Utility sinks are the workhorses of the home sink fleet. They handle all of the jobs that the others are just too dainty to tackle, like washing muddy work boots and rinsing off tools. There are some important things to consider when shopping for them, things other than durability and looks. I aim to clear all of that up for you in this post so that you can make a great decision when it's time to shop for your next utility sink.
The construction of the sink is important because it determines its life and durability. Most commonly, these sinks are made from either stainless steel or a hardened plastic resin. Both are great choices, but the plastic resins will only cost a fraction of what the stainless variety does. Both materials are also extremely durable, so you won't have to worry about the sink breaking or leaking any time in the near future, most of these sinks will last as long as the home does with some basic care and maintenance.
When installing a sink in a damp basement or garage you also have to consider mold and mildew resistance. This is a big reason why ceramic isn't a good choice for utility sinks since they're prone to mildew. Stainless and plastic are both non-porous so mold and mildew usually aren't an issue, but if you do see it forming, a quick wipe down with an ammonia or bleach based cleaner will take care of it.
Another important thing to consider is whether or not you need a wall mounted or free standing sink. The free standing sinks are much more durable, since they support themselves, which is great if you do heavy duty cleaning. Wall mounted sinks take up less overall space and don't have legs to trip over.
Upgrading your utility sink is an easy way to improve the function of your home without spending a lot of money. They are also easy to install for the DIY homeowner. This makes it the perfect weekend project now that you know how to choose the perfect one!