While other sinks are dropped into a hole that has been cut into the countertop, farm sinks slide into an opening underneath the countertop and above the base cabinet. A farm sink is supported solely by the base cabinet it rests on, rather than using the countertop as support like with a drop-in sink.
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.
The most common countertop overhang is 1.5″. We wanted our sink to go about 1/2″ past the countertop, so we positioned our sink so that it would go 2″ past the cabinet face frame/front of the cabinet.
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.
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.
It is recommended that your base cabinet be 3 inches larger than the size of the farmhouse sink you are considering to install.
OVERHANG - The countertop extends over the edge of the sink on all sides by approximately 1/8" - 1/4". Use caution with this installation to be sure that accessories such as colanders or cutting boards will fit properly. REVEAL - The countertop edge sits approximately 1/8" - 1/4" back from the edgeof the sink rim.
We normally go ⅜ inch inside the sink for the overhang, but this can be flexed for the look you desire.
Once the farmhouse under-mount sink is set, it's time to install the countertops above. For this step, professional help is recommended; you'll need to have precise measurements of the sink's dimensions, as the countertop might need to be adjusted and cut to fit in perfectly.
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.
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.
Once everything is in place and you're sure you won't need to move your sink for anything else, caulk around all the edges where your sink meets your countertop. Then, caulk around where your sink meets your trim pieces too!
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.
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.
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.
For the recommended under-mount installation, the sink needs to sit slightly under the countertop. Verify the measurement from the top of the cabinet to the bottom of the sink opening is greater than the height of the opening.
You may need to remove and replace countertops and remodel part of your kitchen to make the sink fit. Farmhouse sinks measure anywhere between 20 inches to 60 inches in length with an average height of 9-10 inches.
Standard countertop overhang is 1 ½ inches.
Keep in mind that this is 1 ½ inches over the front edge of the base cabinet. While some countertops may have different overhang measurements, this is the number that is seen as standard for homes. While 1 ½ inches is the most common, it's far from mandatory.
As far as the sink being lower it really depends on the depth of the sink you purchase. But like the other person said, the difference will only be about 1" lower. The average sink is about 8-8.5" in height. A farmhouse style sink is typically 9-10" in height.
That distance, the “overhang” of the counter, is the dimension you will want to specify as a design consideration. Our customers often ask us for a recommended dimension for the counter overhang. The short answer is 1”-2”, based on your design preference.
Positive Reveal. A positive reveal is when the countertop is cut to expose a portion of the sink's rim. This creates a step down from the counter to the rim and then to the basin, which can be helpful if you want to rest a colander or cutting board on the rim.
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.
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.