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Best Utility Sinks For A Laundry Room or Garage

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July 4, 2023

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Here’s both a list of the best utility sinks, as well as what you should be looking for in the process. Whether you’re looking for something small for your laundry room or something majestic made of stainless steel, we’ve got you covered. Are you excited to make your laundry room a lot more functional place in your house?

Summary

As we tested various sinks made of different materials, we found out that the best utility sink for laundry is one made of stainless steel as it offers durability and stain resistance.

The best type of sink for the garage is the one made of Acrylic as it is resistant to scratches. Also, it comes at a highly affordable price which means it’s a suitable investment.

The winners for each category are:

• Best budget option: White Utility Sink
• Best overall: Utility Sink Laundry Tub with Cabinet
• Best stainless steel: TRINITY THA-0307

Why you can trust us & how we picked

Maximizing the functionality of your home is always a good thing, especially when you want to save time and money in the long run. That’s why we considered utility sinks perfect for a laundry room, so we ordered and inspected many models before recommending the best ones in this article.

Continue reading

Let’s find you the one with the right capacity for your utility room. You’ll get the bowl that has plenty of space with the right measurements.

What are they?

The utility is used to describe something that can perform several functions. Thus, a utility sink serves numerous purposes. It soaks or rinses laundry. It bathes your pet. You can use it to clean tools or big casseroles or to use it for emptying buckets of water.

Those are just some of the many purposes. Even if you’ve never encountered or used one in the past, you’ve had a glimpse of such wonderful creations in old movies.

Wall-mounted and vintage concrete laundry sinks are used to soak fabrics instead of automated washing machines. Over time, the number of designs and types has expanded alongside their uses.

They are also known as laundry room sinks. It sometimes misleads people into thinking that they can only be installed in laundry rooms. You can also have one in your kitchen or garage. Would you rather put it in the backyard?

They go anywhere you need them. When you’re a homeowner, it’s always good to invest in things that have great value. This is one of them.

Benefits

With one of these in your house, you can mostly do all the washing and sanitizing in one area with no fuss. It truly is the most versatile and useful thing that I know of. It lets you keep the extra messy and grimy items away from your kitchen and bathroom. Unlike a heavy-duty wire or a gasless MIG welder, these belong in all homes across the country!

What’s also great is that you can customize or buy the one that perfectly suits your needs. With its wide range of material types and use, you’ll be able to do your day-to-day activities with ease. It doesn’t matter what it is! Here are the top three things that I appreciate the most about them:

They’re made out of durable materials.

It must be durable so that it can serve its multi-purposes. It doesn’t matter if it’s concrete or porcelain or a blend of other materials.

They are manufactured to withstand damage caused by chemical or physical agents that the typical kitchen sink cannot handle. This feature comes in handy when you have to clean a tool or fabric that requires a strong cleaning agent!

THERE’S A WIDE VARIETY OF STYLES.

There are different types. Some differ in how they’ve been installed or the type of material used.

Added features like strainer baskets can also differentiate one from the rest. With the wide variety of styles and models available, you can surely pick one that will suit your needs. Make it blend seamlessly in your laundry room.

DIMENSIONS

From washing gardening tools to soaking huge fabrics or solid shoes, you’ll have little to no trouble when you use one. The typical one can be narrow and shallow. A utility sink has a deeper and wider working area.

It allows you to handle larger items with minimized risk of splashing water outside. The wide variety of depth and dimensions to choose from allows you to pick one that will fit perfectly in your space!

With these helpful features, you’ll be able to reap a lot of benefits from having one installed in your home. I’ve listed some specific benefits below to give you a better glimpse.

