The farmhouse sink is among the top most eye-catching fixtures a kitchen can have. There's something about it's sleek appearance that easily makes it the centerpiece of your space. Here we take a look at some things to consider and the pros and cons that come with picking out a farmhouse sink.
These sinks have numerous appealing qualities that homeowners covet and rave about. Also known as an apron or apron-front sink, they're typically much deeper and wider than a traditional sink basin. This can be especially useful for large families. The front of the sink extends out past the edge of the cabinets, adding in a little extra "umph". They also come in several fun materials and styles: double bowl, enameled cast iron, copper, fire-clay, fluted, marble, porcelain, stainless steel, single bowl, and more.
Farmhouse sinks are the perfect mix of modern and traditional styles, which is one of the main reasons why they're so popular. While they can definitely be in the higher price range, they are completely worth the price (in our opinion). A quality sink can range anywhere from $400-$2+, so make sure you put a lot of thought in when deciding between your options.
Some things to consider:
Sizing: There sinks are generally much wider and deeper than a standard sink. A farmhouse sink can be anywhere from 20" in length all the way up to 60" or more. Knowing how you're going to use the sink is the key in determining the length and depth that you want to go with. Get out your measuring tape and frame out the size of the sink you're considering to make sure your cabinets can accommodate it. Keep in mind their depth, because your cabinetry will most likely need to be adjusted underneath it (the deeper the sink, the less cabinet space). You may need to have your cabinets rebuilt/re-framed prior to counter-top installation before your sink can be completely installed.
Sink Support: Farmhouse sinks are HEAVY and need the proper support to hold them up. It's recommended to hire a professional for installation, especially since there's a possibility of needing to rebuilt the entire cabinet. These sinks fully rest on their support underneath and are not attached to your counter-top in any way. Make sure that it is possible to prepare the proper support before purchasing.
Placement: There are several things that need to be considered prior to counter-top placements. You need to decide whether your sink will be a drop-in (where the rim sticks out above the counters), an under-mount (where the rim of the sink is mounter UNDER the counters), or integral (when the rim sits flush with the counters). Typical farmhouse sinks are under-mount, although it's not uncommon to see integral sinks if the homeowner didn't want to remodel the entire area. Drop-in sinks can make it difficult to clean up counter messes since you can't simply wipe directly in to the sink. It's also important to keep in mind that most farmhouse sinks don't contain faucet holes or a mounting deck for attaching your faucet. In most cases, your faucet must mount behind the sink, whether your attached it to your counter-top behind the sink or install a wall-mounted faucet to the wall above it.
Farmhouse sink Pros:
Great focal point: It can instantly become your favorite part of the kitchen. It's definitely a hot item to have that can go with any style.
Large and functional: Since they're so big, a farmhouse sink can easily be a part of a chef's dream kitchen. They're very large and deep, making both cooking cleaning easier tasks.
Durable: Most people are very hard on their sinks and don't spend much time on kitchen maintenance. There are several farmhouse sink materials that are extremely durable so you don't have to worry about scratching or chipping.
Ergonomic: You may not think of it, but depending on your sink size and style, you be straining your back every time you do dishes. Because there is no counter-top to bend over as you wash, it takes less strain on your back and supports a better posture.
Farmhouse sink Cons:
Cost: Generally, farmhouse sinks are more expensive than their competition. There are always to cut costs depending on the size, style, and materials you use, but it's likely not going to be cheaper than a standard sink. Make sure to do your research in order to find the best quality that fits your budget.
Weight: These are HEAVY sinks. It's recommended to hire a professional for installation so you don't damage your current counter-top or cabinetry.
Maintenance: The type of material you've chosen for your sink will determine the maintenance needed. However, because there is no counter-top in front of the sink, you may encounter some dripping that needs to be cleaned up. If left, it could eventually cause water damage to the cabinets below. It's also a much larger sink than the standard sizes, so cleaning it can become a bit of a chore. Try pairing it with a pull-down kitchen faucet for easier access to the edges of the sink and down the drain.