There's just never enough countertop space in small kitchens, is there? One way around that is to get an over-the-sink cutting board, but integrated sink cutting boards are where it's really at. They both extend your work surface and act as a sink cover when needed (hide those dirty dishes!). If you've been lusting after this sink accessory, here's what you need to know to get one for yourself:

High-end sink manufacturers make these fully integrated sinks, of course, but they're expensive. The Stages Sink by Kohler ($1500) and the Blanco Multilevel sink ($970) come to mind, although the Ticor Undermount Basin Sink ($350) is a more affordable option. Depending on your sink manufacturer and model, you may be able to just buy a cutting board accessory for around $50 - $60. Houzer, Blanco, Elkay, and Kohler all offer cutting board accessories that fit their sinks.

But if you're unable to either purchase a sink/cutting board unit or your sink brand doesn't offer a cutting board accessory, you can make your own! Chris Jones from Before & After Brookside offers a look at how he made a custom farmhouse sink cutting board. Otherwise, a countertop fabricator or woodworker should be able to make one for you. Key things to remember: If you want the cutting board to be flush with the countertop, the sink will need to have a positive reveal. (See these diagrams from Blanco to understand reveals.) With a positive reveal, the lip of the cutting board will rest on the lip of the sink, almost or at the same height as the countertop. Otherwise, the cutting board will rest above the sink, as seen here.

Do you have an integrated cutting board for your sink? Did you buy it as an accessory, or did you make it?

Related: Over the Sink Cutting Boards

(Image: Before & After Brookside)