Kitchen Design
How to Choose the Right Depth for Your Kitchen Sink
Avoid an achy back, a sore neck and messy countertops with a sink depth that works for you
Maybe it’s because I spent several years living in Texas, but I tend to think bigger is often better. This is especially true when it comes to my kitchen sink. I prefer a wide sink for the ample space it offers for food prep and cleanup. But what about bowl depth? Sure, an extra-deep sink is good for hiding dirty dishes, but it can also do a number on your back, especially if you are on the shorter side.
Kitchen sinks have been steadily growing in bowl depth. Most sinks used to be as shallow as 6 inches or less. The average today is 8 to 10 inches, and they can go as deep as 12 inches. So if you repurpose a vintage sink, such as the one pictured above, keep in mind it will likely be on the shallow side. If you are purchasing new, you have options for bowl depth.
1. When to Go Shallow
A shallow bowl depth — say, less than 8 inches — is going to be the most comfortable bowl depth for those who are 5 feet, 4 inches or shorter, or who are very tall (6 feet, 2 inches or taller). A shallower bowl depth allows a shorter person to work in the sink without having to lean into it to wash items in the bottom. Taller folks can work in a shallower sink without having to crouch down or hunch over.
Work with a pro to select the right sink for your kitchen
A shallow bowl depth — say, less than 8 inches — is going to be the most comfortable bowl depth for those who are 5 feet, 4 inches or shorter, or who are very tall (6 feet, 2 inches or taller). A shallower bowl depth allows a shorter person to work in the sink without having to lean into it to wash items in the bottom. Taller folks can work in a shallower sink without having to crouch down or hunch over.
Work with a pro to select the right sink for your kitchen
Shallow sinks also take up less space in the sink cabinet below them. Not only does this free up storage space, it also makes it easier to install and access the garbage disposal and the plumbing fittings. Shallow sinks also tend to cost a bit less than deeper versions.
A shallow sink is best for those who tend to hand-wash smaller everyday items and would have to lean into or hunch down over a deep sink for long periods.
Shop for a kitchen sink
A shallow sink is best for those who tend to hand-wash smaller everyday items and would have to lean into or hunch down over a deep sink for long periods.
Shop for a kitchen sink
2. When to Go Deep
For those who, like me, seem to dirty every dish in the house when making a meal, a super deep sink is ideal. You have plenty of space for prepping meals, and in a pinch you can hide your dirty dishes in there until you are able to wash them. This is also a nice sink for bakers or others who are regularly washing large sheet pans and cutting boards.
For those who, like me, seem to dirty every dish in the house when making a meal, a super deep sink is ideal. You have plenty of space for prepping meals, and in a pinch you can hide your dirty dishes in there until you are able to wash them. This is also a nice sink for bakers or others who are regularly washing large sheet pans and cutting boards.
A sink depth of at least 10 inches will give you the room you need to wash larger dishes without splashing water all over the floor and surrounding countertops.
Keep in mind that if you are going with an undermount sink, you will gain the additional depth of the countertop thickness. You can offset this, however, by using a raised sink grid, as shown here.
A deep sink is best for those who tend to use their dishwasher to clean most dishes but have large items they need to wash by hand.
Keep in mind that if you are going with an undermount sink, you will gain the additional depth of the countertop thickness. You can offset this, however, by using a raised sink grid, as shown here.
A deep sink is best for those who tend to use their dishwasher to clean most dishes but have large items they need to wash by hand.
3. Go Deep and Shallow
If space and budget allow, consider installing two sinks with different bowl depths. A larger, deeper sink can be used for hand-washing oversize items, and a more shallow sink provides an ergonomic option for those who find a deep sink uncomfortable to use for long periods.
If space and budget allow, consider installing two sinks with different bowl depths. A larger, deeper sink can be used for hand-washing oversize items, and a more shallow sink provides an ergonomic option for those who find a deep sink uncomfortable to use for long periods.
4. Countertop Height
You can make a deeper sink more comfortable for shorter users — or accessible for those in a wheelchair — by lowering the countertop it’s installed in a few inches from the standard 36-inch height. For wheelchair access, be sure to keep clearance under the cabinet.
Similarly, you can raise the countertop height to make the sink more comfortable for taller users. Just be aware of the domino effect of raising or lowering countertops, such as accommodating appliances, and how it might affect future resale value.
You can make a deeper sink more comfortable for shorter users — or accessible for those in a wheelchair — by lowering the countertop it’s installed in a few inches from the standard 36-inch height. For wheelchair access, be sure to keep clearance under the cabinet.
Similarly, you can raise the countertop height to make the sink more comfortable for taller users. Just be aware of the domino effect of raising or lowering countertops, such as accommodating appliances, and how it might affect future resale value.
5. Try One On for Size
When selecting your kitchen sink bowl depth, it’s all about finding one that’s just right for your height and how you use your sink. If you can, check out kitchen showrooms that have a variety of sink sizes on display — mounted at the standard 36-inch countertop height — to see what sink depth feels most comfortable.
Tell us: What’s the most comfortable sink setup for you? Share in the Comments.
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When selecting your kitchen sink bowl depth, it’s all about finding one that’s just right for your height and how you use your sink. If you can, check out kitchen showrooms that have a variety of sink sizes on display — mounted at the standard 36-inch countertop height — to see what sink depth feels most comfortable.
Tell us: What’s the most comfortable sink setup for you? Share in the Comments.
More on Houzz
Read more kitchen stories
Browse kitchen photos
Hire a kitchen remodeler
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