Old-Time Utility Sink
What was once the tub in an antique washing machine has found a new home as a mudroom sink.
I recently built an addition that includes a new mudroom. The home I grew up in had a double utility sink made of concrete in the basement, and I wanted something similar for the mudroom. The one that I found at an antique store would not fit, but at the same store I found a homemade double tub on wheels that looked like it had potential.
The white porcelain tubs were originally made for washing machines. They are approximately 24 in. dia. and 16 in. deep. I took the two tubs apart and ground out a larger hole in the bottom of one to fit a conventional sink drain. Because the tub had to be mounted, I built two narrow cabinets for a countertop to rest on. The countertop is plywood overlain with locally grown and milled ash; I finished it with four coats of water-based floor varnish. I built the countertop with a curved front to mimic the round tub. Using some boat-building skills, I laminated strips of ash on the front and rounded the edge. A bead of caulk around the rim and the weight of the tub keep it in place without the need to fasten it to the countertop. A wall-mounted faucet finishes the sink.
I am happy with the finished product, which ended up costing about $100 and took five or six hours of work. The depth of the sink is perfect for whatever I have to clean. When we have parties, we fill it with ice and put our Leinenkugel beer in it; the mudroom is just off the kitchen, so it is near enough for anyone to get a cold one. My daughter likes the idea so much that she is going to take the second tub and make a similar sink at her house.
Photo: Mike Dovichi
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