Creating A Nice Mess
In 2014, one of the first things I did at the Cross House was to create a work room in the basement, under the dining room.
Shelves were built along the west wall, a fiberglass slop sink was installed along the south wall, and a 4×16-long work table was built down the middle of the room.
All this has proved a godsend over the years.
Recently though, I replaced the bright lights with even brighter lighting: two 2-bulb LED fixtures over the work table, and one 1-bulb along the west wall. The fixtures are inexpensive ($16 and $28) and BRIGHT.
Maxlite SL Series 47 in. 1-Light 23 watt LED Shop Light SL-48231-50
MaxLite SL Series 48 in. 2-Light lights 42 watt LED Shop Light
I’ve always hated the cheap plastic slop sink. It was too low, could not be cleaned (oh, the horror), and was awkwardly placed right next to the entry door.
I had the ideal sink stored away: heavy-duty porcelain on cast-iron with double sinks and double drainboards. The ideal sink for a kitchen or a workroom.
But, where to put it?
By removing a section of the 2014 shelves, space could be created for the 60-inch-wide sink, and there was a drain line…
…already in place!!!!!!!! The toilet drain is from the 1950 motel conversion. The new cabinet will cover it. Hot/cold PEX lines were installed behind the extant shelving. (To the left of the drain is where the bathroom sink was, and in the foreground you can see the tub outline.)
Wanna see the results?
Click here:
In a stroke of brilliance, I added a mirror above the sink to add some glamour, darling to an otherwise very rough space, and the mirror reflects the east window, behind. Nice. So, I have a ‘window’ view.
The new sink will take any abuse thrown at it, AND still be cleanable.
Ross happy.
Soon, I will be stripping the radiator pipes along the ceiling and repainting them in high-gloss black. I’ve already removed every unnecessary nail from the ceiling joists. Justin will also be taking down the non-working ceiling radiator. Oh, and I vacuumed up all the cobwebs.
The two windows were restored a while back, and I keep them clean. They are not large but let in a surprising amount of light, and they keep the very large room from feeling like a cave.
Having a good work room is, IMO, an absolute requirement for any long-term restoration project. And, even houses in good order should have a nice work room. It is nice to have a place to make a mess.
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Indeed! Now, if only I could keep mine clean…..the work table does seem to fill up over time.
Am I the only one that can’t view it (says the encoded video is not supported) ? Bummer 🙁
I got the same message Laurie. Bummer indeed.
Hi, Laurie!
Humm, I don’t understand why it would work for me and others, but not for everybody.
What browser are you using? I always keep two browser windows open: Safari and Chrome. Sometimes, if something doesn’t work in one, it will work in the other.
Ross
I use Chrome. Will try again later. Thx
It didn’t work for me at 1st, tried a 2nd time and opened in browser to pictures, worked just fine.
SQUEE!!!!!!!!
This is just great!
Good lighting is so imperative in a workroom. The double sink & double drain boards is just great!
That looks awesome! It is so bright down there!
Oh, man. I have been looking for a sink like that for when and if I ever have a chance to remodel my parent’s kitchen.
Damn. You’re good.
And yes. A good workspace is absolutely necessary. If you can add a bit of glamour, all the better.
Deep non-plastic sinks. Why, yes, please!