Vintage Farmhouse Sink with a Drainboard + Tips
A vintage farmhouse sink with a drainboard is beautiful and incredibly functional, especially in our 1885 home. If you’re anything like me, you’ve probably swooned over these charming sinks before.
They’ve become increasingly popular over the years, and for good reason! I’ve always dreamed of having a vintage farmhouse sink in my kitchen, and that dream has finally come true.
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Post Updated from September 23, 2021
- A vintage farmhouse sink with a drainboard is beautiful and incredibly functional, especially in our 1885 home. If you're anything like me, you’ve probably swooned over these charming sinks before.
- Why the Kitchen Layout Didn’t Work
- Staying on Budget
- A Dream Find
- Can You Guess the Price?
- The Restoration Process
- Installation Hiccups
- Choosing the Right Faucet
- Seeing It All Come Together
- How to Care for and Restore a Vintage Farmhouse Sink With Drainboard
- Where to Buy a Vintage Farmhouse Sink with a Drainboard
- More Kitchen Tips You'll Love
- Final Thoughts
- Looking for Delicious breakfast recipes?
Why the Kitchen Layout Didn’t Work
When we bought our home in 2018, we knew we’d eventually renovate the kitchen. While the space wasn’t bad, the sink placement was awkward and not functional. There was hardly any counter space next to it, just a tiny area between the sink and the stove.
To make matters worse, we had a very small dishwasher crammed between the two. We had to run it multiple times a day until it eventually leaked. Rather than spend money fixing it, we decided to hand-wash dishes until ready for a proper upgrade. (Looking back, yes—it was ridiculous!)
The other side of the sink opened directly into the laundry room. Not ideal, but we made it work while saving up for a renovation.
Staying on Budget
We wanted to be smart about our renovation and not go into debt, so we tackled our kitchen projects step-by-step. The first upgrade? The sink.
After searching for a few months on the Facebook Marketplace and reaching out to salvage yards, I finally scored the perfect vintage farmhouse kitchen sink with a drainboard—built in the 1950s!
A Dream Find
One evening while browsing the marketplace (looking for something else entirely), I stumbled across a listing for a vintage porcelain kitchen sink with a drainboard and cabinet that had only been up for a few hours. I didn’t even wait to ask my husband—I messaged the seller immediately. That night, we made the 40-minute drive and brought home my dream sink.
Can You Guess the Price?
Are you sitting down? We paid only $75 for the sink and the cabinet! I couldn’t believe it either. It was in fantastic condition—just a little dirty with minor rust spots.
The Restoration Process
Once we got it home (and muscled that heavy thing inside), we stored it in our laundry room for about two weeks. That gave us time to clean and restore it while waiting for our plumber.
My husband sanded the rust spots, and we used a white spray paint with primer to seal and protect those areas. Once it dried, it looked good as new.
Installation Hiccups
As with most old homes, nothing is ever easy. We had a few minor complications during installation:
- Mold issue – When we removed the old sink, we found a bit of mold due to a small leak. Thankfully, it was minor. We treated it and fixed the leak.
- Water filter placement – We wanted to add a water filter, and while it wasn’t a big issue, it required some tweaking.
- Leaning faucet – The faucet tilted forward, which was very noticeable. Our plumber braced it with shims under the sink, which did the trick!
Choosing the Right Faucet
I wanted something that matched the vintage charm of the sink but still felt elegant. I saw a similar sink on Instagram at @tinyhouseontenby and loved her faucet. She was kind enough to share the Amazon link with me!
We chose a satin nickel faucet, and we were both impressed once it arrived. It was sturdy, well-made, and completed the look perfectly.
Seeing It All Come Together
Now that our vintage cast iron kitchen sink with a drainboard is installed, it feels like it’s always belonged in our home. It’s added so much character and vintage charm. The ample drying space on the drainboard has been a game changer, and I love how it reflects the era of our home.
