Laundry rooms are a part of every household. Every homeowner wants to have a well-organised and completely accessorised house, including the laundry room. Besides having the essentials such as the washing machine, dryer, detergent, ironing board, laundry baskets and other accessories, it's a good idea to have a laundry trough sink. It'll make the maintenance much easier, simpler and less time-consuming.
What’s a Laundry Trough?
In the past, homeowners used a large white tub as a laundry sink. It wasn’t very attractive to look at but it performed well and fulfilled its purpose. It was a very useful addition to the laundry room and sometimes was placed in mudrooms or basements. These basins could vary in size but needed to be at least 30cm deep. They were great for soaking laundry or handwashing some delicate materials.
Sometimes, people used it for mopping floors and even giving a bath to smaller pets. All of this changed over time as homeowners started appreciating these sinks more. Nowadays, they come in different materials, sizes and shapes. A high-quality, modern laundry trough can spruce up any laundry room and match any décor perfectly.
Besides its original purpose, this accessory can keep your drinks cool if you add ice, clean your paintbrushes and give you a better working space in the room. It can accommodate your needs and has endless possibilities. Having this simple, yet versatile addition, is an investment worth making because it’ll make your life easier.
What to Consider When Buying
Think About Installation
Because there are different types of troughs, there are different types of installing them. There are several ways of installing them in your home. You should carefully consider the placement and the method of installation because this is a pretty permanent fixture that requires a drain and a water source.
Drip-in basins are attached to an existing countertop. They're inserted from the top in a cutout hole. They're also known as self-rimming sinks. The undermount type is installed to the bottom of the countertop in a similar manner as the built-in sink. These two options are great if you want to create an aesthetically pleasing view of the room. Nothing will stick out of the countertop, plus you’ll be working at a same-level workspace.
Wall-mounted sinks are installed, or attached, directly to the wall in the laundry room. This is done on wall studs that are behind the drywall because of weight restrictions. Make sure the wall is strong enough to stand up to the weight of the sink on its own, and when it’s filled with water and clothes. This is a good option for smaller rooms. You'll get extra storage space beneath the sink for your detergents, brushes or towels.
Freestanding sinks are very popular. They consist of one, single or double sink, mounted on their own legs. They can be attached to the basin itself, or you can buy them separately. This is a very simple, basic sink and it’s fairly inexpensive. They can be as deep as 60cm and require basic installation knowledge because of their simplicity. Choosing the installation method depends mostly on the water pipeline and the aesthetics you want to have.
Choose a Suitable Material
The material you choose is very important for the laundry trough because it determines its lifespan. Cast iron is a very traditional choice. These basins are often coated with enamel to create a heavy-duty product. This makes the sink stand up to wear and tear and allows it to withstand to high temperatures. It's also stain-resistant which is perfect for a cleaning basin.
If you notice rust or a small crack, make sure you re-coat it with enamel. Otherwise, it’ll get damaged more and you’ll have to replace it completely. The only downside to this type of trough is its weight. It can be too heavy to move on your own.
Acrylic is another choice. This material is lightweight and very durable. It's also scratch and stain resistant. Remember that this material is noisier when water hits it and it’s not as heat-resistant as the others are. Porcelain is a traditional choice that has a timeless beauty and a shine that looks amazing in any setting. It's one of the easiest materials to clean and it’s very heat resistant.
Stainless steel is very durable, easy to clean and lightweight. It's a common choice among homeowners that gives the room an industrial look. It's very heat resistant, but just like acrylics, it’s loud when the water starts falling. But stainless-steel sinks can dent if hit hard and if it has deep scratches, they can’t be sanded out.
What About the Tap?
Last, but not least, is the tap that’ll bring the water to the laundry trough sink. The main things to consider are design, price and durability. Some of the most popular choices are chrome, brass, copper, nickel and stainless steel. Match the tap according to the material of the sink. Connecting the two in an aesthetically pleasing manner will give you cohesive look that will complement the entire room.
Is it Different Than a Kitchen Sink?
Although they might not be very different at first glance, these 2 sinks have some distinctive features. The main difference is the thickness of the sink. There’s also a small difference in the quality and the craftsmanship. Some of the laundry sinks can be used as a kitchen basins because they’re thinner. But sinks made for the kitchen are thicker and heavier.
Do You Really Need It?
Having a laundry sink will help you be more organised while doing the washing. It'll give you the space you need to do laundry more effectively. If you’re dealing with a large number of clothes that need to be hand-washed, you’ll definitely need one. But if you have occasional stains to take care of, the sink may not be a must-have.
You can do some stain-removing in the kitchen sink, but if you have to walk up and down the stairs each time for a new load, it’s better to have a basin in the laundry room. This tub can also act as a drainage system for the washing machine. It can also help you sort and separate your clothing by colour or material and keep the muddy workwear from the rest of the clothes.