"Plumbing Stage" question #2. Choosing a Utility Sink.

[SUPERFORD]

So again, I'm at the "plumbing fixture" phase of my garage build.

My garage has a small bathroom or toilet room or "water closet" in one corner.

Just outside I'll have a "Utility Sink" or Wash Sink.

I had something stainless steel in mind. However, my plumber is recommending a Florestone composite (plastic?) sink like this:

I'm sure it'll do the job perfectly, but it's just not what I had in mind to look at.

But after doing some searching, neither are the stainless sinks that i've seen. They all look like they belong in a restaurant kitchen.

I'm looking for ideas or suggestions for a useful but clean/upscale looking wash or utility sink.

Thanks,
Chris

 

[930dreamer]

I'd go with the restaurant stainless steel model.

 

[Jackfre]

I have a plastic unit in the utility room at the house I just moved into. Stains like crazy. I also have the SS unit you show in a display trailer. I prefer the SS as it doesn't stain and can be cleaned as necessary. "upscale" utility sink? I think there must be a local fab shop guy dying to meet you. Careful what you build though. Someone might think it is a trough urinal

 

[chickenhauler]

Vote #3 for Stainless. I have a plastic one in the laundry room and hate it. I would never put it in the garage, unless you love dirty dingy looking sinks.

 

[boiler7904]

I'd look at installing a base cabinet with a solid surface countertop and a self ******* stainless steel or cast iron utility sink. Companies like Kohler, Just, and Elkay make them but expect to pay more. To me the convenience of having a little counter on either side and enclosed storage below would be worth it.

 

[930dreamer]

Check the re-use stores, might find a great used stainless steel sink.

 

[SUPERFORD]

"upscale" utility sink? I think there must be a local fab shop guy dying to meet you.

I don't know if "upscale" is the right word.

I guess I mean to say that I just want something that looks nice as well as being functional.

 

[Ric in Richmond]

Soapstone.

Build your own.

Cuts with dry diamond tools. Glues with epoxy, sands with regular paper. Make any size you want.

I did all our countertops and drop front sink in my house out of slabs I bought, cut and glued myself.

Soapstone is the stuff your high school chemistry class lab desks were made of. Great stuff!!!



Stuff is solid, heavy and flat out gorgeous.

Like this:

bit.ly/q5mxIM

or

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/antiques/msg1222104920011.html


I used these guys for the stone. http://soapstoneventures.com/

Mark McQuarry (no lie.... Mc QUARRY) is the manager ...

 

[Norcal]

A Florestone one is a decent model,but a stainless one is better, bought a wall hung Florestone laundry tray for around $65 last month.

 

[SUPERFORD]

I'd look at installing a base cabinet...

...To me the convenience of having a little counter on either side and enclosed storage below would be worth it.

I'm with you 100%

I'd love to have some storage underneath and counter space for the soap or whatever on the side.

My problem is that I'm trying to make the shop aesthetically pleasing (look good), But I haven't picked out my shop cabinetry yet and want the sink cabinet (if there is to be one) to match. BUT I need to get my plumbing permit closed as it has been open for 3 years and the county has taken notice! (supposed to be good for only 6 mos!) So I need to get my sink in asap!

 

[Jack Olsen]

I like the stainless. Craigslist is a good source for second-hand ones.

 

[paullie]

plastic *****, go with stainless

 

[djjsr]

I got a rather deep SS sink and stuck it in a piece of formica countertop. It works about 95% of the time. Really big stuff goes outside and gets the garden hose.

View media item 7212

 

[Greatbear]

Go for the stainless, and, if you have the room, a double well model. It's nice to be able to soak stuff and yet still be able to use the other side to clean up.

 

[gabeancounter]

I have two of the plastic sinks. The stainless job takes a faucet that is much more expensive. The wall mount faucet is around $125 for a decent one and the sink is around $200, the chrome trap $30. I bought mine with everything for $60. Just a funds question. Snap-on or Craftsman?

 

[Dodge]

Here's mine. Bought it on ebay for $65, shipped. Kind of small, but is perfect for washing hands and small stuff. I used to have one of those fiberglass utility sinks, I like this much better.

 

[albaran]

I had the exact plastic sink that you show in the picture in my old garage. It stains and gets "scuzzy" after a while.I will go for stainless next time. Also, be sure you get a high/tall faucet. It makes it easier to clean large objects.

 

[boiler7904]

I'm with you 100%

I'd love to have some storage underneath and counter space for the soap or whatever on the side.

My problem is that I'm trying to make the shop aesthetically pleasing (look good), But I haven't picked out my shop cabinetry yet and want the sink cabinet (if there is to be one) to match. BUT I need to get my plumbing permit closed as it has been open for 3 years and the county has taken notice! (supposed to be good for only 6 mos!) So I need to get my sink in asap!

How soon are you doing cabinets? 6 months? a year? Why not do a basic plastic unit as a temp to get the county off your back, and give you a place to clean up while you make final decisions about cabinets and the final sink? Probably the best $100 you could spend right now.

 

[csp]

x2 on installing something cheap and easy to get the permit closed. We did that in our laundry room. Three years later, we still haven't come back to pick something permanent.

Many of those restaraunt style stainless sinks require an in-wall faucet, so a plumbing reconfigure might be required.

 

[59 wagon man]

i have the restuarant style one ,pulled it out of a job but 2nd hand they aren't that much . they are made out of much heavier stainless then a typical kitchen sink. if you get the correct faucet you can hook a garden hose up to it to get hot water if needed. in addition they can be gross and clean up real easy the plastic wont clean up as well not sure about the stone

 

[elvee]

Another vote for stainless. I picked up a commercial one like you have shown, with faucet and drain, for $95 from Craigslist. They are called mop sinks. I also have a huge double well upstairs in my wife's art studio (each bowl is 24" x 24"). That, with the drains but no faucet cost me $125 on CL. Faucet from the restaurant supply was another $100. You can always build a cabinet around them as well.

 

[SUPERFORD]

How soon are you doing cabinets? 6 months? a year? Why not do a basic plastic unit as a temp to get the county off your back, and give you a place to clean up while you make final decisions about cabinets and the final sink? Probably the best $100 you could spend right now.

I think I've come to the same conclusion. I'll just put something inexpensive in to pass the inspection and get the county off my back. Then once I decide on my benches and cabinetry I'll re-do the sink with stainless & matching cabinet.

BTW, you guys are right, there are tons of stainless steel stuff on craigs list.

thanks for the advice.

-Chris

 

[dittle fart around]

Find yourself a used restaurant supply store and go with the stainless. It will last forever.

 

[4wd4ever]

If you want something really old school, I've got an old cement laundry sink that I Thot about using, it spent the first 45 years of it's life having the washing machine empty into it and shows no signs of wear on the inside...but it started to leak after I removed it to do a basement reno...I think I cracked it rolling it out to the back yard...lol It's heavy and strong and won't stain...could be painted too, but not nearly as nice looking as a SS.

So for looks I'd go SS.

Just my 0.02
Rick