How to Build a Work Station Sink, and Why Every Small Kitchen Needs One

You don't have to live long with a tiny kitchen before you learn the importance of squeezing the absolute most out of every inch of space available to you.

Whether you've got a narrow galley kitchen or a tiny shoe-box cooking space, maximizing surface area is the top priority for all of us small kitchen owners, and there's a surprisingly vast number of ways to achieve this goal. But while smart storage ideas and space-saving layout tips can make a considerable difference, it seems there's an area we've all been neglecting when it comes to getting the most out of our cooking space. Introducing your new small kitchen savior: a work station sink. This kitchen sink idea provides a whole new area for you to prep, clean, and chop, without using up any of your precious worktop space.

With just a few clever additions, your sink can transform into the most useful spot in your kitchen. A good workspace sink brings more flow to your routine, cutting down on unnecessary mess and movement. If this all sounds rather appealing, keep on reading to find out how to bring one into your home.

What Is a Work Station Sink?

The first time I encountered this phrase was only a few days ago, when I came across this reel from @life_of_glow, and it only took a minute for me to realize that this could very well be the cure to many of my small kitchen problems.

So, what exactly constitutes this elusive 'workstation sink'?

"A workstation sink is an all-in-one design that integrates practical accessories directly into the bowl. Built-in ledges create different working levels where you can rest a chopping board, colander, or drainer, turning the sink into a compact prep zone. It means you can wash, chop, and rinse in one place, keeping your kitchen organized and efficient," explains Jennifer Townsend, from Rangemaster.

The term refers to both the specific design of the sink itself, as well as the additional add-ons you bring into the space. "A workstation sink is a deep and wide sink that includes built-in ledges for tools like cutting boards, drying racks, and strainers. It turns the sink into a full prep area rather than just a place to wash dishes," explains Elizabeth Vergara from Vergara Homes.

By opting for a larger sink, ideally with a built-in ledge, you're able to increase the surface area of your kitchen, turning your sink into a prep station with the addition of a hanging chopping board and produce baskets. It brings a real chef's kitchen feel to your home kitchen, taking your meal prep to the next level.

And they aren't just a new fad either, Paul McManus, from McManus Kitchens and Baths, says, "We've been installing workstation sinks for our clients for almost 10 years now. They are a great addition to any kitchen. Back when they first arrived, your options were limited to stainless steel, undermount, workstation sinks. But today they come in almost every color and style imaginable, including apron front, porcelain, and quartz."

This wide variety of design options means you'll never have to sacrifice the aesthetic of your modern kitchen to make space for this clever design.

Paul McManus

Paul McManus leads McManus Kitchen & Bath in Tallahassee, where he and his team help homeowners create “forever homes” with custom kitchens and bathrooms. With a focus on design excellence and a smooth, start-to-finish process, Paul has built a reputation for remodeling without the overwhelm.

Why Do I Need One?

Traditionally, the sink exists purely as a washing-up station, but with a workstation sink, that area of your kitchen is transformed into a multi-purpose area, with space for chopping, prepping, and cleaning, which is particularly useful in kitchens that are tight on space.

"They are helpful because they make cooking and cleaning easier," explains Elizabeth.

Even the traditional 'kitchen work triangle' requires a fair amount of movement across your kitchen area. However, with the workstation sink, this movement is reduced, simplifying the flow of cooking and creating a more seamless kitchen experience. As Elizabeth says, "Everything you need to do while cooking can be done right over the sink, which helps reduce clutter on the kitchen worktop, reduces time spent prepping, and keeps the kitchen organized."

By cutting down on any unnecessary movement and consolidating the preparation process into one small area of your kitchen, you can drastically cut the time spent clearing up. Plus, all the mess is already at the washing-up station, making your life even easier.

While we could all benefit from a workstation sink, for those of us with small kitchens, they are real lifesavers. By providing a space for a chopping board and a drying rack, you're able to maximize your sink's utility, freeing up counter space and increasing your kitchen's overall surface area.

How to Build A Work Station Sink

For a perfect workstation sink, there are a few essential items that your sink won't reach its maximum potential without.

But before we get on to the accessories, let's get into what makes the ideal foundation for this multi-purpose sink design. "The essentials of a workstation sink are a durable material that is also easy to clean, like stainless steel, strong ledges that can securely hold all the accessories, and a deep basin to have enough space for inputting dishes while still being able to prep on top," says Elizabeth.

These pronounced ledges make bringing in accessories like chopping boards far easier, providing a stable spot for them to rest, without risk of wobbling around. The best kitchen sink materials, like stainless steel and fireclay, will allow for quick and easy cleanup.

When it comes to accessories, considering the functions you want to prioritize will help you select the right add-ons for you.

"The two most useful accessories are the cutting board and drying rack," says Paul. He continues, explaining, "The cutting board is great when cutting messy items, as the mess just goes right into the sink. The drying rack can be used to thaw meat, to dry dishes, or to set large bowls or pots on when filling them with water. They also make great trivets when set on the counter and roll up, so they are easy to store when not in use."

Shop for Your Kitchen Work Station

If you're looking for more clever kitchen sink ideas, there's plenty for you to explore. One of my favorites at the moment is the elegant waterfall sink trend, but the classic trough sink is a close runner-up.