Homeowners can be pretty creative when remodeling the kitchen. We have worked with several clients whose design plans included installing an island complete with a sink. Island sinks are not necessarily a new feature, but they seem to be catching on. Are you thinking about installing new countertops? And if so, is an island sink in your plans?
2 Types of Island Sinks
Installing an island sink where none previously existed gives the homeowner a lot to think about. The first consideration is what the sink will actually be used for. Whether the chosen countertop material is marble, granite, quartzite, or quartz, the new sink’s primary function will contribute to the decisions about placement, style, etc.
There are basically two types of island sinks from a functional standpoint:
- Primary Sink – The primary sink in any kitchen is the one that gets most of the action. It is the sink in which dishes are washed in pots and pans are left to soak. Every house has a primary sink. In fact, it is the only sink most kitchens have.
- Auxiliary Sink – The auxiliary sink is a secondary sink that’s generally used for quick tasks during food preparation. It tends to be a smaller sink where a homeowner might wash vegetables or quickly rinse off a knife before moving to the next task.
Although island sinks don’t have to be auxiliary in nature, they often are. But we have seen designs calling for moving the primary sink from against the wall over to the island. It’s a good choice in smaller kitchens where countertop space along the wall is limited.
Plumbing Is a Key Consideration
There is a reason primary sinks tend to be installed in countertop space along the wall: installing plumbing along the wall is a lot easier. The thing about plumbing is that it’s not just about water coming in and out. A sink, like all plumbing fixtures, needs to be properly vented.
A kitchen sink installed along the wall can utilize a basic P-trap and wall vent system. But an island sink is different. It typically requires a more complex loop vent to prevent nasty and smelly gases from escaping into the kitchen. Some designs might call for an air admittance valve as well.
Island sinks can be installed – people do it all the time – but the installation tends to be more complicated.
Island Size and Layout Should Be Considered
Another key consideration with an island sink is the size and layout of the island itself. Perhaps you’re planning to invest in beautiful marble countertops that go perfectly with your cabinets and appliances. The island still needs to be large enough to accommodate the sink you are hoping for, along with its plumbing. But that’s not all. You need enough room to move around between the island, appliances, and wall counters.
Some people install a primary sink in the island to create a triangular workflow between sink, dishwasher, and refrigerator. But the layout of the island needs to be right to make the strategy feasible. Going through the motions of a triangular workflow before remodeling begins offers a good idea of whether the plan will actually work.Our expertise at Bedrock Quartz is natural stone countertops. So while this post constitutes good advice, it’s not gospel. There is a lot to consider before installing an island sink. Talk to some experts first. And if any of your friends have an island sink, pick their brains. Learn everything you can so that your investment in new countertops ends up being a good one.
