9" | 70–100 lb (range) |
| Typical 33" double bowl (various) | 33" × 22" × 9" | 95–140 lb (range) |
Buyer Notes And Fit Checks For Cast Iron Sinks
Weight drives three choices: base cabinet, install method, and who carries it. Pick a base that meets the minimum, decide on top-mount or undermount early, and order any rails or cradles your model requires. If the question “how much does a cast iron kitchen sink weigh?” is still on your mind, match your choice to a base that’s ready for the load and set the plan before delivery day.
Smart Ways To Trim The Risk
Dry-fit with cardboard to confirm clearances. Protect the apron and rim with tape. Keep drains and clips on hand, and rest the sink on padded scraps if you need to pause.
When The Numbers Point To A Pro
If your pick lands over 140 lb or you’re cutting stone, book a pro set with two techs. That keeps the reveal tight and protects warranties.
What Drives The Pounds On A Cast Iron Sink
Wall thickness, bowl depth, and apron height add metal fast. A deep 10 inch bowl packs more iron than a shallow 7.5 inch of the same footprint. Glaze weight is minor beside the casting.
Single, Double, And Workstation Shapes
Single bowls keep the divider out of the way and shave weight at smaller sizes. Double bowls add a center wall and perimeter length, so the casting grows even if size stays at 33 inches.
Undermount Versus Top-Mount
Undermounts hang from the counter and may use rails or a cradle; top-mounts rest on the deck and spread load through the rim. Pick based on the reveal and counter build.
Comparing Cast Iron To Other Sink Materials
Cast iron sits on the heavy end. Composite granite and fireclay vary, many at 60–120 lb. Stainless is lighter; a 33 inch double bowl can weigh under 30 lb.
Why Weight Isn’t A Deal-Breaker
Mass buys quiet, heat retention, and a planted scrub feel. Once set and sealed, the weight fades from daily life.
Shipping Weight Versus Net Weight
Listings may show net or shipping weight. Net is the bare sink; shipping adds carton and hardware. Use shipping for delivery planning, net for the cabinet lift.
Where To Find Trusted Numbers
Best sources are manufacturer spec sheets, product pages, and install guides. If weight is missing, use minimum base width and any stated support requirement to guide planning.
Step-By-Step Weight Planning
1) Pick the model and confirm cabinet width. 2) Note net or shipping weight. 3) Stage pads, tape, a slider or lift cart, and gloves. 4) Dry-fit and check reveal. 5) Set with a synchronized lift. 6) Tie in drains and disposer. 7) Let sealant cure with the basin supported.
Old House Retrofit Tips
Old bowls and aprons may not match new profiles. Measure trap arm, disposer clearance, and door swing, and prep a ledger to hold elevation during checks.
Mistakes That Make Heavy Sinks Harder
Skipping the dry-fit, lifting by the drain, cutting stone before the sink arrives, or rushing sealant cure turns a simple set into a redo.
Countertop And Cabinet Notes By Material
Laminate decks rely on a solid particleboard core, so add a plywood subtop or a wood cradle under heavy bowls. Butcher-block can carry the load when rails span the opening and screws tie into the base sides, not just the top. Quartz and granite often need plywood or steel at wide apron cuts so the front edge stays stiff. If the base has a center stile, confirm you can still pass the bowl and apron without notching load-bearing parts.
Clearances Around The Bowl
Check rear deck depth for faucet and air-gap hardware, plus the swing for a pull-down hose. Measure disposer height against the trap and outlet, since a deep 10 inch bowl drops the tailpiece. Trim the tailpiece rather than forcing the bowl lower, which avoids extra load on the rim.
Delivery Day And Staging
Ask the shipper for curbside placement and inspect the carton before signing. Open from the top, keep the foam cradles, and carry with hands under the rim, not the drain. Set a rolling cart at cabinet height so the path is a level slide with a short final lift. If stairs are involved, move slow, call steps, and use forearm forklifts or straps rated for the load.
Sealants, Clips, And Rails
Match the sealant to the counter material and follow the brand’s bead size. For undermounts, tighten clips in a cross pattern to seat the rim evenly. For heavy farmhouse bowls, a wood ledger across the back and side rails under the front lip keep the apron steady while the bead cures.
When Weight Affects Daily Use
A heavy sink stays quiet during pot drops and keeps soak water warm longer, which many cooks love. Add a basin rack to protect the enamel and spread force if a pan slips. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and a soft pad; chip kits can repair small dings if they occur.
Quick Reference Ranges
Bar and prep: 25–50 lb. Small single bowl: 70–100 lb. Large single bowl: 90–130 lb. Standard 33 inch double: 95–140 lb. Farmhouse 30 inch: 110–160 lb. Farmhouse 36 inch: 140–220 lb. Oversize or drainboard: 200–300 lb. Plan lifts and base builds with those bands in mind.
Bottom Line On Weights
Set pads; lift slow; keep fingers clear, always.
Cast iron sinks carry real mass, but the numbers are predictable. Use published specs, lean on the 51 lb NIOSH base for lifting choices, and size the cabinet for a live load near 300 lb in farmhouse territory. With a solid base, clear plan, and a steady two-person lift, the set stays smooth.