How to Choose a Laundry Room Sink

Choosing the right laundry room sink is an important decision that requires careful consideration of your needs, available space, and style preferences. With some planning and research, you can select the ideal laundry sink to suit both form and function. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the key factors to weigh when deciding on a laundry sink for your home.

Determine Your Laundry Room Layout

The first step is taking measurements of your laundry room and mapping out the desired sink placement. Consider the following:

Where are the washer and dryer located? Make sure to allow adequate clearance around appliances for loading/unloading.
Do you want a sink placed between the washer and dryer, on a side wall, or as an island?
What are the dimensions of the room and available space for the sink? Standard laundry sinks are 18-25 inches wide.
Will the sink have a closed cabinet or open shelving below? This affects needed clearance.
Are there existing plumbing and electrical connections available, or will new ones need to be installed?
Is a window above the planned sink location? Avoids potential water damage.

Take detailed measurements and create a floor plan sketch to determine the optimal size, location, and orientation of your laundry sink. This will guide the sink selection process.

Consider Your Functional Needs

How you plan to use the laundry sink will inform what type and features will best suit your laundry room activities. Assess your needs:

Laundry Tasks

Will you be handwashing delicate items in the sink? Opt for a deeper basin.
Do you need a sprayer hose to pretreat stains? Choose a sink with sprayer holes.
Will you fill it with water for washing machine cycles? A larger tub capacity is useful.
Is a fold-down rack to air dry items helpful? Seek sinks with integrated racks.
Is a side ledge to temporarily place laundry baskets and detergent bottles needed? Some sinks include these.

Additional Uses

Will you use it for general cleaning/storage beyond laundry? A larger single basin or double basin accommodates more.
Do you plan to wash pets in the sink? Select a sturdy tub that can handle some claw scratches.
Might you need to clean paintbrushes or use it for small home improvement projects? Add those activities to the criteria.
Could it double as a gardening sink for potting plants? Stainless steel resists soil and corrosion.

Factor in all the ways you foresee using the laundry sink to narrow suitable options. The activities planned for the space determine what functional elements are must-haves versus nice-to-haves.

Durability and Maintenance

Laundry rooms tend to be high-traffic spaces with frequent sink use. You’ll want to choose a material and design made to withstand daily wear-and-tear.

Stainless steel is the most durable and dent-resistant option. Enameled cast iron is also very sturdy.
Avoid finishes prone to chipping like porcelain enamel over time.
Deeper basins better accommodate large laundry loads and help avoid splashing.
Drain placement should promote complete water flow to prevent standing water.
Smooth, sloped surfaces prevent residue buildup and make cleaning easier.

Prioritize sturdy construction and simple maintenance when evaluating laundry sinks. Your choice needs to hold up well over years of regular use.

Select Material and Style

Laundry sinks come in a range of materials and aesthetic styles to match different design tastes and budgets.

Materials

The most common laundry sink material options include:

Stainless Steel – Most durable, dent-resistant, easy to clean. Provides modern, sleek look. More expensive.
Enameled Cast Iron – Extremely sturdy and scratch-resistant surface. Traditional style. Porcelain enamel may chip over time.
Solid Surface – Seamless, stone-like acrylic/resin material. Easy cleaning, integrated bowls. Prone to scratches, stains, high cost.
Porcelain Enamel over Steel – Glossy finish, chip-resistant. Very affordable. Can corrode around drain over time.
Fireclay – Porous clay material finishes like porcelain. Traditional vibe. Chips and stains easier than other materials.

Consider how much wear-resistance matters, as well as the aesthetic you want to achieve. Laundry room style should align with the overall home.

Style/Design Elements

Beyond the core material, additional design factors affect the look and functionality:

Number of basins – Single or double/twin basin sink
Straight basin or radius corners
Drain placement – Centered, rear, or side
Integrated accessories like drying racks, ledges, soap dispensers
Apron front/farmhouse style sink or standard rectangular
Color/finish – White, biscuit, black, matte, gloss, etc.
Mounting installation – Undermount, self-rimming, wall-mounted
Faucet style – Gooseneck, bar/prep, wall-mount, bridge, etc.

Narrow your selection by deciding on must-have specifications versus optional extras. Visit showrooms to view styles in person and get a sense of real-life size.

Compare Suitable Sink Options

Once your laundry sink criteria are defined, research specific products that fit the bill. Comparison shop on key factors:

Dimensions – Confirm measurements match your planned space, especially depth.
Basin Style – Single or double basin? Radius or rectangular tub?
Material – Durability and finish that aligns with needs.
Price – Set a budget and weigh value against longevity.
Brand Reputation – Read reviews and feedback from other buyers.
Warranty – More years of coverage signal better quality.
Faucet Options – Assess available faucet pairings or need to purchase separately.
Overflow – Some sinks have overflow drains to prevent water spills.
Accessories – Integrated drying racks, ledges, other bonus features.

Make a shortlist of top contenders that satisfy your “must-haves” and seem to offer the best quality for price based on the criteria.

