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.
Farmhouse sinks are typically deeper and wider than traditional sinks. This makes them very efficient and convenient when soaking or washing larger pots and pans. Because of this, a farmhouse sink can be a great fit for homes with large families or for homeowners who do a lot of entertaining.
Most farmhouse sinks are durable but they can also become chipped, scratched, or stained if not taken care of. Here are some tips we recommend. Use a sink grid to protect the bottom to prevent any scratches from heavy pots & pans. Use a non-abrasive cleaner and microfiber cloth to buff out any small nicks in the sink.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Can you use bleach on a farmhouse sink? You sure can, as long as it's well diluted with water, and it won't hurt a thing. And it's great (as we will see in a minute) for disinfecting the drain, garbage disposal, and sink grid (if you have one).
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.
The primary benefit of a grid for new farmhouse sinks is to protect the brand new finish. Fresh copper and even hardened fireclay scratch more easily than you might realize. The metal bottom of pots, the metal tines of forks, and even the scrape of ceramic plate edges might cause a small flaw in the finish.
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.
Fireclay is designed to last for many years. Unfortunately, after some time, some fireclay sinks can pick up water stains. So while fireclay is still low-maintenance on the day-to-day cleaning routine, you must still provide proper care every so often to keep it in shape.
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.
With an apron sink, you can keep much of this mess at bay. If any water, suds, or spills make their way over the front lip, they'll avoid your counter and cabinets, landing on the floor instead. This is because the sink itself sticks out beyond the depth of your cabinets.
A simple mild solution of baking soda + vinegar or eco dish soap + water is all you need. Wipe surfaces clean with a soft brush, sponge or cloth. Keep the sink free of standing water to prevent buildup from the mineral deposit. A mild vinegar + water solution can be used to clean any mineral deposits.
If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive won't scratch the surface.
The SECRET to cleaning a fireclay sink is to clean with a scrub sponge and Bar Keepers Friend which is a powdered cleanser and to use a Magic Eraser. The Magic Eraser is a game changer! My farmhouse sink receives a few small black marks due to metal scrapes.
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.
Modern farmhouse sinks
Farmhouse sinks have been huge in recent years, and it seems the trend is not going anywhere. A practical choice for family homes, this style of sink is hugely versatile, and is a feature in many modern farmhouse kitchens...and those that have brought the rustic look to the city.
Pros: Non-porous and resistant to acid, alkali, and scratches; relatively chip-resistant; durable, especially compared to other sink materials. Cons: Limited sizes and colors; not “friendly” on dropped dishes; susceptible to stains without proper care; can crack or chip over time; expensive.
A good place to start when looking for the right size is with the most popular sizes for farmhouse sinks, small, medium, and large. Or the most common, either a 30″ or 33″ single bowl.
Kohler makes farmhouse sinks with smaller aprons to keep the same aesthetic in a more manageable size for some cabinets. In most new homes the kitchen sink is approximately 30 inches in length, which is a standard size for a farmhouse sink. The other standard sizes are 24, 33, and 36 inches.
“Apron sink,” “farm sink,” “apron-front sink,” and “farmhouse sink” are all appropriate designations.