Small Kitchen Base Cabinet With Sink

Having limited space for a kitchen sink can present challenges when designing your kitchen layout. Small kitchens require creative solutions to fit in essential appliances and storage while maintaining a functional workflow. An excellent option for compact kitchens is installing a narrow small kitchen sink base cabinet to hold your sink and maximize your available area.

A small kitchen sink base cabinet provides a slim storage piece that can accommodate a modestly sized sink. Measuring anywhere from 12-24 inches wide, these petite cabinets are perfect for squeezing into tiny kitchen spaces that cannot facilitate a standard 30-36 inch sink base.

Defining A Small Kitchen Sink Base Cabinet

What constitutes a small kitchen sink base cabinet? Generally, most standard kitchen sink base cabinets measure 30-36 inches wide to accompany larger double bowl sinks. By contrast, a small kitchen sink base cabinet has narrower dimensions:

• Width: Typically 12, 18, or 24 inches wide
• Depth: Usually between 20-24 inches deep
• Height: Standard kitchen cabinet height of 34 1/2 inches tall

The narrow width allows a small sink base cabinet to fit in compact kitchen spaces of 25 inches or less. These diminutive cabinets come in standard cabinet construction with solid hardwood frames and a variety of durable finishes. Popular options include natural wood tones, painted colors, or laminates.

Advantages Over Full-Size Base Cabinets

What are the benefits of a smaller sink base cabinet? They offer several advantages:

• Fits in narrow kitchen spaces other cabinets cannot
• Allows room for sink and faucet functionality
• Provides specialized storage for cleaning items
• Less expensive than full-width cabinets
• Can be used as a secondary prep or bar sink

Maximizing Narrow Spaces Beneath the Sink

While diminutive in size, small kitchen sink base cabinets offer versatile storage options. Pull-out trays allow access to items at the back of the cabinet. Drawers maximize vertical storage space compared to standard cabinet doors. Additional organizational features include:

• Adjustable shelves
• Waste bin pull-out compartments
• Tilt-out trays for small items
• Integrated slide racks for cleaning supplies
• Spice storage drawers
• Angled cabinet corners to access all space

Selecting The Right Size

Available small kitchen sink base cabinet widths generally include 12, 15, 18, 21, and 24-inch sizes. Choosing the optimal width depends on:

Measuring Available Space

First, precisely measure the vacant space in your countertop to determine the maximum cabinet width possible. Remember to account for:

• Sink bowl dimensions
• Faucet size and location
• Side cabinet clearances
• Plumbing and electrical access behind the cabinet

Accommodating Single vs Double Basin Sinks

If possible, opt for a single bowl sink instead of a double basin version to maximize functional area. However, some small base sink cabinets can even fit compact double sinks. Sink selection depends on family size, cooking frequency, entertaining needs and cleanup preferences.

Sink Base Cabinet Width Options

Available small kitchen sink base cabinet widths include:

• 12-inch: Extremely compact cabinet for tiny sinks and faucets with minimal storage
• 15-inch: Allows a modest single bowl sink with some storage capacity
• 18-inches: Fits a medium single bowl sink or small double sink
• 21-inches: Accommodates most double basin sinks
• 24-inches: Ideal double sink capacity with good storage

Design And Storage Considerations

Specialized small kitchen sink base cabinets allow you to tailor the storage design to your specific needs. Consider what will be kept inside the cabinet to maximize functionality.

Door Styles: Drawers vs Cabinet Doors

Assess whether you need cabinet doors or prefer full-extension drawers for storage access. Drawers provide ease of use compared to doors. However, doors allow customized storage configurations.

Integrating Pull-Out Trash And Recycling Bins

Specialized cabinet pull-outs allow neat integration of waste bins directly into the small sink base cabinet for a streamlined look.

Installing Internal Organizers And Slide-Out Trays

To efficiently use every inch of narrow cupboard space, install pull-out trays, configurable shelves and slide out storage racks specifically sized to your small sink base cabinet interior.

Creative Ideas For Extra Storage

If your tiny kitchen lacks sufficient storage, get creative with your specialized small sink base cabinet. Some innovative ideas include:

• Spice storage drawers
• Angled cabinet corners
• Tilt-down racks behind doors
• Vertical divided utensil storage

Material And Durability Factors

Carefully consider your material options when selecting a petite sized sink base cabinet. Durability is essential since sinks endure heavy daily use and inevitable water exposure.

Comparison Of Cabinet Materials

Small kitchen sink base cabinets are constructed using either wood, laminate or metal:

• Wood - Classic material provides customization options from staining to painted finishes. Oak, maple and cherry are common woods used.
• Laminate - Most affordable option with moisture-resistant melamine or thermally fused laminate surfaces.
• Metal - Stainless steel provides a modern look, with coated steel and galvanized metal as very durable alternatives.

Importance Of Water-Resistant Finish

Since sinks endure near-constant water contact, select a small kitchen sink base cabinet with highly water-resistant finish. Metal or thermally fused laminate cabinets provide impervious protection.

Hardware And Hinge Reinforcement

Hardware consists of cabinet door and drawer pulls, hinges, shelves and storage accessories. Opt for corrosion-resistant hardware equipped for heavy usage. Additionally, install reinforced hinges on cabinet doors supporting heavyweight sinks.

Customization To Increase Strength

For added durability, customize the sink base cabinet structure by incorporating plywood side panels and hardwood frames, increasing structural integrity.

Sink And Faucet Compatibility

When selecting a petite-sized sink base cabinet, ensure complete coordination with your desired sink and faucet choices. Carefully check sink and faucet dimensions against your available small cabinet width.

Allowing Room For Sink Bowl And Faucet

Measure the precise width and depth of your selected sink to ensure an exact fit within the sink base cabinet. Also confirm adequate clearance for any faucet model, accounting for handle length and arm reach.

Coordinating Cabinet Size To Sink Width

Match your ideal sink width to the properly sized base cabinet, ensuring several inches leeway between the sink and interior cabinet walls. This allows plumbing modifications if needed.

Cutting Countertop Hole For Sink Basin

When installing the countertop, carefully measure and cut an accurate hole size for your selected sink model. Precise measurements are essential to prevent cracking or gaps.