Will a Farmhouse Sink Work Well in your Kitchen?

A farmhouse or apron sink is not the traditional kitchen sink.  A farmsink, like this beautiful stainless steel model or fireclay model, can become the focal point of your kitchen.  Will a farmhouse sink work for your needs and your kitchen? Choosing a kitchen sink is an important decision that will be with you for years.  A farmhouse sink or farmsink is wider and deeper than the traditional undermount or topmount sink. 

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Due to the large size which is great for washing, a bottom grid for the bottom is often helpful.  The farmhouse sink is also known as an apron sink because the front of the sink is exposed forming an apron in the front of the sink.  Farmhouse sinks come in a variety of materials in different price ranges. With a little elbow grease to install and a some effort to find the correct size and material, a farmsink can work beautifully in just about any kitchen. I hope this article can help you narrow down the choices to help you find the farmhouse sink that will work for your kitchen.

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Farmhouse Sink Materials

Cast Iron Farmhouse Sink

Cast iron farmhouse sinks have a tough enamel surface.  A cast iron, enamel farmhouse sink is a popular choice for those who like a white sink.  It is the classic farmhouse sink. A cast iron farmsink is typically what one would think of when they think of a farmhouse sink. It is difficult for a clean, classic white farmhouse sink to clash with the surrounding kitchen decor.  A popular option is the Kohler Whitehaven farmhouse sink.  

 

Cast iron farmhouse sinks are less expensive than other apron sink options, but more susceptible to scuffing and chipping. Cast iron sinks are also heavy. So, be sure to provide the proper support if you choose a cast iron sink. The classic, white, cast iron farmhouse sink provides modern farmhouse charm, comes in many different price points and will coordinate with most kitchens.

Copper Farmhouse Sink

A farmhouse sink can also come in copper.  Copper farmhouse sinks are big on charm and come in many different patinas.  The copper can be smooth or hammered.

A copper sink can also have detailed patterns on the front as well if desired.  A copper sink is a very unique, luxurious detail for your kitchen. Country and vintage designs probably lend themselves more to a copper sink.  A copper sink will add warmth and character. It can easily become the main focal point in your kitchen. A gorgeous copper farmhouse sink can last a lifetime and improves with age.

Soapstone Farmhouse Sink

Soapstone is also a beautiful choice for a farmhouse sink.  Soapstone is a natural quarried stone. It is a metamorphic rock called steatite.  It can be used for countertops, sinks, masonry heaters, flooring and more. Classic and timeless soapstone makes a statement in your kitchen.  

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Since it is stone, the sink can be made to virtually any size. Soapstone is low maintenance, doesn’t harbor bacteria, is durable and will not stain.  If you are putting in natural stone counters, you can install a soapstone sink as well to match. A soapstone farmhouse sink can be a beautiful addition to your kitchen.

Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sink

Farmhouse or apron front sinks also come in stainless steel.  Stainless steel is more of a modern choice for an apron sink. Most people are familiar with the use and cleaning of a stainless steel sink.  So, familiarity is a benefit with a stainless steel farmhouse sink.

Stainless steel is easy to match with modern appliances. It is also heat and stain resistant.  Stainless steel farmhouse sinks come in a range of prices and can work with a tight budget. A stainless steel apron front sink is attractive, functional and might just meet your design needs.

Fireclay Farmhouse Sink

Fireclay is made when clay and glaze are fused together at extremely high temperature.  This results in a tough, smooth sink body. Fireclay looks similar to a porcelain cast iron sink, but it is more durable and is easier to clean and maintain.

Fireclay sinks are more expensive than the cast iron look a like, but that added expense gets you the benefit of higher durability. Fireclay sinks are timeless and strong so they really hold their value.

Farmhouse Sink Accessories

Farmhouse sink accessories can add more functionality to your farmhouse sink.  You can maximize the space on top of the sink by adding removable items. A cutting board can be purchased to place on top of your sink.  This makes for really easy and convenient prep and scrap clean up.

