Absolutely — and in Sydney’s fast-evolving kitchen renovation scene, adding a second sink isn’t just a luxury anymore. It’s becoming one of those “once you have it, you wonder how you ever lived without it” upgrades. Think of it like having two lanes instead of one on Parramatta Road during peak hour. Suddenly, everything flows smoother, nobody crashes into each other, and life feels a little less chaotic.
Sydney homeowners are cooking more, entertaining more, and demanding better workflow. A second sink fits perfectly into that lifestyle. Whether you’re renovating a family kitchen in Ryde, reworking an entertainer’s layout in Mosman, or transforming a compact terrace home in Newtown, the question isn’t “Can I add a second sink?” — it’s “Where should I put it so it works like magic?”
Here’s everything you need to know.
Why are second sinks becoming so popular in Sydney kitchens?
Because Sydney kitchens are no longer just food factories — they’re social hubs, prep zones, coffee bars, cocktail stations, homework desks and sometimes even Zoom meeting backgrounds. One sink just doesn’t cut it anymore when the whole family treats the kitchen like Central Station.
A second sink offers:
1. Better workflow
No more elbow-fighting. One person washes veggies while the other deals with dishes. Harmony restored!
2. Cleaner food preparation
Raw chicken and salad greens no longer share the same sink. Your stomach says thank you.
3. Easier entertaining
Guests can top up drinks or rinse their glasses without entering the cooking battlefield.
4. More functional zones
Sydney designers love creating cooking zones, cleaning zones, bar zones and baking zones. A second sink is the anchor that makes zoning possible.
**Where should a second sink be installed?
Top Sydney kitchen layouts explained**
Here are the most popular placements, based on what’s trending in Sydney renovations right now:
1. In the Island Bench (The Entertainer’s Favourite)
If your kitchen has an island — whether in Pymble or Paddington — a prep sink on the island gives you the freedom to prep facing your guests instead of staring at a wall. It's perfect for families and entertainers.
Great for:
• Prep work
• Washing hands while cooking
• Rinsing produce
• Keeping kids away from the main sink chaos
2. Next to the Cooktop (The Chef’s Setup)
Some Sydney homeowners want a sink right where the action is. A compact prep sink beside the stove means you can drain pasta, wash utensils or rinse veg with zero walking.
Great for:
• Home chefs
• Busy families
• Compact kitchens
3. In the Butler’s Pantry (The ‘Hide the Mess’ Strategy)
Sydney loves butler’s pantries. A second sink here means dirty dishes disappear instantly. It’s like having backstage crew at a concert — chaos exists, but nobody sees it.
Great for:
• Big entertainers
• Open-plan kitchens
• Homes that love hosting parties
4. As a Dedicated Bar or Coffee Sink (The Lifestyle Upgrade)
If you’re into coffee, cocktails or kombucha brewing, a tiny sink in a bar nook saves you from trekking back and forth. It’s a small addition with huge convenience.
Great for:
• Cocktail stations
• Coffee corners
• Outdoor/indoor kitchens
What type of second sink should you choose?
You don’t want to install a giant farmhouse sink as your second sink — unless you enjoy wasted space and plumbing bills. Most second sinks are compact and purpose-driven.
Sydney favourites include:
1. Prep sinks (250–400mm wide)
Small but extremely useful. Ideal for islands and cooking zones.
2. Round bar sinks
Perfect for drinks stations and coffee nooks.
3. Stainless steel undermount sinks
Timeless, durable and hygienic — Sydney's most cost-effective choice.
4. Designer sinks (granite composite, gunmetal, brushed brass)
Aesthetic upgrade for premium kitchens in suburbs like Vaucluse, Hunters Hill or Kirribilli.
Do you need extra plumbing for a second sink in Sydney?
Yes — and this is where proper planning becomes important.
A second sink needs:
• Cold water
• Hot water (optional for bar sinks, but recommended)
• Waste connection
• Ventilation compliance (to prevent gurgling)
• Access for a licensed plumber — no DIY, unless you enjoy flooded kitchens and expensive lessons
In most homes, adding a second sink is straightforward, especially during a full kitchen renovation. Problems only arise when the island has a slab underneath or limited space for waste pipes — but in Sydney, experienced designers and trades have plenty of tricks to work around this.
Does a second sink increase resale value?
Absolutely — because it improves functionality dramatically.
Real estate agents in Sydney often highlight:
✔ Butler’s pantry with sink
✔ Island prep sink
✔ Bar or coffee sink
These features instantly elevate the kitchen from “standard” to “premium,” especially in homes $1.5M+.
A well-placed second sink signals luxury convenience, and Sydney buyers love anything that saves time and reduces household chaos.
How much does a second sink typically cost?
Here’s a breakdown (rough Sydney averages):
• Prep sink: $150–$400
• Tap: $120–$600
• Plumbing installation: $400–$1,200
• Stone cutting (if in island): $300–$600
• Cabinet modification: variable
Total: $1,000–$3,000 depending on placement and fittings.
Considering the daily convenience it adds, many Sydney homeowners see it as one of the highest value-for-money upgrades.
Who benefits most from installing a second sink?
This upgrade is especially helpful if you:
• Cook frequently
• Have kids
• Love entertaining
• Hate clutter
• Have an open-plan kitchen
• Have a butler’s pantry
• Share kitchen tasks with your partner
• Want a premium-style renovation without breaking the bank
If even one of these describes you, a second sink is worth considering.
Common mistakes to avoid
To get the full benefit, avoid these classic Sydney renovation errors:
• Installing a second sink too small to be useful
• Placing it too far from the main workflow
• Choosing a tap that splashes everywhere
• Forgetting bench space around the sink
• Not waterproofing properly
• Not planning drainage in an island early
A well-planned second sink feels like magic. A poorly planned one feels like a regret.
Final verdict — Should you add a second sink?
If your goal is to create a more functional, modern, entertaining-friendly Sydney kitchen, the answer is a big, enthusiastic yes. A second sink improves efficiency, improves hygiene, supports zoning, enhances entertaining, and boosts resale value.
In a busy city like Sydney, where kitchens are expected to work as hard as their owners, this upgrade delivers every day — quietly, efficiently, and without taking over your budget or space.
Visit www.mb9.com.au to find out more information about kitchen renovation, bathroom renovation and laundry room renovation services from MB9 Australia Pty Ltd.
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