• Heavy-duty cleaning. Harsh chemicals may cause damage to usual sinks. Heavy-duty cleaning requires a specific type, the same way you’d get a heavy-duty extension cord for certain tasks.
• Avoids Clogging. Hair and lint from the washing machine usually clog drainages. Maybe you empty out your washer into this instead that has a strainer basket at the drainage hole. You can easily trap hair and lint. Other solids may also cause clogging.
• Pre-soaking & Hand-Washing laundry. Taking off stains and soaking laundry is easier to do in the utility sink. You won’t have to fill up buckets of water to transfer into basins or bathtubs. Some soak their laundry in the bathtub, but this isn’t sanitary for soiled clothing or shoes. It’s better to do that in the intended space for it!
• Dyeing. When dealing with dyes, it’s better to do so in a designated space. You can avoid unwanted staining in porcelain bathtubs or plastic containers. You can also easily drain it and use strong cleaning agents to remove the dye. You avoid having to rinse the bathtub before you can safely use it repeatedly.
• Watering Plants. Water reservoirs are a must-have for plant lovers, especially if you prefer bottom-watering your plants. It’s very unsanitary to do this in your bathtub and kitchen, even more so if you use real soil for your plants. It’s because the soil may harbor potential pests and pathogens. Do it somewhere that is a good place to let your plants be submerged for a while until it soaks up enough water. You can easily clean and disinfect the area without any safety hazards.
  • Maybe you want a water reservoir on the go. You might want to check out these fuel transfer tanks that can hold a lot of liquids. It can be easily transported anywhere.
• Bathing Pets. Pets can get rowdy during bath time. Instead of washing them on the bathroom floor, where they can easily run out, you might want to try bathing your pets in the utility sink. The added depth and enclosed space of the sink will help you in making your pets behave and stay in one place. Sure, you can also do this in the bathtub. Your pets may harbor dirt or pests that may cling to the tub, which will be tedious to clean up. The horrors of getting dog hair out of the tub without clogging should convince you it’s not a good idea!

TYPES

They come in various types and sizes, offering functionality to any family. They can be categorized based on the mounting type or style. They can also be categorized by material and size.

However, having too many options can pose a problem. How would you know which is the best? You can spend hours picking the perfect one and still end up buying the wrong one.

Suppose you’re not familiar with the type of material you need and the dimensions that your space can handle. You’re not in a good position.

To help you choose the perfect one for your home, I’ll discuss the different mounting styles and materials. We’ll also touch on the styles and sizes of the best utility and laundry room sinks. I hope you’ve decided on what type to get by the end of this article!

Whether you were buying a leaf mulcher or an extension cord, you’d want to make sure you got the one that suits your needs.

Based on mounting/installation style

With varied purposes comes varied styles and mounting. Depending on where you want to situate it, a certain type of mounting might be preferable over others. Read on to find the perfect match for you!

Image Source: Riverbend Home

With cabinets

This all-in-one utility sink comes with a storage cabinet. The main part itself is mounted into the base cabinet. It comes as a single unit and is comparable with freestanding ones.

It can stand on its own, no longer needing any special mounting like wall-mounted ones. Some more advantages of this are the different storage areas it provides. It usually comes with a faucet and plumbing supply line underneath the basin.

This one would be a great addition to laundry rooms and the kitchen, where you usually need extra storage space for laundry or cooking materials.

Pros

• More storage space
• Can store laundry cleaning agents, soiled and fresh laundry
• No need to move around in various parts of the house.

Cons

• You will have to be careful not to wet the cabinets if they are wooden.

Image Source: Costco

Wall-mount

Its name suggests that it is installed as a standalone unit, mounted directly into the wall using support brackets. It needs no structural support underneath, so it leaves space underneath it.

This is a wonderful choice if you don’t have a countertop and want to keep the floor area spacious and clear. However, steer clear from loading heavy objects onto wall-mounted ones.

Wall-mounted utility models are a great addition to basements where countertops are usually absent. You may need the extra floor space for storage.

Most vintage models are either wall-mounted or freestanding. They have double basins and resemble water troughs that you usually see in farmhouses.

It relies on wall studs to support it.

Pros

• Takes up less space.
• Easy to clean the floor beneath
• Affordable than other models

Cons

• No storage underneath
• Less counter space

Image Source: Wayfair

Freestanding

As the name suggests, freestanding models have structural support that lets them stand independently. Most models are portable, which is advantageous if you want to move the entire unit to a more suitable place. Some models can be bolted to the floor, offering extra support and stability but sacrificing portability.

