DIY Home Improvement Guide | Utility Sinks

Utility Sinks

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Utility sinks are the tanks of your home’s fleet of sinks.  They take care of all of the projects that the other sinks are too dainty and frilly to do.

Would you wash off muddy work boots in the bathroom sink?  Don’t answer that.

These sinks will usually reside in the laundry room or in the garage, so they can keep a utilitarian style while fitting in with the rest of the decor.  Most are made from a hard plastic like polypropylene or stainless steel, which is ideal because you need a sink that won’t rust or mold and be able to withstand abuse.

This post is the first in a series that will look at different uses for utility sinks and their different styles.  Here we’ll give an overhead view of the different types and why they are built like they are.  You’ll find more posts in the series at the end of this post.

Stainless Steel Utility Sinks

Stainless steel sinks are the kings of the utility family.  They can take every sort of abuse that you can throw at them without flinching.  The unfortunate part is that you pay for that construction.  Most stainless utility sinks are full units that come with the legs and faucet, but base models will start at around $500.

These are the sinks that you need when you do serious work in the home and need something that can keep up with you.  If the worst their going to see is rinsing out paint brushes or washing muddy hands it may be overkill to buy a stainless sink, unless of course that’s the style you want!

Plastic Utility Sinks

I’m not sure if “plastic” is the right title for these types of utility sinks, but it’s essentially what they’re constructed of.  Not Tupperware plastic, but hardened compounds that are going to last as long as your home does.  They usually are in some shade of gray, and sometimes have a different colored gray speck in them.  Make no mistake, these aren’t “designer” sinks, they have a job to do and are dressed to go to work!

The plastic compound that are used are generally mildew and mold resistant, so they can work out in basements and damp garages.  When dirty, they’re extremely easy to clean.  It usually only takes a quick scrub with Comet or Ajax and they look brand new.

If you’re looking for a utility sink that is going to do the job that you can get at a great price, the plastic variety are for you.  Freestanding utility sinks start as low as $80 with the plumbing included, but not the faucet.

Freestanding or Wall Mounted Utility Sink?

Many people have a hard time figuring out which type of sink is right for their home.  The area that you’re installing it in is going to determine which you choose.  I usually will recommend a freestanding one whenever possible simply because they can withstand more abuse because they support themselves, rather than your walls.  With limited space, a wall mounted utility sink works best but may not be as secure.

Surprisingly, the price isn’t that different between the two types so you can find whichever you need with your budget.

Utility sinks are built to work, whichever type you choose, and are going to see years of dirty hands, paint brushes, boots, and everything else you can throw at them.  Buy the one that’s right for your home the first time, and never worry about it again.

Related posts:

  1. What To Look For In A Utility Sink
  2. Choosing A Garden Utility Sink
  3. Stainless Steel Utility Sink – Freestanding or Wall Mounted?
  4. The Benefits Of A Wall Mounted Utility Sink
  5. How To Find An Affordable Laundry Utility Sink
  6. Small Bar Sinks
  7. Stainless Steel Bar Sinks
  8. Cabinets For Kitchen Farm Sinks
  9. What To Look For In Farm Sinks
  10. Bar Sinks

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