Trough sinks have become a very popular choice in a wide variety of commercial and residential settings due to their unique design and practicality. These elongated, rectangular basin-style sinks offer a range of benefits in terms of both functionality and sleek, modern aesthetics.
In this guide, we explore the different types of trough sinks available, the materials used in their construction, the diverse applications in which they are commonly found, and why Solid Surface is the premier choice for bespoke wash troughs.
What Are Trough Sinks?
A trough sink is a long, narrow basin typically characterised by its continuous rectangular shape. This design allows multiple users to access the sink simultaneously, making it a highly practical and space-saving choice in busy environments. The concept of trough sinks dates back in part to the utilitarian designs of industrial and commercial washrooms, where efficiency, traffic flow, and durability are crucial.
Different Types of Trough Sinks
- Standard Trough Sink: Features a single, elongated basin suitable for compact washrooms or utility areas.
- Multi-User Trough Sink with Multiple Taps: Equipped with two, three, or more wall-mounted or deck-mounted taps, allowing concurrent use by multiple people at the same time without crowding.
- Bespoke & Sloped-Base Trough Sinks: Custom-manufactured to your exact alcove dimensions, with hidden slot drains, integrated splashbacks, or concealed plumbing access panels.
What Are Trough Sinks Made From?
Trough sinks are crafted from various materials, each offering distinct advantages depending on the environment:
- Solid Surface (Corian®, HIMACS, Hanex, Durasein, Durat, Staron): A stone-hard composite material known for its durability and completely seamless appearance. Solid Surface is ideal for trough sinks because it is 100% non-porous, watertight, and stain-resistant, as well as being available in hundreds of colours (including vibrant recycled finishes like Durat).
- Stainless Steel: Resistant to corrosion and functional for industrial or back-of-house areas, though it carries a cold, institutional look and shows watermarks easily.
- Concrete: Provides a contemporary, heavy industrial aesthetic, though it is porous, very heavy to support structurally, and requires ongoing sealing.
Where Are Trough Sinks Frequently Used?
- Schools, Nurseries & Universities: Trough sinks maximise limited washroom space in communal student areas and withstand heavy daily knocks.
- Offices, Museums, Galleries & Train Stations: Public and corporate restrooms frequently specify Solid Surface trough sinks to accommodate high visitor footfall while elevating the washroom aesthetic.
- Restaurants, Bars & Hospitality: Used both in commercial kitchens to accommodate multiple staff members during busy shifts and in front-of-house guest washrooms as a statement design feature.
- Residential Family Bathrooms: Increasingly used in modern family bathrooms with double taps as a sleek, space-saving alternative to twin ceramic basins.
10 Key Benefits of Choosing Solid Surface for Trough Sinks
- Monolithic & Homogeneous Appearance: Joined with colour-matched adhesives so there are no visible seams or silicone joints to trap grime.
- Hygienic & Non-Porous: Completely watertight and resistant to bacteria, mould, and staining.
- Easier to Clean & Maintain: Wipes down effortlessly with standard commercial or household cleaners.
- Space-Saving Efficiency: Accommodates multiple users in a smaller linear footprint than separate individual basins.
- Conceals Pipework & Plumbing: Can be fabricated with deep front aprons or removable access panels to hide traps and waste pipes neatly.
- Minimises Splashes: Can be custom-formed deeper than traditional shallow basins so water stays contained within the unit.
- Reduced Risk of Flooding: Continuous slot drainage prevents the basin from overfilling.
- Repairable On-Site: Unlike ceramic or concrete, accidental scratches or marks can be sanded and buffed out in situ.
- Bespoke Millimetre-Perfect Sizing: Handcrafted to fit wall-to-wall into awkward washroom recesses with zero dead space.
- 100% Silica-Free Safety: Manufactured and installed safely with zero crystalline silica.
What Does a Solid Surface Trough Sink Cost?
Because every Solid Surface trough sink we produce is handcrafted and bespoke to your exact project dimensions, there is no single flat "ballpark" price. Costs vary depending on the overall length and depth of the trough, the brand and colour tier chosen, and whether you require integrated coved upstands or vanity under-frames.
Have a washroom project coming up? Call the BSF Solid Surfaces team on 01277 263603 or email info@bsfsolidsurfaces.com for technical advice, free samples, or a fast bespoke quotation.