Image Source: Lowe’s

However, there are portable options too that are freestanding and generally mounted on wheeled carts. You can move the whole unit without difficulty wherever you want. This type usually has supply lines to connect to an existing plumbing line, which is a great addition for garages and outdoor sites.

Image Source: PortableSinks4Less

Drop-in or self-rimming

Also called an overmount model, this type is mounted into a hollow space of a countertop or kitchen island. The basin is hidden from the view, sitting below the counter.

The rim is visible on the counter. That’s where it gets the name “drop-in” from. Drop-in ones are one of the most common types installed for kitchen countertops because they are very easy to install.

You can choose one that will fit and blend well with the countertop’s material. The depth of the basin varies from model to model, while some models boast a built-in washboard.

Image Source: The Home Depot

Undermount

They stand in contrast to overmount ones. This type is mounted underneath the surface or countertop, concealing the edges or rim. This is the perfect addition to your home if you want to retain the seamless appearance of your countertop.

It’s because there’ll be no protruding rims. It also makes cleaning efficient. The absence of the rim makes it easy for you to maneuver spills from the countertop directly into the sink.

Image Source: Zuhne

Based on style

Some models boast a feature that other models do not have. Depending on your needs, you might want to opt for a model with an added feature that will be useful for you. Here are some examples:

Double basin

The benefits of having a single basin are doubled when you get one with two basins! This is a great option for people who need to work simultaneously on two tasks. You might soak laundry on one side while rinsing other clothes.

Some double basins have a rectangular-shaped basin with a divider in between. Some models have fully separate basins. Some even have differently sized basins, too! Here are some examples:

Basin shape & size

Size and dimension are pertinent factors in choosing the right one. Typical models are wide and deep enough for rinsing small to mid-sized items without sloshing water. Heavy-duty ones have larger basins that have greater depth, offering a big working area so you can fit more and bigger items. You’ll even avoid water spillage.

When choosing a basin shape & size, think about what feature will be more useful for you. Do you need depth or a working area? Some models can be big in terms of width and length but shallow, while others have deep basins but are limited in width.

Here’s an example of a shallow but wide model. I think it is perfect for soaking a few clothes or bathing small pets, offering you a good visual of what’s submerged.

Faucets and faucet holes

Not all models come fully equipped with faucets or faucet holes. Typically, a utility sink is just the basin and the stand/legs with no faucet.

If you need the whole setup, make sure to purchase one with the appropriate accessories. It’d be a nightmare if you purchased one thinking that it already comes with a faucet!

Faucets come in many sizes and styles, including two- or single-handle models. You can also get them widespread and deck- or wall-mounted. Some models even have an extra feature like a side sprayer.

Farmhouse sink or apron-front

When referring to sinks with a large lip or front rim, farmhouse sinks and apron-front models are commonly used interchangeably. It sticks out from the counter, considered the “apron.” The other rims or corners are hidden from view. This can be installed via flush mount or slide-in. It can also be installed overmount and under-mount.

Farmhouse-styled ones generally have much deeper and wider basins compared to traditional ones. The apron/front lip protects your counter from being wet, thereby saving it from unwanted wood rot.

The water drippings will drop from the apron straight to the floor, where you can easily put a rag to catch it. Farmhouse ones are a great addition to counters that need protection from getting wet. It’s a great choice for people who do a lot of dishwashing or laundry.

Extended washboards and soap dishes

Additional features such as washboards and soap holders. You can find them with dish racks or bucket hooks. Need a drainboard or basin dividers? You’ve got it. Various models make certain tasks easier. Think about which task is the one you’ll primarily use it for. Hence, you choose an additional feature to help you complete your chores efficiently.

Check out our similar guide on cassette toilets and extension cords by length. We also have a guide with a chart showing how to convert metrics to SAE. When it comes to water and sealing things off, we’d encourage you to read our guide on epoxy grout.

Based on material

The material influences the cost and appearance, which is why it’s important to choose the one that fits your budget. It needs to be best suited to your needs. Each type of material has its pros and cons.