Check Sink Dimensions In-Person

Once you’ve narrowed down options on paper, visit showrooms to test out your preferred sinks in person. Things to evaluate:

Test faucet clearance – Make sure there’s enough backsplash space based on your faucet selection.
Check basin depth – Deeper is better for laundry. Fill with towels or laundry to visualize.
Assess undermount fit – If planning to undermount, validate the sink will fit your countertop cutout.
Look for sturdiness – Push on walls and base. It should not feel flimsy or lightweight.
Examine finishes – View color, gloss, and texture up close. Make sure they align with your style.
Try out accessories – Test folding racks, ledges, and other features in action.
Evaluate double basins – Decide if you prefer one deeper single tub or divided double bowls.
Visualize in your space – Take photos and measurements to envision it at home.

Hands-on experience provides the best sense of quality, size, and fit. Don’t hesitate to bring laundry loads or your faucet to test.

Choose an Appropriate Faucet

Don’t overlook the importance of selecting the right sink faucet for utility and style. Seek models with handy features:

Hose sprayer – Useful for pretreating laundry stains before wash.
Pull-down spout – Allows extending faucet to fill washers or clean sink.
Soap dispenser – Convenient access to liquid detergent.
Lever handles – Easy water on/off when hands are busy.

You’ll also want a faucet design that complements your sink style and finish:

Bridge faucets – Span across double basin sinks.
Wall-mount faucets – Great for smaller spaces with limited clearance.
Bar/prep faucets – Provide industrial style on single basin sinks.
Gooseneck faucets – Elegant arched look, handy maneuverability.

Don’t forget to account for the additional cost of the faucet into your total sink budget. View paired options to ensure coordinated aesthetics.

Prepare the Installation Space

Once you’ve selected the ideal laundry sink and faucet, shift focus to prepping the installation area. This involves:

Removing old sink – Disconnect plumbing and cut countertop as needed.
Installing mounting brackets – Securely anchor brackets for undermount sinks.
Adapting plumbing – Adjust supply lines and drains to new sink. Consider hiring a plumber.
Waterproofing walls – Seal walls and add backsplash tile to protect from splashes.
Leveling cabinetry – Use shims to ensure base cabinets are level and sturdy.
Ensuring clearance – Provide adequate room for sink, faucet, laundry baskets, etc.

Take time to correctly set up the surrounding space based on your sink specs. This will ensure a smooth installation process and prevent leaks or damage down the line.

Hire a Professional for Installation

Laundry sink installation is best left to qualified professionals if you don’t have plumbing experience. Key reasons to hire a pro:

They have the skills to properly mount sinks and connect supply lines.
They’ll ensure watertight seals that prevent leakage.
They can adapt or add new plumbing lines as needed.
They’ll verify sinks are level, secure, and adjusted to drain properly.
They can install accessories like faucets and soap dispensers.

While a handy DIYer can theoretically tackle a sink install, any errors or corners cut could lead to water damage or sink stability issues over time. The cost of professional installation provides invaluable peace of mind your laundry sink will function reliably for years of heavy use.

Create an Organized Laundry Space

The final step is organizing the remainder of the laundry room to complement your stylish new sink. Recommendations:

Clear countertops – Keep sink area free of clutter for ease of use. Stow supplies in cabinets.
Hang drying rack – Install rack on wall for air drying delicates.
Sort bins – Use baskets or bins to separate lights, darks, colors.
Display supplies – Mount rail system to neatly store detergents and tools.
Freshen up – Paint walls or add decorative tile for a finished look.
Add storage – Use organizers and shelves to tuck away laundry essentials.
Improve lighting – Install task lighting above sink to aid laundry care.
Minimize mess – Use rugs and mats to control drips and spills.

Take time to clean and organize your laundry room to complement the updated sink space. With some strategic planning and elbow grease, you can create a laundry oasis.

Laundry Sink FAQs

Some common questions about selecting laundry room sinks include:

Should I choose a stainless steel or porcelain sink?

Stainless steel is more durable and dent-resistant, while porcelain enamel (over cast iron or steel) provides a glossy, classic look. Porcelain may chip over time. Choose stainless for longevity and porcelain for traditional styling.

What size laundry sink is best?

The most common sizes are 18-25 inches wide and 20-30 inches long. Measure your space and account for use of laundry baskets, clearance, and desired basin depth. Typically wider single basins are preferred over narrower double basin sinks.

Is an apron-front sink a good laundry room option?

Apron-front sinks have a stylish farmhouse feel but smaller tub size. Make sure it can accommodate your laundry needs. The exposed front lip is also prone to damage over time.

Should my laundry sink have one or two basins?

A single, large basin is usually preferable for laundry use, allowing you to soak or handwash large loads. But double basins can be handy if you also plan to use the sink for additional utility purposes.

What kind of faucet should I use?

Look for sturdy faucets with handy sprayer hoses for laundry sinks. Gooseneck and bridge faucets complement most styles. Ensure adequate clearance between faucet handles and backsplash/wall.

Do I need to hire a plumber to install my sink?

Unless you have experience with sink installs, it is wise to hire a professional plumber. They can properly connect supply lines, ensure adequate drainage, and secure the sink safely. This prevents leaks or other issues.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect laundry room sink requires thoughtful evaluation of your needs, space, and style preferences. Focus first on durable materials that can withstand laundry use and then find a right-sized sink with features to support your intended purpose. Measure carefully, select quality faucets and accessories, and hire professional installers. With research and planning, you can install the ideal laundry sink to tackle piles of laundry with ease for years to come. Organize the surrounding space and you’ll enjoy your laundry duties in a functional yet stylish sink zone.