Outdoor Kitchen Sinks
The addition of an outdoor kitchen sink may seem extravagant, but in your backyard, a kitchen sink could add functionality that you never imagined. While you're grilling and entertaining, a sink allows you to prep and clean all in one place, without having to run inside.
Outdoor Kitchen Designs for Ideas and Inspiration
See All Photos
Speaking of entertaining, a double-basin outdoor sink makes a great place to ice down your beverages in one side while you prep meat and veggies for the grill on the other. If your outdoor space includes a garden, wouldn't it be nice to have a kitchen sink to wash your harvest and your hands before you go in for the day? Finding the right sink for your outdoor kitchen is easy because many indoor sinks can also be used outdoors. Whether you prefer soapstone or stainless steel, you won't have to look very far to find a sink to fit your needs.
Installation of your outdoor kitchen sink will depend on where you want it to go and what style you prefer. Sinks come in a variety of mounting options and can be single, double, or even triple-bowled. An under-mounted sink creates a seamless look and is a good option if you have granite or soapstone countertops in your outdoor kitchen. A traditional, drop-in sink is a great choice for the beginner to intermediate do-it-yourselfer and can be easily installed into a countertop prefabricated with sink space. For an even greater level of functionality, consider a triple-basin sink with bar-like features such as a rinsing and draining area and built-in draining ice bin. Many outdoor sinks can be ordered online from companies that offer everything from smaller wet-bar sinks to commercial-grade basins and accessories. Most outdoor sinks are sold with a matching faucet or can be sold separately for easy customization.
Another consideration to make, whether you're adding a sink to an existing outdoor kitchen or including a sink in your new design, is plumbing. Depending on your DIY skills, you may want to hire a contractor to consult with you about the cost and logistics of adding the necessary plumbing to your outdoor kitchen. The benefit of hiring a contractor is he or she may think of ways to minimize the chance of freezing in the winter, the closest point to attach to your home's existing plumbing and any permits or inspections you may need from your local government for the project.
Stainless steel is the most popular material for an outdoor kitchen sink, but if you'd like a more stylish alternative look for sinks made from stone such as granite, marble or soapstone. These materials may require some maintenance so ask your dealer about how to keep your stone sink looking beautiful. Many online retailers offer variations on traditional, bar and farmhouse-style basins as well as faucets, cleaners and other accessories. They also provide information on stone maintenance, sealing and cleaning.
