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.
gwennie says
thank you so much for all the excellent information and links. one of the linked companies even does the cast iron stove grates for the 1950s wedgewood stove i’m refurbishing!
gwen says
thank you so much for all this information! this site, by far, is the best i’ve come across! i see that it’s fairly old, but others are posting fairly recently, so i’m hopeful most of the links will still be good. i actually have 2 uninstalled farmhouse sinks with back splashes (1 other already installed in the garage) and will be checking them out to see which one to use.
Lady Draco says
Thanks Pam …
All the ones around here scratch their heads ..And have never seen a sink that big..
Didn’t you have a Q & A around here along with the Classifieds ?
Where did that go …
pam kueber says
I closed it a while ago. Was not getting much use anymore now that folks use craigslist. Even so… because this sounds like a variety of safety issue ’tis better you consult with a licensed pro…. Good luck.
Lady Draco says
I have a question and I can’t find the place to ask ..
So this should work as it is a bout my 72″ sink..
I have the base unit for the sink.. Most likely NOT the one for said sink but it works…
When we were testing the sink and base we had crumpled the base a little , and had to fix it . Oops..
Does anyone know how do I need to reinforce with 2 x 4 on the under side ?
And if so does anyone have a photo ? Or a good diagram..
Also what are the little screw thingy’s on top of the sink base?
TIA….
pam kueber says
Lady Draco, ya need to consult with a pro on this as this is not a DIY site….
Samantha says
I have an old farm house sink in my kitchen. I bought my house last year an. Now I’m looking in how to get rid of the rust an stains and at the bottom of sink it’s peeling. Does anyone know how to get rid of rust that can explain the procedures to me. Thank you
pam kueber says
We are not experts on this. In addition, please be awere of my recent story about the potential for there to be lead in the manufacture/finishes of these sinks; consult with a professional about the best way to handle your issues. https://retrorenovation.com/2016/05/02/understanding-potential-lead-hazards-old-porcelain-enamel-bathtubs-sinks-ceramic-tile-any-age/
Mary Lou Cameron says
I have a left drain white farmhouse sink (believe this house was built in 1910) …We re-did our kitchen and the sink splashes water on the wood cabinet build in, designed by a local kitchen store. Do not know how to stop the wetness on the wood glaze?
pam kueber says
Hmmmm…. I am not an expert on such issues but here are a few thoughts: Is it possible that your faucet is so high that there’s more gravity causing splashy bounce ups? This may be all the more an issue if the sink basin is not very deep. I’m not sure if this makes any sense, but that’s one thought. If this is an issue, a lower profile faucet might provide a solution, or a partial solution.
My other thought: Talk to the kitchen store. Certain glazes/finishes resist water better than others. Perhaps there’s something they could topcoat the base cabinets with that would be more water resistant.
Let me know how it turns out!
lloyd says
I have a 1915 cast iron sink with drain boards on both sides. I need a drain for this sink. The hole in the sink is 2 inches in dia. Where can I find one.
pam kueber says
I don’t know for sure. I’d start by asking deabath.com…
Travis says
I have posted it on Craigslist in northwest Indiana if anyone is looking for more information, thanks.
Travis says
Don’t really know if anyone is looking for a us steel double drain board and cabinet, but I picked one up today. Sinktop is in good condition, the cabinet is rusty but complete. Have a couple of pictures, I am located in the Midwest. So if anyone is looking, drop me an email.
jackie says
Greetings,
My boyfriend and I just bought a house that was built in the 1920’s and in the basement we found an old sink with a drainboard to the right side and a shallow bowl on the left with a tall splashboard in the back…..as in picture 2 of the kohler vintage sink slideshow you have above . We are having a hard time locating a model number and I was wondering if you knew of any kohler archives for these much older sinks. We would love to figure out its age, etc. Thank you.
pam kueber says
No, I don’t….
Kyleeddy says
I have acquired a 52″ farm sink with a 17″ back.. I’m trying to get itvreporcelaid but having no luck. I’m in Fort Collins. My sink had a printed date on the back of the splash. 6-19-21
pam kueber says
Kyleeddy, in this story that you commented on there are two places for re-porcelaining….