Which Base Units Work Best with Belfast Sinks?
Belfast sinks have become a centrepiece in traditional and modern farmhouse kitchens alike. But a Belfast sink needs the right base unit—both for practical support and aesthetic harmony. Whether you're planning a new kitchen or retrofitting a sink into an existing space, choosing the best Belfast sink base unit is essential.
Below, we guide you through the ideal base unit types, share insider tips, and help you avoid common mistakes—based on decades of real-world kitchen fitting experience.
Why You Can’t Use Just Any Unit
- Structural support is essential—especially with fireclay and ceramic sinks.
- Cabinet cut-outs often need to be tailored around the sink's apron front.
- You’ll want access for waste traps and plumbing underneath.
Recommended Base Units for Belfast Sinks
1. Traditional Belfast Sink Base Unit
Our most popular option—specially designed to house Belfast sinks. These units come with:
- Reinforced supports for weight
- Pre-cut options for standard sink widths
- Timeless detailing in shaker or in-frame styles
Explore Belfast Sink Base Units →
2. Butler Sink Units
Butler sinks are often confused with Belfast sinks (we explain the difference here), but both fit similar units. Our butler sink units offer:
- Shallower height cut-outs
- Matching drawer fascias or dummy drawer fronts
- Seamless fit with both sink types
3. Bespoke Sink Cabinets for Small Spaces
Not every kitchen has room for a wide sink base. Our bespoke options allow for:
- Narrower widths
- Creative corner solutions
- Integrated waste storage
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using a standard base unit: They aren’t strong enough and often don’t accommodate the apron.
- Forgetting the waste trap height: Belfast sinks sit lower—plan waste clearance carefully.
- Not aligning the sink with the worktop run: This can ruin the flow of a carefully crafted design.
Top Search Questions Answered
- Do you need a special unit for a Belfast sink?
- Yes. Belfast sinks are too heavy and deep for standard units.
- Can you retrofit a Belfast sink into an existing kitchen?
- Sometimes—if the worktop and unit can be modified, and you allow for plumbing.
- What’s the difference between a Belfast and Butler sink?
- Read our full guide here, but the short version is: Belfast sinks have an overflow, Butler sinks don’t—and are usually shallower.
Our Experience with Belfast Sinks
At Painted Kitchen Company, we’ve fitted over 400 Belfast sinks in real customer kitchens. We know what works—and we’ve helped customers avoid costly mistakes by guiding them through cabinet planning early.
If you’d like advice, or want to talk about fitting a Belfast sink in your own kitchen, get in touch here. We’re always happy to help.
Explore Our Range of Belfast Sink Base Units
