Buying and Installing a Bar Sink
Buying and installing a bar sink can be a great way to improve the functionality and fun of your home bar area. If you've got a bar cabinet without a sink, then you know it's a hassle running back to the kitchen every time you need to dispose of drinks, wash out a glass, and rinse cocktail fruit or veggies. When you're throwing a party, your kitchen sink's going to see a lot of activity all by itself. It might be filled with chilled beer or wine on ice, people may use it to wash their hands, and you might need to wash a few dishes during the course of the event. If you entertain, a bar sink can be more than just a convenience, some consider it a necessity. And if you're thinking about buying a bar cabinet, you'll want to seriously consider adding a bar sink to your plans.
Creative Decorating Options
You certainly don't need a full sized kitchen sink for your bar. In fact, most bar sinks are no more than 25 inches wide and 30 inches deep. They come in a wider variety of shapes than a kitchen sink too. You can find them in oval, rectangular or square shapes. They can be ornate or simply elegant. It's up to you. Bar sinks don't have to fit the mold of a regular sink so you have the option of being more creative. In fact, you may feel like you have more flexibility with your bar sink since you won't be using it for everyday cleaning. You can even get bar sinks that sit on top of your counter like a bowl. You're sure to find something that fits your decorating needs. You can place your bar sink just about anywhere that's close to plumbing, including on your deck or patio. That can be the basement, family room, TV room, game room, and even your master bedroom.
Materials are similar to what you'll find in kitchen sinks: Silgranit, a granite/acrylic composite that's highly heat resistant; Fireclay, Stainless steel, Vitreous china, acrylic, cast iron, copper, granite and more. And there are a variety of colors to choose from: white, black, neutrals, blues, greasy, and greens.
Plumbing
There are plumbing considerations for bar sinks. If you're buying a new bar cabinet, be sure to place it near plumbing so you have as little increased cost as possible. If you're installing a bar sink into an existing cabinet bar, you'll have to tap into existing plumbing. Depending on the location of your bar sink, this could be a do-it-yourself job. Just be sure to tap into both hot and cold water lines, and make sure you follow your local building codes. Or you could call in a plumber. Hourly rates for plumbers vary across the country. Whether you do it yourself or hire the job out, you'll want to plan carefully before starting the project.
Countertops
Adding a bar sink to an existing bar will likely mean that you have to get a new countertop for your bar. You can choose granite, tile, wood, Formica or any other material that can get wet. Bar sinks come in undercount and self-rimming (drop-in) styles. If you choose an undercount sink, you'll have to make sure you can remove your countertop to install the sink. If you're getting a new countertop, you should install the undercount sink before placing the countertop on your cabinet.
You can everything from a simple sink and faucet to more elaborate sinks with bottle storage rails, ice bins, cap captures, condiment cups and more. You can also find stations that replace your entire bar countertop. There are also sinks for indoor and outdoor use. When you install your bar sink, consider adding shelving above your cabinet to keep bottles, decorative items, openers and other essentials.
Kitchen Bar Sinks
Bar sinks don't need to be installed in a bar cabinet. You can also install them near your kitchen sink. After all, more and more people are making the kitchen the center of their home. Putting your bar sink near your regular sink has several advantages. Not the least of which is plumbing. It will be much easier to connect your bar sink to plumbing if you place it near your existing kitchen sink. Plus, you'll have the added advantage of having a third sink in your kitchen for everyday use. And your kitchen is probably much closer to the center of where you normally entertain, making it easier to use your bar sink.
Once you've installed your bar sink, you'll wonder how you ever lived without it!
