Apron sinks are deep cut, like farmhouse sinks. The only difference is, an apron sink's front is exposed. That's why they're also called "apron front" sinks. Modern kitchens use apron sinks as highlight pieces, and for good reason.
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.
Today, the phrases 'farmhouse sink' and 'apron sink' are often used interchangeably, as both kinds of sinks boast a large, exposed surface at the front (which is visible even after installation).
Also known as an apron-front sink or farm sink, this is a deep and wide sink vessel with an exposed front that's meant to protrude slightly beyond your lower cabinetry.
“Apron sink,” “farm sink,” “apron-front sink,” and “farmhouse sink” are all appropriate designations.
A farmhouse sink makes it easy to wash larger items like pots, pans, and baking sheets. You can easily soak your cookware in a farmhouse style sink as opposed to a standard-sized sink. It's also a great option if you prefer to soak a lot of dishes at once before you wash them or pop them in the dishwasher.
Farmhouse sinks are generally very large, with the design intended for those without running water, able to store water on one side while the other allowed for multi-purpose use such as washing laundry, kitchen duties and even washing children.
An apron front sink has a distinct look because of its exposed front-facing side. It is a large sink that is fit into the counter top with the front edge of the sink being exposed. Also known as farm sinks, apron front sinks were designed to be added to a space cut out of the kitchen counter.
Apron sinks, also known as farmhouse sinks, were often found in rural homes in decades past. The original design considered the comfort of women who spent long, long hours at the sink. It was important to them not to have to bend over.
An apron or farm sink is part of the facing for your countertop and sink base. It will slide in and over your counter top, with the front of the sink being left exposed once it is installed. You can find an apron sink with double basin options.
In short, apron sinks and farmhouse sinks both describe a large, deep kitchen sink style prevalent in many modern kitchens. The sinks are similar for the most part though they have a few slight differences. A farmhouse sink may be an apron sink, but an apron sink doesn't necessarily have to be a farmhouse sink.
The full height of the apron is usually around 10”. However, retrofit farmhouse sinks have a shorter apron that trims around 3” from the bottom to fit into existing cabinetry.
Usually farmhouse sinks have no pre-drilled holes that can be used to install faucets and other accessories (the faucet holes would have to be drilled directly into the countertop).
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.
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.
Material Options
If you're considering buying one, it's worth looking into this investigation of different sink materials. They are generally more expensive than their traditional counterparts, although prices and maintenance vary a great deal, from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand.
To make space for the extra-large sink, you'll need an 'apron-skirt' cabinet design. A farmhouse sink can't fit into the usual drop-in sink space and extends over the top quarter of the lower cabinet. This requires a full re-design of the cabinet and countertop where your farmhouse sink is installed.
If a large, deep sink basin works best for your cooking and dishwashing style, an apron-front sink could be the most practical choice for you, no matter your home decor style.
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.
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.
Types of Farmhouse Sink Installation
A farmhouse sink installation can be done in 3 ways: Flush mount Installation: Where the sink sits in level to the countertop. Built-up Installation: Where the sink sits above the level of the countertop. Undermount Installation: Where the sink sits just below the countertop.
Double Basin/Bowl Sink
The most popular type of kitchen sink arrangement, dual basins allow for washing on one side and rinsing or drying on the other side.
The Copper Color
A copper sink isn't something you see every day. This goes to show that a farmhouse sink doesn't have to be boring white colors – you can add some flair! White, off white, cream, copper, black, gray, and sometimes even light blue are the typical varieties of colors you'll see in a farmhouse sink.
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.
Yes, you definitely can! Something you should keep in mind, though, is you'll have to cut out the front of the cabinet and remove the counter top prior to farm sink installation. If you want to make the job easier, consider getting a retrofit farmhouse sink, which is meant for a standard kitchen sink base.