A utility room isn't complete without a sink by the same name. Their wide, deep basins are perfect for more heavy-duty chores like washing gardening tools, your delicates, small pets, emptying the mop bucket, arts and crafts tools, dying linens, and so on. Due to their broad range of use, utility sinks come in all sorts of different models and styles to suit the users' needs.

Also referred to as laundry sinks or tubs, the utility sink is mainly different from other sinks due to its size. Many sinks are floor-standing models and include helpful features like adjustable legs or extra basins. Manufacturers offer accessories such as washboards, soaking pans, wire racks, and even backsplashes to protect your walls. There are even portable models that hook up to a hose and don't require you to be indoors!

Basins
It is important to find the right kind of sink to suit your needs. Because it will ideally be in your home for many years, you will want to make sure you choose something that is both pleasant and practical.

• Self-rimming: Also known as drop-in and over-mounted sinks. These sit within holes of the appropriate shape cut into the top of your counter or base material. Once a hole has been cut to allow the sink to be placed within it, the rim forms a close seal with the surface. Very easy to install and tends to work well with most countertops/surfaces.



• Undermount: With these sinks, the edge of the countertop material is exposed and finished to flow seamlessly into the sink beneath it with the aid of a waterproof sealant. This is a very contemporary style that makes wiping things into the sink from the counter a breeze. Some of these models may offer matching covers that will essentially turn them into even more counter space while not in use.



• Wall-mounted & Floor-standing: These sinks are installed separate from countertops as freestanding units.

Materials
While most sinks are available in many types of materials, some (such as undermount sinks) can only be made from certain things or will require extra support depending on what is used to craft them. This is an important part of the decision making process, as picking the right material is both practical and durable.

• Acrylic: This is becoming a more common material, especially since they resist stains and some even have built-in antibacterial properties. They tend to be highly durable and have a glossy finish. On the other hand, they can be a bit loud and are not as heat-resistant as most of the other types of sinks.



• Cast Iron: This traditional choice is very heavy and durable. Typically, these are coated with enamel or porcelain and they tend to be quieter than other sinks. They are resistant to most damage, but they can scratch pretty easily so you may wish to purchase a sink rack to protect the finish. Porcelain coating in particular can hold stains, and too much abrasive cleaning will unfortunately dull the finish.



• Stainless Steel: Perhaps the most economical choice due to its price and ease of cleaning. They are impact resistant, durable and tough. They do tend to scratch easily and can be louder than most other types of sinks (by intensifying the sounds of water).



• Vitreous China: Ceramics are fired at a very high temperature to form a non-porous surface, and then it is coated with an additional ceramic glaze. The same process is used with toilets and bidets. These can be damaged by heavy impact, but they are resistant to abrasion, very durable, and easy to clean.