Introduction

Undermounted sinks are generally available as square and round bowls in all manor of shapes and sizes, which can be combined to create the layout of your choice. Overmounted sinks, however, come with pre-formed bowl and drainer arrangements. Whichever material they’re made from though, overmounted sinks are now available in a baffling range of shapes, sizes and layouts which may include one or more bowls and/or drainers.

There is no 'standard size sink' shared by manufacturers , so you should take care to measure the sink you want accurately and be sure it will fit into your base units.

• If you’re planning to fit a waste disposal unit, one of the sink basins will need to have a drainage channel that is of the appropriate size; this is usually 89mm (3½in).

Square and rectangular sinks

The most popular sink on the UK market is the 1½ bowl and drainer where a small bowl divides the large bowl and drainer on either side, allowing the sink to be used for multiple tasks at the same time. The standard single bowl and drainer sink also remains incredibly popular for small kitchens.

If these sinks have no pre-drilled hole for a tap, they can be turned through 180 degrees and used in either orientation. Alternatively, they can be ordered with draining on the left or right of the sink as required.

Below are a selection of the most common sink layouts of this type, all available in a wide range of materials, sizes and styles;

• You should select a sink whose bowl(s) can be accommodated by the base unit that will be positioned under it; your supplier should be able to tell you the appropriate base unit size.
• Bear in mind that large baking trays and oven racks require a reasonably sized sink to make cleaning them easy.
• A kitchen without a dishwasher will require a sink that can accommodate a considerable volume of washing up, both in the bowl and on the draining board.

Circular sinks

Circular sinks look small and compact compared to squares and rectangles, softening the lines of the kitchen and adding a contemporary twist. However, circular sinks are not particularly practical for washing large baking trays or oven trays.

Below are the most common circular sink layouts, which are available in range of sizes and styles;

Corner sinks

Where space is at a premium in a kitchen, corner sinks can be an excellent solution that provide large washing up areas, whilst simultaneously releasing cupboard space for storage.

Available in various materials to suit most kitchen design schemes, corner sinks are most often available in the following layouts;

Further information and useful links

• Kitchen sink materials
• How to fit a kitchen sink
• Introduction to kitchen sinks
• More kitchens topics

• Find a Kitchen Sinks & Taps supplier near you
• Find a Plumber near you
• Find a Kitchen Fitter near you
• Find a Kitchen Worktop supplier near you
• Find a Kitchen Fixtures & Fittings supplier near you