In response to Friday’s post on the patriotic 40s kitchen, Josh writes: I’m in love with that sink. Do they still make any like that? Thanks for the question, Josh. I researched this question, and I have some recommendations:
- Porcelain-enamel-on-cast-iron or steel drainboard sinks were extremely common in vintage homes, and you can find one vintage if you are patient. Watch your Re-Store Habitat for Humanity or local salvage type place, Craigslist, ebay, facebook marketplace, etc. I were looking for a vintage drainboard sink, I would hold out until I found one in near-perfect shape, although you can get these re-porcelained.
- Historichouseparts.com, one of my favorite places. The first sink (below) was for sale on their site for $725, and count on a hefty shipping charge, too. Others shown are sold for the most part, check in frequently and I’m sure they’ll be glad to help:
- I also recently found a site, thisoldtubandsink.com that says it specializes in vintage porcelain-on-cast-iron pieces, including refinishing. Honestly, I cannot vouch for the refinishing work – and from what I know about this, it can be truly tricky. But this merchant certainly also seem to have a number of as-is pieces in good shape such as this 42×25 double sink at $635. There are other pieces with drainboards as well:Click this photo to see how Joe used the Elkay drainboard sink in his kitchen
- And, don’t forget – that another very viable alternative, are the Elkay Lustertone stainless steel sinks made in the 50s and still available today. While they may not be as “sweet” as the white porcelain, they are probably in reality – more functional, as stainless steel does not chip, is very sanitary, and is easy to keep clean.
- If you are looking for a vintage drainboard sink, be sure that the length and width will fit your space – and that the height of the integral backsplash will work for you as well. You’ll also need to “mate” the sink to the adjacent countertops, I don’t have any advice on this…
Again – there were millions of these made. For example, in the immediate (and less affluent) postwar period from 1946-early 50s, the sink cabinet/drainboard sink combo was marketed heavily as a standalone piece to be integrated into farmhouse kitchens — the Mrs. would keep her wood cabinets, only buy the steel sink base and complementary sink/drainboard. There were big names all over this action, too — Kohler, American Standard, Youngstown. That’s why you see so many sink bases ONLY (as in the photos from historichouseparts.com, above) for sale.
Finally, in further researching Josh’s question, I found two reproduction sinks that are made currently – both are very pre-war and are really meant as farmhouse style sinks to stand on legs or freestanding. Note, most cabinets today and in the 50s on, were 25″ deep.
Here’s the Nottingham Brass Sandford sink, it’s 42″x21″ and $969 free shipping from signaturehardware.com:
And here’s a Strom sink sold as Clarion by plumbingsupply.com (and others) at $1599 plus $175 shipping:
Carol B. says
Our addition on our 1970’s blah cottage in Cape Cod had to have an “apron” sink. It’s old and great to lean on when doing dishes or food prep. It’s easy to get adapters for the sink faucets. Custom cabinets were made for each side, on the right is the dishwasher.
New England Salvage in New Bedford, MA is amazing and was written up in Old House Magazine.
http://www.nedsalvage.com/
Carol B.
Pam Cummings says
I have a double drainboard sink that is not made of cast but looks like what I would call speckled porcelain. It has white, I believe porcelain, over it. There is a stamp on the back that says it was born on 11/9/1957. What can you tell me about this sink?
Pam Cummings says
I mean speckled enamel.
Hannah says
Just did a reno and oops….my sink (1901 home) won’t fit back in the space I thought it would due to a corner cabinet to the left of the sink that sits on the counter! I’m a couple inches long and I need help or a swap to a smaller sink/drain. I’m in upstate NY any ideas? Thanks, Hannah
pam kueber says
you might try historichouseparts.com, which i think is in rochester
Janis says
How do you find replacement faucets for these sinks? My landlord says that the one I have (similar to all those double drainboard models shown) is 7″ wide- but all new ones are eight and wont fit in the holes already present in the sink. Thank you.
janie says
can I make a new cabinet base for my vintage patriotic kitchen sink? the original is missing doors, drawers, rusted beyond repair, the sink and drainboards are still in fair condition. any help on the subject is appriciated
pam kueber says
hi janie, i don’t see why not. this is not a DIY site, though… good luck.
Karen says
I have a 50’s style drainboard sink in my kitchen as I speak. It looks just like the one in the picture. It came with the house when I bought it 20 years ago. Lots of detail in this old house built in 1920’s.
Chris says
LOVE these sinks! We are in the process of dreaming about the re-do of our kitchen in our 1934 house. A friend of mine – who lives in a very new, very up to date home – saw a picture of the big double drainboard one and said “Well, that’s pretty shallow and small. You couldn’t wash many dishes in it.” I laughed and said “I don’t need it to be FUNCTIONAL! It just has to look old and cool!”
Kathy says
We remodeled our home years 10 ago, and I had always wanted an old sink. My husband found two.. We built a new kitchen in our addition and designed our cabinets to allow for the double drain single bowl sink.. I have another one in the back yard… Does anyone know a way to polish the bowl to be more stain resistant?
Thanks, Kathy
joni kehoe says
Wher can I find an old farmhouse sink,I want to renovate my farmhouse kitchen. I live in Corning NY,and would be willing to travel for pick up
Megan says
I have a drain board sink and I love it. It’s ready handy, because the water from your dishes goes into the sink rather than pooling on your countertop. I made a plaid curtain to go around it, so I could conceal the things I stored underneath, without a cabinet. I think it’s from the 40s. It came with the “time capsule” house I bought, as well as an extra identical sink that was in the yard. I haven’t decided whether to install the extra in another part of the house or sell it.