For example, stainless steel may not blend well with your kitchen counter’s theme or style. Still, it is favorable to use for commercial uses. Here’s a quick list of great materials to consider:

Stainless steel

This is mainly used in commercial environments because it has excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance. Although it does not have a very stylish appearance, it still looks sleek and boasts high durability and practicality.

It is why it’s the perfect choice for garages and laundry rooms. They’re also very easy to maintain. It is sand able and can withstand steel wool and harsh cleaning agents.

PROS:

• corrosion
• oxidation
• heat
• stain resistant
• highly durable
• & easy to maintain

CONS:

• can dent upon sufficient force
• deep scratches cannot be fixed
• & pricey

Acrylic

This is a good choice if you want low-cost and aesthetically pleasing. It’s also a stain-resistant model. Acrylic is a type of polycarbonate plastic that can be molded into different shapes.

The variety of shapes and designs will be wide. Stains and scratches can be easily removed by buffing or polishing. If you’re a painter, steer clear from this because petroleum-based products will damage the acrylic.

Acrylic is not heat-resistant. A hot pan can easily burn and mark it permanently.

PROS:

• aesthetic designs and colors
• affordable
• stain-resistant
• durable
• lightweight
• scratches can be buffed out
• & easy to install

CONS:

• not as durable as stainless or cast-iron ones
• not recommended for petroleum-based products
• & vulnerable to heat

Polypropylene

This is the most commonly used material for the purpose. It is readily available and in-stock in many stores. Some models also boast mold and chemical resistant properties, making them preferable for laboratory applications. It’s also very lightweight, so it’s perfect for wall-mount installations.

PROS:

• durable
• mold- and mildew-resistant
• highly resistant to harsh and acidic/corrosive chemicals
• lightweight
• affordable
• & easy to maintain

CONS:

• staining and cracking may occur
• maybe reactive with some harsh chemicals
• & vulnerable to heat as it melts at 320°F and higher

Enameled cast iron

A porcelain enamel coating is added onto the durable iron alloy material to make an enameled cast iron. This coating gives it a glossy surface, making the underlying iron more stable even at high temperatures.

You should be careful with using abrasive tools because these may damage the porcelain enamel coating, leading to chipping. The core is generally a galvanized steel, which adds to the durability. It avoids rusting and oxidation.

An enameled cast-iron model is sturdy and stain-resistant, but the added weight may pose a problem. It should be installed in an equally durable counter or supported by high-quality legs or a cabinet.

PROS:

• highly durable
• smooth and glossy appearance
• stain and heat resistant
• easy to clean, & can be reglazed

CONS:

• heavy
• not as accessible as other materials
• & expensive

Solid surfacing

Solid surface ones are made by mixing a mineral compound with polyester or acrylic resins, offering various styles and designs. If you want a fully seamless look for your countertop, this is a perfect choice.

It can be molded from the same solid surface that makes up your countertop. There are a lot of new solid surfacing materials innovated by companies to have a longer lifespan.

It can withstand harsh environments. Examples are Formica Sinks and Corian ones that offer antibacterial properties and improved stain resistance.

Concrete

This is one of the most affordable choices for material, albeit pricier than the usual porcelain ones. You also have the freedom to personalize the look.

It is very sturdy and durable and can give a streamlined finish to your countertop if it’s incorporated into the countertop’s design.

Concrete is porous, so cracking may occur. It’s especially if it’s not properly sealed and maintained. When damaged, repairing and resealing are possible.

PROS:

• It can be personalized
• affordable
• heat resistant
• & can be resealed or patched up if damaged

CONS:

• porous
• can get cracks
• heavy
• & can stain if not properly sealed

Soapstone

This wonderful metamorphic rock is a great choice if you want something that does not readily react with acids or harsh chemicals. It can withstand high temperatures. Soapstone is very dense and impenetrable.

It doesn’t require sealants as concrete does. Furthermore, it’s stain-resistant and prevents the growth of bacteria and mold. This material also ages with grace, developing a vintage look throughout the years.

It is while retaining its functionality and durability if maintained properly. If you want to keep the vibrancy of soapstone, the application of mineral oil is a must.

