A drainboard is a ribbed or slightly sloped stainless steel surface beside a sink where dishes, glasses and pans sit to drain and air dry. Water runs off the board into the sink or into the board’s own drain instead of onto the floor.
Next to the bar sink, a stainless steel bar drainboard gives glasses a place to drain.
How a drainboard works
The surface is pitched toward a drain point. Raised edges keep water on the board, and a backsplash at the rear protects the wall. Many boards are corrugated, which means the surface has ridges. The ridges lift glasses and pans off the wet metal so air can get underneath and water can run away.
Why it matters for food safety
The FDA Food Code says that after cleaning and sanitizing, equipment and utensils shall be air dried or used after adequate draining, and shall not be cloth dried. It also says drainboards, utensil racks or tables have to be provided, large enough for the soiled and cleaned items that build up during hours of operation. We read both rules today in Virginia’s food regulations, which reproduce the Food Code text. The local health department has the final say on how much space it wants to see.
In practice that means two landing areas at a dish sink: one for dirty items waiting to be washed and one for sanitized items drying. They should not be the same surface.
Drainboards built into a sink
Many compartment sinks have a drainboard welded to one or both ends. A few examples from our own range:
- The 90 by 24 inch three compartment sink has three 18 by 18 by 12 inch bowls and a drainboard on each end.
- The three compartment sink with right drainboard has one board, on the right.
- Our prep and utility sinks are offered with one or two bowls and a left, right or double drainboard.
The same bowls without drainboards take much less wall. Our three compartment sink with three 18 by 18 by 12 inch bowls and no drainboards is 59 inches long, against 90 inches with a board on each end. If you choose the shorter sink, you still need somewhere for items to drain, such as a dishtable or a wall rack.
Underbar drainboards
Behind a bar, a drainboard is a separate freestanding piece in the underbar run. Washed glasses are set on it upside down to drain, often in a glass rack.
Our underbar drainboard is 20 gauge type 304 stainless steel with a corrugated top, a 3 inch backsplash and a 9.5 inch apron. It stands on galvanized legs with adjustable bullet feet, has a 30 inch working height, and includes a 1 by 1.5 inch IPS drain. It comes in ten sizes. The depth is 18 or 22 inches and the length runs from 12 to 48 inches. On that page the first number in the size is the depth and the second is the length.
A recessed underbar drainboard has a lowered well with a perforated board that lifts out for cleaning. It keeps water and glasses contained on a crowded bar.
Left, right or both
Decide the direction of work before you choose a side. Dirty items should move one way: scrape, wash, rinse, sanitize, then drain. The drainboard for clean items goes at the end of that line, next to the sanitizing bowl. If dirty dishes arrive from the right, the clean board is on the left, and the other way round. With only one board, common practice is to give it to the clean side and use a table or cart for the dirty side.
Choosing a size
- Length. Count what has to dry at your busiest time. A board the length of one dish rack holds one rack.
- Depth. Match the depth of the sink or the underbar pieces beside it so the fronts line up.
- Wall space. Add the board lengths to the bowl section and check the total against the wall, including door swings.
Installation and care
A drainboard that is part of a sink is levelled with the sink so that it falls slightly toward the bowls. A separate underbar drainboard has its own drain, and many plumbing codes want that drain to empty through an air gap into a floor sink. Have a licensed plumber make the connection and confirm it against local code.
Wipe and sanitize the board at the end of each shift and keep the drain opening clear. Avoid steel wool, which leaves particles that rust on the surface.
Mistakes to avoid
- Stacking wet items flat on a smooth table instead of a ribbed board or rack.
- Using the clean drainboard as a parking place for dirty tubs.
- Drying with a cloth to save space.
- Ordering a board deeper or shallower than the sink beside it.
Buying from Express KitchQuip
Our stainless steel sinks and underbar drainboards are NSF certified. Freight to the 48 contiguous states is included in the price, non-powered items can be returned within 14 days, and lease-to-own financing is offered on items from 500 dollars.
Frequently asked questions
Is a drainboard required on a three compartment sink?
The Food Code requires drainboards, utensil racks or tables large enough for soiled and clean items. A built-in drainboard is the usual way to meet that, but your health department decides what it accepts.
What is the difference between a drainboard and a dishtable?
A drainboard is attached to a sink or stands alone in a bar run. A dishtable is a larger table that connects to a dish machine or sink and is sized for dish racks.
Why is a drainboard corrugated?
The ridges hold items off the wet surface so air circulates and water runs to the drain.
Can I add a drainboard to a sink I already own?
You can stand a separate drainboard or table beside it. Match the depth and height, and make sure water has a way to drain.
Next steps
For bars, see underbar drainboards. For kitchens, see three compartment sinks and two compartment sinks with boards attached.
Models in this guide at a glance
The models linked above are listed here with the main points from each product page, so you can compare them side by side before opening the full listings.
S3C-181812-RL-NF 90″ x 24″ Stainless Steel 3 Compartment Prep (model S3C-181812-RL-NF)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- 90″ x 24″ commercial stainless steel prep and utility sink with three 18″ x 18″ x 12″ bowls and double drainboards.
- A practical solution for washing, rinsing, sanitizing, and drying in busy foodservice kitchens.
XS3C-1416-R Three Compartment Commercial Sink (model XS3C-1416-R)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Three Deep Bowls: Allows for a complete three-step dishwashing process (Wash, Rinse, Sanitize).
- Integrated Right Drainboard: Provides extra utility space for stacking clean dishes or food preparation.
- Durable Stainless Steel: Built for longevity and high resistance to rust and daily wear.
S1C-181812-L-NF 39″ x 24″ Stainless Steel Prep & Utility Sink (model S1C-181812-L-NF)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- One compartment stainless steel sink measuring 39″ x 24″ with left drainboard and an 18″ x 18″ x 12″ bowl.
- Ideal for commercial kitchens, prep areas, laundry, and utility use.
Express KitchQuip Underbar Drainboard – 20-Gauge Type 304 Stainless Steel with 3″ Backsplash, NSF Certified (model EKQ-UD3S)
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Commercial underbar drainboard in 20-gauge Type 304 stainless steel with a corrugated top, 3″ backsplash and 9.
- Galvanized legs with adjustable bullet feet, H-brace, and a 1″ x 1.
- 5″ IPS drain included.
Recessed Underbar Drainboard with 3″ Backsplash – 304 Stainless Steel Bar Drain Station NSF
- Brand: Express KitchQuip
- Recessed Underbar Drainboard built from durable 304 stainless steel with a removable perforated drainboard, 3″ backsplash, and side splashes.
- Designed for busy bars and restaurants, this NSF certified unit provides efficient glass drying, spill containment, and long-lasting commercial performance.
Before you order
- Measure the space and every doorway on the delivery path, and compare them with the dimensions on each product page.
- Check the spec sheet for power, gas or water requirements and match them to what your building has.
- Compare capacity with your busiest day rather than your average day.
- Read the warranty terms for the brand before you order.
Delivery, warranty and payment
- Delivery: delivery within the continental US is included in the price on the product page, and freight orders include liftgate service.
- Warranty: each product carries its manufacturer warranty. Terms by brand are on our warranty page.
- Financing: lease-to-own financing through Clicklease is offered on items of $500 and up. See how financing works.
- Quotes: buying for a business and need a written quote? Call +1-877-558-2253 or use our contact page.
Not sure which model fits?
Call +1-877-558-2253 with your space, power supply and daily volume, and we will help you narrow it down.