Classic farmhouse drainboard sinks look quite charming in a vintage kitchen. Whether you are looking for a reproduction drainboard sink, or are hunting for vintage, I’ve pulled together all my research to help you find what you are looking for in this buyer’s guide. Overall, I count 9 difference sources depending on the age and material of farmhouse drainboard sink that you are looking for.
1. Authentic vintage farmhouse drainboard sinks:
IMPORTANT UPDATE:
If you are the owner of an older porcelain enamel bathtub or sinks — or are considering buying one — please see my May 2, 2016 story Understanding potential lead hazards in old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any age; this article focuses on raising awareness around three potential sources of lead dust exposure in your home – old porcelain enamel bathtubs and sinks and ceramic tile of any era — and steps you can take to assess and, if required, address them.
A note on terminology: I have seen the terms “Porcelain Enamel”, “Enamel”, and “Porcelain” each used to describe the top coating that is baked onto metal substrates on bathtubs, sinks and other products. As such, you may see the various terms used interchangeably on this blog by me and by others who are interviewed or commenting. To verify what types of products you have and what they are made of, do your own research including consulting with the original manufacturer or your own professionals.
Prewar and mid century drainboard kitchen sinks were, I believe, generally manufactured using a cast iron or steel substrate, covered with porcelain enamel. They were available in white…… and in pastels and other colors, as in Erica’s Jadeite kitchen (shown above.)
Here is slide show of 16 vintage Kohler kitchens that give you some idea of the designs.
Where to find vintage drainboard sinks:
Vintage sinks may be found at salvage companies, on craigslist, Facebook Marketplace, ebay, etsy, at your area ReStore / Habitat for Humanity, etc. See this story I did on Ken, who specializes in collecting and selling original-condition vintage kitchen sinks.
2. Re-porcelain a vintage sink:
If you already have a vintage drainboard sink in hand, but it needs restoration, it can be done. Yes, vintage sinks can be re-porcelained. Custom Ceramic Coatings is one resource we found that can re-porcelain cast iron sinks (photo above is an example).
Reader Barb had a porcelain-enamel-on-steel sink (not cast iron) and found another source Independence Porcelain Enamel, to reporcelain it.
- Do your own research with these companies to ask what materials and processes they use in their re-porcelaining processes.
3. Cleaning a porcelain enamel drainboard sink:
I reached out to Kohler to ask about various cleaning products for their porcelain enamel on cast iron products made today. See this story:
Please consult with the manufacturer of your sink you buy new; and again, if your sink is vintage take care considering this story.
4. Farmhouse sink reproductions — porcelain enamel on cast iron:
Now I’m diving into reproduction / new farmhouse drainboard sinks with porcelain enamel coatings on cast iron substrates.
I know of several sources for a reproductions of apron style farmhouse drainboard sinks. These designs below are porcelain enamel on cast iron — the very old school way to make these sinks.
The first is the Sanford Cast Iron Kitchen sink with drain board and apron from Signature Hardware — like Laura used in her adorable summer cottage kitchen.
Above: Strom Plumbing also has a 42″ design – also in cast iron.
Another available option — also in cast iron — is the Clarion farmhouse drainboard sink. It is made by Strom Plumbing and marketed by a number of companies such as our longtime advertiser, deabath.com — but you can shop around. This apron sink is 60″ wide.
These sinks will all use a vintage style wall-mount kitchen faucet. As some examples, see our story 8 vintage style wall-mount kitchen faucets.
Another source for cast iron drainboard sink reproductions, like the one shown above (more designs on their website): Ready To Re — now apparently called “Watermark Fixtures”.
5. Steel drainboard kitchen sinks:
Next up: Drainboard kitchen sinks made out of metal — steel, mostly, but check before you buy.
- Elkay still makes a number sink-top drainboard sinks very much like the porcelain enamel on cast iron. See this story on the different styles of Elkay stainless steel sinks.. above: Read this story about how Joe used one of these Elkay steel drainboards to replace a damaged original sink in his kitchen.
- Second, we did a separate round up eight places to find drop-in stainless steel sinks.
- See this story, too, about ways to do stainless steel sinks and countertops in your kitchen. Check local building codes to ensure these are to code in your locality.
- Also check companies like Ikea and Franke, they may have some “drop in designs”.
Need a faucet? I like the one that Joe used. It looks like this Chicago model.
I also am a #1 fan of Dishmasters — I use one in my kitchen!
6. Reproduction farmhouse sinks available from Nelson Bath Tub, Inc.:
Next up: Modern technology allows for drainboard sink reproductions to be made from modern polymeric materials.
Nelson Bath Tub offers six reproduction farmhouse drainboard sinks manufactured using gelcoat and fiberglass reinforced polyester resins. Above is the “Apron Sink”.
