Farmhouse Sinks: Everything You Need to Know
Farmhouse sinks are trending big-time - and not just in farmhouses. Learn everything there is to know about these awesome sinks before choosing yours!
It’s the kitchen sink style that’s enjoyed a massive surge in popularity in the last several years… but it’s actually been around for centuries.
The farmhouse sink, true to its name, is a traditionally classic choice for rustic or country kitchens, but modernized styles and a range of materials have made the farmhouse sink – also known as an apron sink, apron-front sink, farm house sink, farmers sink, farmhouse apron sink, among other similar names – trendy again and appropriate for every kitchen. These sinks are durable, practical, and attractive, and they’re not just for farmhouses anymore!
What is a farmhouse sink?
A farmhouse sink is a large, deep sink designed for heavy use. It was the popular choice in – surprise! – farmhouses for centuries as it can hold large pots and pans, piles of dishes, laundry, and small children (though hopefully not all at the same time).
Farmhouse sinks are attached to the counter on three sides and feature a finished front “apron” for easy reach and added style. The front end of an apron-front sink juts out or is mounted flush with the cabinet door and is often decorative in nature – it provides a perfect canvas for an attractive design.
What are the installation options for a farmhouse sink?
Farmhouse sinks are available with several mounting options. Choose your sink mount based on counter material, aesthetic preference, and practicality in your particular kitchen:
- Undermount farmhouse sink: a popular choice, these sinks are undermounted on three sides, with the front end exposed
- Flush mount farmhouse sink: some farmhouse sinks may be flush mounted, but may jut very slightly above counter level, depending on material
- Drop-in farmhouse sink: an overmount farmhouse sink is a traditional option, but beware of the possibility of a dirt-attracting seam
Do farmhouse sinks need special cabinetry or countertops?
Depending on the material (and, consequently, the weight) of the sink, it may require an extra-supportive base cabinet. Fireclay farmhouse sinks are particularly heavy and will need more support. The counter should be cut to accommodate the exposed front end, but other modifications are usually not necessary (be sure to tell your counter installer if your sink is heavy; it may need special installation).
How big is a farmhouse sink?
Most farmhouse sinks are quite large, in true farmhouse style, but different sizes are available to add style to virtually any kitchen layout. A 36 inch farmhouse sink is a common choice, but you’ll still have the huge (pun intended) advantages of a large sink with a 30 inch farmhouse sink or a 33 inch farmhouse sink. Smaller apron-front sinks are available as well; you can still get the look without the size!
To determine if your existing kitchen can handle a large sink, measure the inside of your base cabinet and subtract three inches to find the maximum sink size. Be aware that most farmhouse sinks are deeper than other sinks, which may lead to more splashing, difficulty reaching the bottom, and less space inside the base cabinet.
What are the configuration options for a farmhouse sink?
While the traditional farmhouse sink is large and continuous, a single bowl farmhouse sink is not the only option. Choose a double bowl farmhouse sink for similar advantages (both bowls can be quite large in a bigger sink) with all of the advantages of two basins (separate areas for food prep and dirty dishes).
What colors and materials do farmhouse sinks come in?
As original farmhouse sinks were made of ultra-durable fireclay, it’s a popular choice for modern farmhouse sinks. Fireclay is an extremely versatile material that’s simultaneously classic and trendy. To learn everything there is to know about fireclay, consult our complete, comprehensive fireclay sink guide.
Though the quintessential farmhouse sink is made of fireclay, the reintroduction of the style has resulted in manufacturers updating their classics in new materials. Go beyond the white farmhouse sink and get the look you love: a copper farmhouse sink for charm and beauty; a natural stone farmhouse sink for a unique look; a stainless steel farmhouse sink for cost-efficiency and a contemporary appearance; or even a concrete farmhouse sink for an unexpected update. The options are practically endless!
Your choices are also not limited to a casement or flat front; farmhouse sinks now feature embellished aprons. A reversible farmhouse sink is finished on all four sides, with the two long sides featuring different designs (such as a fluted side and a smooth side or rounded and square corners on opposite sides) so that you can choose the side that appeals to you most.
Can I put a farmhouse sink in the bathroom?
Yes, you certainly can! While some are hesitant to install a farmhouse sink in the bathroom – after all, it’s primarily a kitchen sink, and who wants a kitchen sink in the bathroom? – there are apron-front sinks that are made for lavatory installation. Farmhouse sinks can enhance any style bathroom, much like they enhance kitchens of every style, and are available in colors, configurations, and materials to fit right in. Bonus: it’s easier to wash your face and brush your teeth without the countertop in the way!
How about the laundry room?
The laundry room is actually an excellent place for a farmhouse sink. Those original farmhouse dwellers definitely used theirs for laundry! The large, deep sinks with minimal barrier between you and the bottom of the sink makes them perfect for the laundry room. Wherever there’s a sink, you can put a farmhouse sink – it’s the jack-of-all-trades sink.
How much does a farmhouse sink cost?
Because farmhouse sinks are so diverse today, the prices vary greatly depending on size, material, configuration, and brand. You can outfit your kitchen with a stylish farmhouse sink for under $400, and prices range all the way up to over $8,000.
What’s the best brand of farmhouse sink?
As with any kitchen sink, quality matters most – and Quality Bath upholds the highest standard of quality. We recommend farmhouse sinks by all of our leading manufacturers, but we do have some favorites! Rohl’s iconic Shaws sinks are classically beautiful. Latoscana’s line of affordable and attractive farmhouse sinks includes a favorite: a reversible flat and fluted farmhouse sink. ProChef’s bestselling ProTerra series features simple and lovely sinks for the cost-conscious consumer. Franke sinks are available in a variety of materials and configurations to suit every kitchen. Blanco’s farmhouse sinks are consistently as pretty and high-quality as their other sinks.
Every farmhouse sink on our site is of excellent quality and style; you’re sure to find your perfect piece at Quality Bath.
