Kitchen sink thoughts - Workstation or no? Rectangle or irregular?

jhouse2023

10 months ago

last modified: 10 months ago

We are having trouble deciding on a kitchen sink for our new build. We were hoping to do a farmhouse for the added size, but were told that won't work with our cabinets which have already been ordered, so we need to do an undermount or drop-in that will work with a 36" base cabinet.

Our current place has a 10" height stainless 60/40 apron sink that we mostly like. Basin dimensions are 18"x17" and 18"x13". We really like the 18" depth, as we can fit a bunch in there, but the only problem is that the 17" larger basin is not big enough to hold a half-sheet.

We were thinking of getting a single-basin workstation sink, but most only go 16" deep to accommodate the lip and we are worried the sink will feel cramped compared to what we currently have. We also found this double basin that is irregularly shaped but has a 20"x17" basin and a 18"x13" basin, which seems massive. Would we regret going with the irregular shaped one? I imagine it'd make it harder to replace in the future.

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PRO

Joseph Corlett, LLC

10 months ago

"We were hoping to do a farmhouse for the added size, but were told that won't work with our cabinets which have already been ordered, so we need to do an undermount or drop-in that will work with a 36" base cabinet."

You have been misinformed. You can have an apron front undermount sink, however, it has to be a "short apron" sink, meaning that the apron is not as deep as the bowl. You need an apron cabinet if the apron is as deep as the bowl. Short apron sinks are designed to fit in standard cabinets with little alteration. The bottom of a short apron sink aligns with the bottom of the adjacent drawers which I think looks very nice.

Today's before and after:

This is a custom made 14 gauge work of art with a 9" deep bowl and a 7 3/4" apron.

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Comments (16)

PRO
Mark Bischak, Architect
10 months ago
"Would we regret going with the irregular shaped one?"

It is a personal preference that only you can answer.

Consider having the house/kitchen built the way you want it.
Chris H
10 months ago
I’m sure others will chime in. I am by no means a pro but we are looking at an under mount work station. For me I was trying to avoid sharp zero radius corners bc I’ve heard they’re harder to clean. if you find yourself in the same dilemma here are the ones suggested to me by others around here in the price range of the sink you linked from HD. Keep in mind this links to 27” but they have larger options.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Ruvati-Veniso-16-Gauge-Stainless-Steel-27-in-Single-Bowl-Undermount-Workstation-Slope-Bottom-Offset-Drain-Kitchen-Sink-RVH8570/316969647#overlay

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Delta-Lorelai-16-Gauge-Stainless-Steel-27-in-Single-Bowl-Undermount-Workstation-Kitchen-Sink-with-Accessories-95B932-27S-SS/317775828?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&srsltid=AR57-fBbiG7e46TyrBrly_TsHM2i0iOor-pQ1muJI7A9yl66SepFh3KZF74

https://www.homedepot.com/p/KRAUS-Kore-Workstation-27-in-16-Gauge-Undermount-Single-Bowl-Stainless-Steel-Kitchen-Sink-with-Accessories-KWU110-27/310390296

Good luck!!
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jhouse2023
Original Author
10 months ago
@Mark Bischak, Architect I guess what I meant to say is, are there any negatives with an irregular shaped sink that we are not thinking of?
Lynn Lou
10 months ago
We had an irregular shaped 60/40 sink before, and I was thrilled to go to the Kraus Kore single bowl workstation sink noted above (in 32"). It seems huge coming from the split sink we had. Interior dimensions are 30x16x10. We've only been using it a few weeks now, but it has been plenty big for us. But get what works for YOU and your family. Create a box with dimensions of the sink you're considering and see how it works for you. I would think the only issue with irregular shaped sink is if you needed to replace it in the future? Good luck!
moosemac
10 months ago
I have the Franke Orca single basin irregular shaped sink i.e. right side is smaller than the left. Also have the right side rack. I love this sink.
chispa
10 months ago
If you want that 18" depth look at Julien (Home Refinements) sinks. They offer options with the 18" depth and also offer 10" height. You can also specify the drain location and buy accessories for the sink (cutting board, strainer, etc)

https://homerefinements.ca/en_us/single-stainless-steel-kitchen-sink-003935

I have this version with an integrated 18" drainboard and right-rear drain position. My dishwasher sits under the drainboard.
mcarroll16
10 months ago
Not a workstation sink, but the Kohler Strive is 18" deep. We have the 29" Strive and it's great. A 36" cabinet would let you go with the 32" Strive, or possibly the 35".
Louise Smith
10 months ago
I'vew never seen a sink that has a depth of 18". Wouldn't it be very difficult to keep reaching down into the sink at that depth?
jhouse2023
Original Author
10 months ago
@Louise Smith Depth meaning front-to-back, not height. 10" top to bottom.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
10 months ago
And yes, you can have a 36" sink too; it undermounts in a 36" cabinet as shown above. People may complain that their butt or belly is too big, but no one ever complains about a too-large sink.
jhouse2023
Original Author
10 months ago
@Joseph Corlett, LLC Wow, that looks beautiful. Who did it it? We would be thrilled if we could get something like that.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
10 months ago
Thanks. I did it. I designed that sink, had it fabricated to fit, and installed it. You can get a custom made sink from Havens Metal and Rachiele.com, but a stock short apron will work also.
jhouse2023 thanked Joseph Corlett, LLC
PRO
The Kitchen Place
10 months ago
Kohler Whitehaven 36" with a short apron. Cabinet installer will need to rework the sink base some. There are videos on youtube. It's easy! These sinks were made to retrofit a standard 36" sink base.

CLICK HERE TO SEE YOUTUBE VIDEO
dan1888
10 months ago
last modified: 10 months ago
As you can see, the person telling you no is useless. Talk directly to the guy making the cabinets. Or a local craftsman who will know what he needs to make the changes. Usually, he'll want the sink to do the work.
PRO
Joseph Corlett, LLC
10 months ago
For a new build, you'll want the sink in place before the countertops go in. Using a strap, harness, or a Pete's Sink Mount Kit, the sink should sit 1/8" low when the tops are installed. the gap is caulked, and the sink raised into position.

Kitchen sink thoughts - Workstation or no? Rectangle or irregular?

Joseph Corlett, LLC

Comments (16)

Mark Bischak, Architect

Chris H

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Kitchen sink thoughts - Workstation or no? Rectangle or irregular?

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