Most farmhouse sinks also commonly known as apron-front sinks can easily replace your current kitchen sink owing to the similarities in size and the option to just slide it in after removing the old sink. However, closed counter cabinets would require some more time and effort.
Unlike regular “drop-in” sinks, which are lowered into a countertop cavity, farmhouse sinks are installed beneath the counter and rest on top of a base cabinet. They, therefore, require a special cabinet configuration, but it's entirely possible to convert an existing drop-in setup to accommodate a farmhouse sink.
One of the drawbacks of choosing a farmhouse sink is the installation process. Depending on how your kitchen is set up, you may have to alter the size and design of your countertops before the farmhouse sink installation. Farmhouse sinks are much deeper and wider than classic kitchen sinks.
No matter what you do, you will most likely need a special or custom cabinet to accommodate your new farmhouse or apron sink. This is because there are many styles of sink designs and how they need to be installed, typically requires a non-standard cabinet. The two most common types are Drop-in or Undermount.
In most cases, you can use the stainless steel drain attachments that come with the garbage disposal unit. Farm sinks have a standard 3 1/2" drain opening, hence, you will not need to purchase anything in addition.
Finally, there is a difference in the style of the two sinks. Farmhouse kitchen sinks are designed to add a rustic, farmhouse-style aesthetic to the kitchen, while apron sinks are more modern and sleek. Both farmhouse sinks and apron sinks are excellent choices for any kitchen.
Placing hot pots or pans directly into the sink could cause damage to the sink. and nicks in the sink from daily use. Avoid pouring boiling water into sink. Run cold water if hot liquids are poured into sink.
Step 6: Add Support to Cabinets
Because farmhouse sinks are pretty heavy, you'll need to add support to the inside of the cabinet to be able to hold the weight. You can do this by adding two two-by-four pieces of wood to the sides horizontally.
Build a support frame
To install the sink properly, you'll need to build a frame out of 2x4s to support the weight. To retain as much usable cabinet space as possible, we built the frame by screwing 2x4s right to the sides of the base cabinet. This kept the framing from eating into the storage space below the sink.
2. Farmhouse sinks (+26 percent) Porcelain, apron-front sinks are a splurge kitchen choice for sure—but apparently they pay you back big-time in the long run.
A typical 33 x 22-inch sink will fill a 36-inch base cabinet. If you're replacing a sink, make sure it fits the existing cutout. If the cabinet allows, you may be able to install a larger sink by expanding the cutout. A farmhouse sink may require a special cabinet size.
Fireclay Sinks
These sinks are extremely popular these days and understandably so. Fireclay is made when clay and glaze are fused together at extremely high temperatures. This creates a highly durable material that is hard and resistant to chips and cracks.
A porcelain farmhouse sink is a highly coveted kitchen feature—and for good reason. Farmhouse sinks are beautiful, spacious, and timeless, plus they add a distinctive look to any kitchen they're placed in.
Farmhouse-Style Sinks with Quartz Countertops
Cambria surfaces are durable—more durable than marble or granite countertops—so they're the perfect choice to handle the needs of a farmhouse sink installation.
By its nature, a farmhouse sink involves more than a traditional unit, and the price difference is justified. These larger, deeper, more statement fixtures are often made with more expensive materials, such as fireclay or copper.
When selecting, or designing, a base cabinet for your new farmhouse sink, it is important that the size of the base cabinet is correct. Your base cabinet should measure 3" longer in length than the sink you are installing. For example, if you have a base cabinet that measures 36" wide it will support a 33" sink.
'Can you install a farmhouse sink in an existing countertop? ' is a common question, one with the short answer of 'yes'.
Yes and no, there is a specific cabinet for farmhouse sinks. However, a standard sink base cabinet can be modified to fit a farmhouse sink. If you are using a standard sink base cabinet, the top half of the cabinet will have to be cut out, and the doors will have to be modified.
Fortunately, farmhouse sinks are designed to work in existing kitchen sink cabinets. They do require modifications, but none are very difficult. The first step is to remove the existing sink, then make a sink access-notch in the face frame just above the doors.
We normally go ⅜ inch inside the sink for the overhang, but this can be flexed for the look you desire.
Fireclay, which is a ceramic material made by mixing clay and glaze, can crack or chip if you drop something heavy on it, but it takes more force to do damage.