A farmhouse sink, or apron-front sink, is a deep, wide sink with an exposed front panel. It was traditionally used in rural homes and designed for heavy-duty use like washing large pots, pans, or laundry. Many vintage models also feature a built-in drainboard, making them a drainboard sink that offers both functionality and old-fashioned charm.
Yes! However, you may need to adjust your cabinet and countertop layout to accommodate the size and weight. Vintage sinks are especially heavy and require sturdy support.
Absolutely! They add functionality, ample workspace, and timeless charm. Whether renovating a historic home or adding character to a modern kitchen, adding an antique farmhouse sink is an investment.
Vintage porcelain and cast iron sinks can chip if heavy items are dropped into them. However, with care, they can last for decades. Some homeowners also choose to refinish them if needed.
How to Care for and Restore a Vintage Farmhouse Sink With Drainboard
Clean Gently But Regularly
To maintain the shine and prevent stains, clean your sink daily with a soft sponge and a mild cleaner like dish soap or baking soda. Avoid abrasive pads or harsh chemicals, especially if the sink has a porcelain or enamel coating, as these can scratch or dull the finish.
Remove Rust Spots Safely
If you notice minor rust on a vintage cast iron farmhouse sink, use a rust remover formulated for porcelain or metal surfaces—or a homemade paste of baking soda and vinegar. Gently scrub with a non-scratch pad. For more stubborn spots, fine-grade steel wool can help, but test in an inconspicuous area first.
Touch Up with Appliance Epoxy Paint
Small chips or worn areas on a vintage porcelain kitchen sink with drainboard can be touched up with appliance epoxy paint. Choose a shade that closely matches your sink (typically white) and follow the product’s drying and curing instructions for a seamless finish. This protects against further rust and wear.
Dry the Sink After Each Use
Although vintage sinks were built to last, standing water can lead to rust, staining, or even mold around seals or seams. After washing dishes, wipe down the sink and drainboard, including the faucet with a soft cloth or towel to keep it dry and looking its best.
Where to Buy a Vintage Farmhouse Sink with a Drainboard
If you’re searching for a vintage kitchen sink with a double drainboard, be patient—these gems are worth the wait!
You can find them on:
- Facebook Marketplace
- Architectural salvage yards
- Antique shops
- Specialty online retailers
More Kitchen Tips You’ll Love
Making Your Kitchen A Space That Works For The Family
11 Ways to Update Your Kitchen Without Remodeling
How to Maintain a Vintage Sink
Final Thoughts
Don’t give up if you’re dreaming of a vintage farmhouse sink with a drainboard! It took me a couple of months and some luck, but it was worth it. Our vintage sink has transformed our space, adding character, charm, and practicality.
Have questions about vintage sinks or restoring old kitchen pieces? Let me know in the comments or send me a message. I love chatting about all things old and charming!
Looking for Delicious breakfast recipes?
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If you want to follow along on our home restoration/renovation plans and all of our exciting antique & thrift finds, be sure to check out Linen and Wildflowers on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest! And don’t forget to sign up for our newsletter to receive updates.
I’ve never had a vintage sink, but that’s a great improvement Dusty! Having no space to either side of the sink would have driven me nuts! I love the faucet you chose as well.
That is beautiful! I also have one of these sinks, but it’s double basin with both drainboards. It’s not in as good condition as yours, but it’s functional and original to the house when it was built. That is such a great deal and looks so gorgeous in your kitchen!!
I love it too. Had one when I was growing up, who would think that a sink of all things would bring back great memories. Nice work Dusty.
Well, aren’t you a Gem my sweet husband! haha Thank you 🙂
I love the sink. And the faucet goes well with it.
I have a double drain board sink ready to go into the cabin we are building. I’m looking forward to using it someday soon!
I love your house. Looks very cozy!
Thank you so much!
So pretty! I’m interested in having one of these in the future; they’re gorgeous and so functional. Could you tell me how the painting/restoring job has held up over time?
Thank you so much! They are so functional. The paint job held up very well, wvern after couple of years. I was truly impressed.