PROS:

• durable, highly heat-resistant
• non-reactive/can withstand corrosive and acidic chemicals
• stain resistant
• dense and non-porous
• & easy to clean and maintain

CONS:

• expensive
• not scratch-resistant
• can be damaged and cracked by blunt force/heavy objects
• & needs mineral oil for upkeep

Cast iron, metal, thermoplastic, or fiberglass?

Some materials resemble each other and might confuse you. If these materials are coated with a smooth finish, they can be hard to tell apart. For example, fiberglass closely resembles enameled cast iron and porcelain basins.

Some coatings on metals can also mimic the appearance of stainless steel. Don’t rely on visuals. Read the description to get a better understanding of the materials. These materials may look the same, but their properties are completely different from each other.

Fiberglass on its own is not a great material for the purpose since it’s very brittle and porous. Acrylic ones reinforced with fiberglass become non-porous and much more durable.

Outdoor considerations

When it comes to outdoor models, you should opt for one that can withstand the harsh and ever-changing weather. Materials that would suit an outdoor environment are stainless steel and concrete. Suppose you live in an area that experiences winter. You can opt for a water-free option, so you won’t have to worry about winterizing the water lines.

If you’re up for some DIY activities, you can make your own! You’ll need quality tools like these engine-driven welders or tig welders so that you can go through any material with no fuss.

Suppose you plan to do a makeover on vintage steel or cast iron one that’s wasting away in your garage. You might want to check out these mini metal lathes for easy metalwork and these wide belt sanders to polish that sink.

Give it a brand-new look! You should also check out this guide on gauge wires, so you can safely operate your electrical tools anytime.

Large or small? How to choose the right size

Once you’re set with the installation type and material, it’s time to pick the right size. Here’s a quick guide on gauging the size based on the area where you’ll be putting it.

It doesn’t matter if you’re getting one from Transolid or Mustee.

For wall-mounted & floor-mounted

The allotted space must equal the actual dimension of the sink or base cabinet. You should get the actual dimension of the allotted space.

Give it to the manufacturer or shop owner to help you pick the perfect-sized one for your space. Bear in mind that the faucet and plumbing line placement must also be considered when choosing the right space to put it in.

For overmount & under-mount ones:

This is a bit trickier than a wall- or floor-mounted ones. First, choose which base cabinet or countertop is going to house it. Make sure the available countertop or cabinet allows a 1” countertop overhang.

Take into account the working area you’ll be left with after the installation. If the available space in your garage is 50”, pick a 40” base cabinet. Match it with a 35-37” utility sink. It will leave you 10” of space to move freely.

The countertop can be made of something like quartz, ceramic, or granite.

If you were welding, you’d both want the right glasses as well as the right gas for the purpose. If you’re cleaning something at home, you want to make sure you’re getting the right one for the purpose!

Factors to consider

There are many things to consider when purchasing an utility sink, but we narrowed down the information in two main ones. Keep these in mind before you buy and make sure you’re getting exactly what you need.

Material

Most popular material is fiberglass because it’s lightweight and durable. Many people appreciate this option because it is also very easy to clean. Stainless steel sinks are ideal for any environment as they are rust resistand and have a higher durability.

Installation style

Sinks differentiate themselves by installation style too. Depending on where you need the sink installed, you will have to look between undermount and wall-mount utility sinks. There are also drop-in utility sinks, which are perfect for a laundry room.

Size

If you only have a limited space available, you will have to look for sinks that are small in size. There are many sizes on the market, and the price is often influenced by this factor. A large sink will allow you to be more flexible when you’re using it, but it also takes a lot of space.

How much do the best utility sinks cost?

Most utility sinks sell between $150 and $350. The price is heavily influenced by the material and the size of the sink. Strong and durable ones will last you a long time, so the investment is worth it because a replacement will not be necessary anytime soon.

FAQ

They also work great as a garage sink to wash your hands in, including everything else in there. The kitchen sink and the bathroom sink are not places where you want to be cleaning paintbrushes or pipes. Kitchens and bathrooms are spaces where you don’t want construction materials & parts. You can even get them with a soap dispenser or cabinetry included.