A drainboard sink is one with the drainboard integrated into either one or both sides of the sink. A drainboard is an area beside the basin that is sloped with ridges to allow the dishes to sit off the surface and dry easier than on a flat surface.
Drainboard kitchen sinks come in various styles, including single or double basins and drainboards. Typically made of stainless steel, they can be drop-in, undermount, or even farmhouse-style. With so many options, consider all factors to find the best fit for your home.
Materials for Drainboard Sinks
Each material used for a drainboard kitchen sink has qualities that give it a different look, durability, and price point.
| Material | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Stainless Steel | Most popular, durable, easy to maintain, antibacterial, scratch-resistant, affordable, available in single and double options. |
| Cast Iron | Vintage charm, durable, scratch and stain-resistant, retains heat, ideal for traditional and classic kitchens. |
| Copper | Unique and distinctive look, durable, strong, recyclable, antibacterial properties. |
| Fireclay | High-temperature fired, non-porous, scratch and chip-resistant, easy maintenance, affordable alternative to cast iron. |
| Granite Composite | Made from granite, quartz, and resin, strong and durable, heat and scratch-resistant, available in brown and black finishes. |
| Acrylic | Lightweight, budget-friendly, available in various colors and finishes, resembles cast iron but more affordable. |
Mounting Options
The most common mounting options for drainboard sinks are drop-in sink or an undermount sink.
- Drop-in Sink – A drop-in sink is also called a top mount sink, over mount sink, or self-rimming sink. It has a rim around the edge that curves over the countertop. You can drop this sink into a pre-cut hole in the countertop. The edge of the countertop supports the sink which works well for heavy drainboard sinks made of fireclay and cast iron. This style is not as sleek as undermounting and also creates a rim that makes it hard to brush crumbs into the sink. It also creates an edge that traps crumbs between the sink and counter.
- Undermount Sink – Undermounted sinks are a modern style that has gained popularity over time. These consist of sinks that are mounted below the counter edge. This creates a sleek style that doesn’t require any extra counter space for the rim. Most drainboard sinks are drop-in varieties because of the water that can collect on the drainboard. This style is not as good for heavy sink varieties like cast iron and fireclay.
Size
Small sizes range from 24-27 inches long and 18 inches wide, medium sizes from 30-40 inches long and 18-20 inches wide, while large sinks with double basins and drainboards can span 45-70+ inches long and up to 24.5 inches wide.
Pros and Cons
Drainboard sinks are a practical and beautiful sink option for many kitchen designs. Yet, they do have drawbacks that you should consider before you purchase one for your space.
Pros
- More Space for Dishes – Drainboards with one or two drainboards allow plenty of extra room to do the dishes and allow them to dry without crowding up your counter space.
- Energy Savings – Allowing dishes to air dry rather than using an automatic dishwasher allows you to save energy costs.
- Fragile Items – Hand washing items like crystal glasses is better for them than using an automatic dishwasher and having plenty of space to allow them to dry keeps them safer.
- Place for Hot Dishes – The drainboard will allow you an extra place to set hot dishes and pots if you opt for a heat resistant drainboard sink. Use granite composite, fireclay, or stainless steel if you want the most heat resistant option.
Cons
- Counter Space – Drainboard sinks tend to take up more space than conventional sinks. This may not be the best option if counter space is a premium in your kitchen.
- Maintenance – Most sinks with drainboards feature ridges and valleys. These can collect debris and dirt over time that you must wipe down to keep clean.
- Cost – Drainboard sinks are not as common as standard sinks. Therefore, these will be more expensive because they are a custom style.