If you would like to protect the bottom of your sink, you can add a stainless steel bottom grid.  Most bottom grids can hold very large pots. Also, you can add a dish rack on top of the sink. This will make it easy to dry your dishes.  You can also buy a colander that makes it easier to rinse and clean produce.  Farmhouse sink accessories are just that little something extra to make your life a little easier.

Farmhouse Sink Faucet

Now that you have the perfect farmhouse sink selected, what kind of faucet will go with your new sink?  A farmhouse sink is traditional. So, the bridge faucet, with it’s classic details goes well with a farmhouse sink.  A bridge faucet is a faucet where the two knobs and the faucet itself all branch off one part. With its two knobs for hot and cold, the size and scale of a bridge faucet goes well with a farmhouse sink. For a simpler installation, but some of the charm of a bridge faucet, choose a one hole faucet with traditional details.

Visible joints and rims can add traditional charm to a one hole faucet. For a modern farmhouse sink, such as stainless steel, a sleek, smooth, curved one hole faucet can fit the bill. When considering faucets for an apron style sink, you may want to consider a pull out or pull down function on your faucet because of the size of the sink.  With the size of the sink, you could even go with a restaurant style faucet to serve this purpose. With so many styles of faucets and so many different ways to mount them, there is definitely a faucet out there to suit your farmhouse sink needs.

Pros of a Farmhouse Sink

The farmhouse or apron sink has many pros that make it very desirable in a kitchen.  The first and foremost pro for the farmhouse sink is the look of the sink. The apron front of the farmhouse sink makes it a very popular choice.  It adds another design detail to your kitchen. Secondly, an apron sink is big. It is big in both length and depth. You can wash pots, oven racks, big cookie sheets, the baby or the dog.  Pretty much any large kitchen item will fit in a farmhouse sink. You can even hide all your dirty dishes in it when you have company.

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Deal with the dishes later. The faucet does not interfere with your washing because the sink is wider and deeper.  You can add accessories for chopping and rinsing produce that can make your life a little easier day to day. With an apron front sink, you can stand right up against the sink instead of being a few inches away. This could help save your back from hunching over the counter that comes with a traditional sink.  Also, water does not drip down the front of your cabinets as much as a traditional sink because the cabinets are set back a little bit. Just a quick wipe down of the apron front is all you will need to clean up the front of an apron sink. The farmhouse sink could become your favorite part of the kitchen.

Cons of a Farmhouse Sink

Although the farmhouse or apron front sink can be a great option for many, there are some cons to this type of sink that might keep you from choosing it for your kitchen. The farmhouse or apron front sink can be more difficult to install.  It could be tricky to find a cabinet or adjust your current cabinets to accommodate the sink. Your countertop will probably have to be removed to install your new sink. The cabinetry around the sink will have to be adjusted, replaced and or repaired. Furthermore, the apron front is more likely to scratch with some farmhouse sink materials than the cabinets that would be there with a traditional sink.  The apron front sink is usually a single bowl. So, if you prefer a double bowl, this could be a con for you. Also, some people may think that an apron front sink is too deep.  A farmhouse sink is also a bit trendy.  So, this should be taken into consideration. Finally, a farmhouse sink can be much more expensive than a regular sink. In the end, it should come down to your functional needs. A farmhouse sink is a beautiful addition to a kitchen, but one should consider all the pros and cons before making the choice to install one.

I think most would agree that a farmhouse sink is a beautiful addition to most kitchens.  An apron sink can add character and detail to an otherwise boring kitchen. Functionally, the farmhouse sink is easy on your back, can hide dishes and wash very large items.  If you enjoy the look of a farmhouse sink and can overlook the possible installation problems and extra expense of a farmhouse sink, it will can definitely be worth it to add a farmhouse sink for the added aesthetic and functional value.

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