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:
Justin Sipe says
I found your site while doing research on drainboard sinks. I was hoping that you would allow me to post that I actually have one for sale it is a 66×25 double bowl, double drain board with the extra hole for the sprayer, the holes are in a straight line. It is white and in excellent shape. I do have pics if anybody interested. I am located in Middletown, Pa. Please let me know if this would be possible.
Thank you for your time,
Justin Sipe
pam kueber says
justin, you can post these on our Forum: https://retrorenovation.com/forum … (no buying/selling on the main site here). good luck!
Matthew Siegmann says
I forgot to mention,third photo down in this thread is the 60×42 Sears Washington sink, sans metal cabinet. I have the 42×42 version with the single drainboard. Note the faucet w/sprayer located under the spout and the overflow drain about halfway up the sink wall.
Matthew Siegmann says
I love your site. I find it’s a wonderful resource for restorations and also for decorating ideas! I was lucky to have some friends rescue a Sears Washington Cabinet Sink from a house in St. Charles, Mo. that was being demolished along with several blocks of other late 1930’s houses. I got lucky and found it pictured in a 1939/1940 sears sink catalog on e-bay and I now own said catalog (if you like, I’d be more than glad to scan the entire thing and send it to you, 12 images total, great ads!). The problem is that the vintage faucets and modern faucets won’t work with this sink. It had a hole directly in front of the hole for the spout for a sprayer. I’ve searched and searched and combed the internet for places that sell true antique (not reproduction) faucets and I’ve had very little luck. Places either only sell vintage style or reproductions or only deal in faucets about 100 years old. Any ideas on where to look to try and find an original Sears faucet for my sink? It may also help other people who have the same issue.
martha says
We are doing a kitchen remodel… would love to find a vintage large single bowl sink with drainboards on both side of the sink/.. is there anywhere near Roanoke, Va that we can find this sink??.. and at a good price ??
thanks ..martha
pam kueber says
Martha, check my category Kitchen / Sinks for more info: https://retrorenovation.com/category/kitchen/sinks/
Also – craiglist, your local Re-Store/Habitat for Humanity, salvage places, and our Retro Renovation forum – https://retrorenovation.com/forum
Patti G says
I just bought a mountain cabin. There are metal cabinets in the kitchen but someone covered them with contact paper of all things. So, I have 2 wall cabinets and a kitchen base cabinet to de-contact. It only peels off inches at a time. Any quick suggestions?
pam kueber says
hi patti, this is not a DIY site — sorry. i also always advise: consult with pro’s to ensure you know what you are working with from an environmental and safety standpoint and to make sure you are are taking the right enviro & safety precautions…
ken buzzell says
use a hair dryer to soften the sticky adhesive and it should peel off much easier
Ken
pam kueber says
be careful that you know what is in the adhesive though.
John Thew says
Pam,
I have been looking everywhere including parts houses across the states for a faucet for my sink. It is exactly like The first sink that you showed listed by historichouseparts.com was for sale on their site for $725. The spread and the size of holes for the faucet is very unique. Add in the placement that makes a high rise faucet too “splashy” and it rules out all of the modern faucets. I cannot find a name brand on the sink and have been told several different types that did not match. Can you tell me anything more about that sink? My wife has gone a year now without a faucet and I would love to be able to remedy her kitchen problem.
Thanks for any information you can provide,
pam kueber says
John — try deabath.com — they are an advertiser and I believe they have a wide selection. Tell ’em I sent you. Also check my Kitchens / Faucets category, I believe that I have done at least one story on wall-mount faucets. Good luck, let me know how it turns out.
Matt says
I am doing a kitchen remodel, and the cabinets and sink I have currently just aren’t going to fit anymore. The sink is just like the one you have linked to the historic site for 750$, and the cabinet is identical to the one with the autumn gold sink. I also have 2 upper matching cabinets and a corner half circle end shelf.
I live in the Seattle area, and am wondering if there is someone out there that knows how I would properly advertise or someone to contact that would be interested in purchasing these items.
pam kueber says
I have several posts about this, Matt. Look at the FAQ (top of navigation, in header) or search.
NitaD says
The one with the yellow top and the round handles! That’s my sink! I have it in that exact color in my kitchen! I was wondering how original it was, and I thought it was funny that I have this all-metal cabinetry in my kitchen (all of the pieces are metal and drop-ins). Are there any repair guides to these? My drawers are starting to stick and I know it’s because the little roller wheels they run along are coming loose, I just can’t seem to figure out how to remove the drawer so I can get in there to fix them… This porcelain-coated sink is one of the things that made me fall in love with my house… That, the single arched doorway in the living room, the unique fireplace, and the gorgeous hardwood floors…
pam kueber says
We know of no specific sources for the thingies and widgets holding the drawers in, etc. Nor are there any repair guides. You need to improvise.
ken buzzell says
Nita
pull the drawers out forward as far as possible, then lift the front of the drawer towards the ceiling as you pull up and forwards. Lift the front relatively high and the drawer should come out. If not, look for small metal clips( the size of a barret) on the left and right rear side interiors of the drawers. Pry a portion of that clip inwards towards the center of the drawer as the clips are made to catch on the sides of the cabinet so the drawer will not fall out. Most of these metal cabinets are made like these two methods.
Ken
Ruth says
We have a Youngstown Sink in our house. It looks like one of the above. The rest of my kitchen is wood. My kitchen is sand with cranberry trim/decorations and back steel door is painted cranberry. The sink stood out like a sore thumb but I love it so I decided to paint it cranberry also. WOW….it looks so nice there now….I love it and my husband actually has not ask me to tear it out lately…..
Rosie says
I looking for advice on an old Kohler sink I found. I haven’t seen anything quite like it and I’m trying to decide if $250 is too much for a sink that needs some work. Have you seen any sinks like these? Any idea of the year or worth?
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rtsalvagestore/4467768886/in/photostream/
Thank you for any advice you can offer.
Rosie
pam kueber says
rosie, we don’t do valuations on the blog. cool looking sinks – but … and if the enamel is gone, i don’t think you’ll ever get it right again… i am not an expert though – you’ll have to track one down …
ken buzzell says
Rosie
who ever is removing these sinks does not have any love or respect for them. It is clear to see that they have turned them upside down and slid them along the top surface of the back splash and top surface of the front apron. These surfaces then act as sled runners. This is done for ease of moving by uncaring people. It then gouges the porcelain surfaces ruining an otherwise very nice sink. Try to find one that has been removed properly and caringly. A refinished sink will not hold up to serious kitchen use for long!
good luck
Ken