It could be easily agreed upon that the sink is the most used tool in the kitchen. You might also agree that kitchen sink function and style are the inspiration behind entire kitchen designs and layouts.  

But when it comes to the perfect combination of affordability and durability, one of the best ways to create an inviting kitchen is by incorporating butcher block. 

Butcher block is a specific area of the kitchen–in some cases, entire countertops– designed for safe cutting and chopping right on the surface. Butcher blocks are where you’ll do all of your food prep and cleanup, so it’s important to get the right one for your family’s and kitchen’s needs. Most butcher blocks are incorporated into a kitchen layout with easy and convenient access to the kitchen sink. There are many different types of sinks that can be used in kitchens – some with more features than others. Since it’s such an important part, we rounded up seven different types and sizes of kitchen sinks that pair well with small, trendy, efficient or busy kitchens and butcher block countertops.

We teamed up with sink design experts and Home Depot best sellers, Sinkology, for a look at all things sink. Check them out! 

Sink Layouts & Designs

Compact, Single-Bowl Sinks:

There are many kitchens that require smaller footprint when it comes to kitchen sink space. Compact, single-bowl layouts are great for efficiency spaces, tiny homes, and bar/prep areas. These sinks can feature a basin that’s 18″ to 24″–ideal for smaller areas, but perhaps not enough to accommodate larger pots or large amounts of dishes. The extra-small, single-bowl sink is available from SInkology in a variety of sizes and materials, including copper, fireclay, hand-hammered stainless steel and even the charming farmhouse style. (WILSON)

Dual or Double Bowl Kitchen Sink:

Busy families and cooking enthusiasts often love double-bowl kitchen sinks for their versatility. Due to the divide between the bowls, the sink can be simultaneously used for soaking dirty dishes and rinsing clean ones. These sinks come in different bowl sizes and basin depths. Double-bowl sink designs are commonly available in most materials. (RIVERA)

Apron Front/Farmhouse Sink:

Farmhouse style sinks have been a bestselling among Sinkology customers due to their charming design and highly functional layout. The most notable (and beloved) feature of farmhouse sinks is the exposed apron front that sticks out 1-3″ from the countertops. Farmhouse style sinks are popular for their deep design, which is ideal for busy kitchens that need plenty of space to stack pots and pans without creating an eye-sore throughout the day. Farmhouse style sinks have smooth surfaces and come in both single- and double-bowl layouts. (BRADSTREET II)

Compartmented sink:

If you’re looking for a prep sink, a wash sink and a separate rinse and dry area, these 3-and-4 basin sinks might be just what you’re looking for. They tend to take up a lot of space though, so plan for less available counter space.

Installation Options & Important Considerations

The proper installation style is critical to finding the right sink for your home’s needs. From how it looks in your kitchen to how it fits with your countertops and cabinets, the right installation option is an important aspect to moving forward with any kitchen project.

Drop In:

Drop-in sinks are designed to fit perfectly and simply into pre-cut countertops. This installation and mounting option is very popular among DIY projects, as it is one of the most straightforward options. While this is the most conventional installation method, drop-in sinks still come in a variety of elegant designs. The flush fit ensures a beautiful look in any kitchen. (ANGELICO)

Undermount:

Undermount sinks are designed to easily mount under pre-cut countertops, as your sink attaches to the granite or other surface material from below. Edgeless and flexible, this mounting style offers simple cleaning and a larger work area without a rim extending over the countertop. An undermount rim also makes wiping down your countertop super easy, as you don’t have to worry about the lip of the sink on the counter. (GRACE)

Dual Flex:

Some kitchen sinks offer a dual-flex rim, which features a flat, standard undermount rim with a slight curve to allow for decorative and flexible drop-in installation. It’s your choice: undermount or drop-in—both are options with the dual flex installation style.

Farmhouse:

Farmhouse, or apron front, sinks are a great centerpiece to any kitchen. The classic look is hard to miss and even harder to dislike. When paired with the right faucet to meet your preferences, this sink is at home in both traditional or contemporary kitchens. Please note that undermount farmhouse sinks require additional support to hold the sink in place, and professional installation is recommended. (HARPER)

There are some options that come with a drainboard which can be used as the primary surface for food preparation.

All of the sink styles mentioned can generally be found in stainless steel, copper, fireclay, color finished, or metal. Be sure to check out the amazing sinks available through our partners at Sinkology–they’re the leaders in gorgeous, affordable copper, fireclay, and hand-hammered stainless steel sinks for every kitchen! There are also some that can be found in granite, soapstone or marble. As with many things in the kitchen, there is no one-size-fits-all option when it comes to sinks so ask around, try them out (Hello, Airbnbs!) and take notes of what you use your sink for most and the size of the pots and pans you love to cook with.

If you design a custom kitchen, you will find a lot of joy in getting everything on your dream list–including the kitchen sink!  

The best thing about butcher block countertops is that you can truly make them your own by planning special faucets and sink accessories. Because it’s more about texture and a sense of warmth, you pair a variety of sink styles with them however you see fit. From the variety of options for both butcher block and sink materials, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to designing your kitchen.

For more tutorials and tips on installing a sink in butcher block countertops, check out this guide. https://hardwoodreflections.com/diy-sink-install-with-butcher-block-countertops/