How To Pick The Best Sink For Your Laundry Room

There was a time when the only place a homeowner could do laundry was in a sink. These days having a sink in the laundry room is a bonus to the requisite washing machine and dryer. For others, it's an absolute necessity. If you are in either camp, selecting the best sink for your laundry room boils down to available space and function.

Laundry room sinks, also known as utility sinks, powerhouse sinks, or jack of all trades, offer a convenience many homeowners refuse to live without. The basins are extolled for their extreme practicality, which in large part is due to their extensive depth. While a standard bathroom sink is roughly 8 inches deep, laundry sinks vary in depth from 13 to 25 inches. This extra space makes utility sinks ideal for tackling a plethora of chores, from washing pets and mops to soaking curtains and comforters to watering plants, cleaning paintbrushes, and rinsing muddy boots. Adding such a versatile vessel to your home unleashes a world of possibilities and will have you wondering why you wouldn't have a utility sink in your laundry room.

For many homeowners, selecting the perfect laundry room sink simply comes down to how much room they have to work with. Fortunately, you don't need a large open area to accommodate a utility sink. For smaller spaces, consider a wall-mounted version. Its small profile consists of just a sink — no extraneous cabinetry or other add-ons to cover its exposed plumbing. Typically, these types of sinks offer just over 13 inches of depth. However, since the simple basin attaches directly to wall studs and sits above the ground, the space below is open for you to use freely. 

Another option if space is an issue is a cabinet-mounted sink. The sink sits on a cabinet and the entire unit rests on the floor. While you need enough room to accommodate the whole piece, it serves multiple functions. Not only do you get the benefit of the sink, but the cabinet also hides unsightly pipes and offers storage for laundry supplies.

For larger laundry rooms, consider an extra deep freestanding sink. It stands on four legs and offers the most depth of any utility sink. The added capacity reduces splashing whether you are washing your dog or dingy drapes. Otherwise, if you have space to accommodate width and depth, a double basin utility sink is the quintessential laundry room addition. Most are freestanding and look like mini elevated bathtubs measuring 40 inches wide with a capacity of 38 gallons split into two 19-gallon sections.

Just as important as it is to study the layout of your laundry room in order to fit the perfect utility sink, equally consequential is assessing the sink's purpose. Doing so will allow you to select the ideal model to meet your needs and wants. For example, if durability is your prime concern, consider a stainless steel utility sink. Its ability to stand up to chemicals, heat, and stains makes it ideal if you are planning to use it for messy garage or gardening projects. However, a disadvantage of stainless steel is that it dents easily and is not scratch resistant. For that benefit, look at sinks made of plastic or polypropylene, which are rugged, non-porous, and won't absorb dirt and bacteria.

If visual appeal tops your list of must-haves when picking the perfect laundry room sink, opt for a fireclay farmhouse sink. Its aesthetically-pleasing apron front design combines beautifully with a sleek marble countertop and works seamlessly to elevate any size laundry room. What's more, fireclay can withstand heat, stains, chips, and scratches. A simpler option to add pizzazz to a laundry room sink is to install chic accessories. Consider complementing a charcoal basin with a shiny gold faucet or continue the chic look of a brass bridge faucet by installing matching hardware on the drawers of a cabinet-mounted sink. Ultimately, when it comes to choosing the best laundry room sink, you don't need to sacrifice glamor for grit.