Above: Apron sink with double drainboards.
Above: The second sink from Nelson Tub and Bath is a 66″ wide double sink double drainboard farmhouse sink.
Above: Nelson’s double bowl, double drainboard 60″ sink.Above: Farmhouse sink from Nelson’s with single bowl.
Above: Nelson’s 42″ single bowl, single drainboard sink. And be sure to check their website, they continue to add new designs each year, it seems.
7. Reproduction drainboard sinks in other materials (including colors)
Another new option is this Blanco sink (*affiliate link) lists for $933 plus shipping. While this model has the lovely drainboard — and appears to be made of a composite including hard rock granite — it is not what we’d describe as “retro” in style. Still, we’ll put it out there for you. This model is available in eight neutral colors — but also has the drawback of no faucet holes — limiting counter top options.
Neil says
Well, the vintage green and pink drainboard sinks are positively Fab-U-to-the-Lus!
Neil
Anne says
What’s your favorite source for cabinets? I have the sink, but nothing to hold it up thus far!
pam kueber says
Hi Anne, I don’t have an expert opinion on this. I have vintage steel cabinets…
Joe Felice says
A few things I noticed:
The women are always wearing dresses.
They are always smiling. (What woman today would be smiling in the kitchen?)
The kids’ stick-figure drawings haven’t changed over the years.
And the kids are happy to see dad when he arrives home, in a suit, of course. Today’s kids would probably not be home, and if they were, they probably run when dad comes home.
For some reason, I like a double-bowl sink, even though I never do dishes!
Shirlee says
I love this site! Time for my first question. We live in a 1911 house and are trying to bring some character back. We just acquired a cast iron double drainboard sink with backsplash (wall mount faucet holes 8″ spread). We are not sure of the date of the sink, only info on it says Port Hope F-293-60 in. We’re guessing around the 20’s/30’s. Problem is, it has a deep basket area that is a strange width (3 7/8″ w). We need to find a basket/strainer to fit it. Do you know of a source or have any experience with antique drain/basket fittings? Many thanks. Shirlee
pam kueber says
Wow, this is an esoteric one! I don’t know the answer… The only way I’d find it is by googling…
Jesse says
Did you ever find a strainer? I need one too! I the flange to be 5″ inches on top
Marcia says
I don’t know if anyone’s mentioned Whitehaus. They have a series of farmhouse sinks made of fireclay, including this one with a drainboard in white, bisque, cobalt & black. http://products.whitehauscollection.com/whitehauscollection/products/whqd540-front-apron-reversible/
It’s a little pricy and has no holes for faucets so it won’t work for me. It’s about $1100 at directsinks.com
pam kueber says
hmmm… definitely interesting for a (prewar) farmhouse look — (these look to be apron-front sinks meant to sit on top of a short base cabinet, I think) — and yes, would need to go on a solid surface countertop to have a deck-mounted faucet. Or, you could use a wall-mount faucet — but even then, the countertop between the backsplash and the sink itself would get quite splashy, I’d go solid surface, tile or stainless steel (not laminate or linoleum, likely)
Thanks for the tip!
Nina Clarke says
I need faucets for a circa 1927 cast iron so bowl double drain apron sink. I have the exact cabinet as your first photo I would like for you to see the hikes for the faucet and give me direction on where I can find some to fit reproducts would work
pam kueber says
Hi Nina, we have a fair amount of kitchen faucet research. You can get to it all via our navigation — Kitchen Help / Faucets.
Good luck.
R. French says
I have an original sink similar to your photo #5 except that the left side is a deep sink with a drain cover over it. The left sink has faucets in it. The right sink has the same fixture as the one in the photo. It has been in my home since it was built in 1920. The unit is totally functional and being used in my basement. I have legs available for it but they are in use on another sink. I am curious as to it’s worth if anyone knows.
pam kueber says
R., value is quite variable, depending on condition, rarity and location. Sources to do research: Ebay, craigslist and local salvage shops. No buying/selling here on the main blog, or else it would be chaos.
allicia says
Recently my family and i were out doing a bit of salvaging and found a really cute vintage type sink. Now I absolutely love this sink, however i cannot for the life of me figure out something…. Its a triple basin sink with a drainboard, but the smallest basin ( which is the middle ) has a hole for a faucet in the front as well as the back. I`ve tried but i can`t figure out whats supposed to go in front. If anyone has any suggestions or actually knows what this is for I`d greatly appreciate some insight. Thanks.
oct2ndnite says
I think one of those holes is for a sprayer.
bonita says
I have a metal one deep sink cabinet with drainboard. Completely unharmed in excellent condition. What is your opinion of the value of this type of sink.
Dan says
Having spent a lot of time in a farmhouse in my youth, I have absolutely no nostalgia for country living – but I did enjoy this story 🙂