Fireclay is a very dense material which makes each sink hard to chip as well as very heavy. We recommend using at least two people when lifting the sink. Fireclay sinks will require extra support and modification to existing cabinets.
The downside is that the fireclay material can show surface scratches, especially if an object creates a hard impact. Luckily, it's easy to reduce blemishes by resting a simple sink grid at the basin.
SUPPORT IS NECESSARY
You will need to set aside some budget to properly secure and support your farmhouse sink, as added support is typically required beneath. There are many ways to do this, and this is typically advised from the provided sink specifications that come with your new apron sink.
Most farmhouse sinks are extremely heavy, and the Sinkology Bradstreet II Fireclay sink we used is no exception. Around 85 pounds! While that may make it a little more difficult to handle, it makes up for it in durability! To install the sink properly, you'll need to build a frame out of 2x4s to support the weight.
Durability: This sink is heavy duty and super durable. Since it's fireclay, which is a blend of clay and glaze, it's scratch, stain and heat resistant. It also resists cracks and it doesn't chip.
Well, yes! It's no surprise that fireclay sinks are extremely durable and long-lasting solutions for every home. Fireclay sinks are basically coated with extremely resistant glaze. It makes the sink scratch, heat, chip, and dent resistant.
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.
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.
It is recommended that your base cabinet be 3 inches larger than the size of the farmhouse sink you are considering to install.
Pros and Cons of Fireclay
Just because your dishes won't likely hurt your sink doesn't mean that your fireclay sink can't hurt your dishes. Be aware that if you should drop your dishes in the sink, they may be more likely to break as a result of the sink's hard fireclay surface.
It's no surprise that due to its functional design and timeless and elegant appeal that the fireclay farmhouse sink has made a resurgence among homeowners in America too. Thanks to Joanna Gaines, the fireclay farmhouse sink has gained added popularity and has become a favorite feature in new home kitchens today.
The best way to keep your fireclay sink in great condition is to regularly scrub it down with dish soap and warm water, using a soft sponge. Rinsing it down and drying it off with a soft dry cloth will prevent soap scum build up. 02. Avoid the use of abrasive cleaning products or scouring pads.
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.
However, there are some key differences between the two types of sinks. Apron sinks are generally smaller than farmhouse sinks. They are available in various materials, including stainless steel, copper, and porcelain. Apron sinks are available in different styles, including single-bowl and double-bowl options.
Countertop Cutout Fits the Apron
You will also need a custom or farmhouse-fit countertop with a larger open-front sink cutout for a farmhouse sink. The cutout in the countertop must match both the apron width and then the sink width in order of installation.
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.
We normally go ⅜ inch inside the sink for the overhang, but this can be flexed for the look you desire.
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.
Avoid pouring boiling water into sink. Run cold water if hot liquids are poured into sink.
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.
Perhaps the only con is the price. Fireclay sinks generally cost more than a stainless steel sink. However, when you look at all the features and durability it is well worth the price. Plus, you only have to buy a sink once since it's going to last you a long…
A fireclay farmhouse sink is much harder to scratch or chip than the porcelain coating on a cast iron sink, and of course will not rust as exposed iron tends to do. Fireclay tends to come only in shades of white, and is more expensive, but its light weight and strength make it a very practical choice.
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.