If home renovation channels and shows are your guilty pleasure for the end of your day, you’ve probably seen interior designers talk up and incorporate farmhouse sinks into their clients’ kitchens. This super trendy sink fixture was constructed with practicality in mind with a large and deep singular basin to handle all kinds of washing, from dishes to food and even bathing. Regardless of your kitchen’s design, whether it’s Bohemian, Shabby Chic, Modern, or of course, Farmhouse, this popular farmhouse sink can go with anything (as you’ve seen on home improvement networks).
So, have you have fallen in love with the farmhouse sink craze and have one sitting in your online shopping cart but aren’t quite ready to hit that “checkout” button? Check out our guide for everything you need to know about this fixture, including our top picks and farmhouse sink pros and cons!
Take a Peek:
Pros & Cons of Farmhouse Sinks
What is a Farmhouse Sink?
As we mentioned, this highly coveted kitchen feature, also known as an apron front sink, was designed with practicality and functionality in mind. Born out of necessity, these sinks provided some households with a singular vessel to do all of their washing from dishes and food to baths and even laundry since carrying buckets of water into the house could be a tedious job. Unlike a traditional sink, farmhouse sink dimensions are much larger, deeper, and heavier in size with a single rectangular bowl instead of the standard two separate sections.
Additionally, with an exposed front-facing side, these durable drop-in sinks styles involve cutting away and replacing a portion of the counter and cabinetry under the sink. And now that you know what a farmhouse sink is, let’s take a look at what you can expect design-wise with this sink fixture!
Shop Farmhouse Kitchen Sink Deals Now
Types of Farmhouse Sinks
Farmhouse sinks come in a multitude of styles that fit a variety of homes and shapes. When it comes to choosing a sink, for most buyers it comes down to installation and design. This also determines how you plan to use your kitchen fixture, so picking the right style for you is super important.
Design Styles
Top-Mount: As a very popular style, top mounts are budget-friendly since this style doesn’t require leveling out your entire countertop. Top mount farmhouse sinks are installed above the counter, allowing for more cabinet space since the sink is installed directly on top of your existing countertop rather than removing the existing counter space.
Undermount: Unlike their counterpart, undermount farmhouse sinks are fitted from underneath the countertop, resulting in no “lip” over the top edge like top mounts. Although undermount is the most challenging installation, undermount sinks are leak-proof, make for easy counter clean-up, and are aesthetic-appealing since they don’t interrupt the line of the counter.
Drop-In: Drop-in farmhouse sinks are the most traditional configuration and are super easy to install since they “drop-in” to the counter cutout from above and have a rounded rim where the sink meets the countertop. Drop-in sinks are compatible with most counter materials and are reasonably priced for buyers looking to save while renovating.
Wall Mount: Last but not least, wall mount farmhouse sinks are growing in popularity and are the best option to preserve countertop space and provide an effortless clean-up with the sink’s faucet mounted on the wall above the basin.
Materials
Not only do you have farmhouse-style options, but you can also pick from a plethora of material choices that work for your aesthetic and budget.
Fireclay: Fireclay farmhouse sinks are molded ceramic sinks glazed and fired at extreme temperatures, making fireclay a tough and durable material similar to enameled cast iron. The firing process ensures these fixtures will not only last for decades, but fireclay sinks are also nonporous and heat-, acid-, and alkali-resistant as well as impervious to scratches and chipping. The only drawbacks to using this material are its heavyweight needing additional support, flaking over time, and fireclay being such a strong material that dishes are likely to break if dropped into the basin.
Stainless Steel: A classic and thick material pressed into the shape of a sink for professional kitchens, stainless steel farmhouse sinks are known for being durable, strong, and super easy to clean. With such high durability, these lightweight stainless steel sinks can take anything you can dish out regardless of the style and size you choose. The only downside of choosing stainless steel for your farmhouse sink is that it’s louder than other materials and has a limited color selection.
Copper: Although a heavier material than stainless steel, copper farmhouse sinks are highly resilient and long-lasting when properly cared for. Copper front apron sink designs are much more intricate than other fixtures due to this metal’s natural flexibility and how easy it is to manipulate. An additional bonus is that copper has inherent anti-microbial properties that help kill off any potential bacteria growth, making it the perfect material for a kitchen sink.
Stone: Sinks fashioned from natural stone materials like granite, limestone, or marble add a unique and aesthetically pleasing flair to any kitchen. Since stone farmhouse sinks are very sturdy, resistant to extreme heat and heavy impacts, and are nonporous for an easy clean, these sinks can easily last for at least 100 years with proper care and resealing. The only setback for choosing stone as your material for a farmhouse sink is that it’s much more expensive than most materials (aside from copper and bronze) and requires extra reinforcement to support how heavy it is.
Pros & Cons of Farmhouse Sinks
Pros
1. Deep Basins
2. Aesthetically pleasing
3. Versatile
4. Durable
5. Functional
Cons
1. Expensive
2. Needs extra support
3. Requires more space
4. Installation
5. Maybe too large for smaller family members
Apron Sink VS Farmhouse Sink
|
Sinks |
Apron |
Farmhouse |
|
Design |
•Large and deep in size with an exposed front face |
• Large and deep in size for all-in-one cleaning needs • Rounded corners and softer edges |
|
Basin |
• Often has more than one bowl with a divider down the middle |
• A singular bowl |
|
Materials |
• Copper, fireclay, porcelain, concrete, stainless steel, ceramic, granite composite, and cast iron |
• Copper, fireclay, porcelain, concrete, stainless steel, ceramic, granite composite, and cast iron |
|
Installation |
• Installation requires specific types of cabinets and a custom-made cutaway from the front of the countertop to fit. |
• Undermount, top mount, drop-in |
Why Trust Home 101?
Home 101 is YOUR source for no-hassle prices with knowledgeable professionals to help you every step of the way. Whether you are looking to replace an old appliance or are remodeling and need a helping hand in re-imagining a space you’ll love, we will work with you to find a product and solution that fits your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
For over 18 years (and counting!), we’ve created life-changing spaces in homes across the U.S. There is no project too big or too small for our team. From your free in-home consultation to the completion of your project, Home 101 will always provide you with an exceptional experience from start to finish.
Shop Farmhouse Sinks at Home 101
Home 101 makes your remodeling projects easier than ever. Shop farmhouse sinks online or make an appointment to visit us at our Home 101 Rancho Cucamonga location. Our Home 101 experts are always happy to help you learn more about farmhouse sink pros and cons — whether you call us at 909-204-1316, use our online chat feature, or email us. Be sure to subscribe to our email list to be the first to learn about our special offers. Call us to set up your free in-home consultation today!
Learn More: Expert Tips for Redoing Your Kitchen Right