The TLDR definition of a farmhouse sink is “a deep sink that has an exposed front-facing side.” Thesaurus may also refer to it as an “apron front” sink – which, in our opinion, is the best description as it literally acts like an apron as you wash.
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 farmhouse or apron front sink is a drop-in sink that has an exposed front-facing side. This means that they are designed to be added to a space cut out especially for the kitchen counter in an effort to blend seamlessly with a kitchen counter for aesthetic purposes.
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 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.
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.
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).
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.
Yes, absolutely. A garbage disposal can be installed to any farmhouse sink be it a single bowl or a double bowl. In most cases, you can use the stainless steel drain attachments that come with the garbage disposal unit.
“Apron sink,” “farm sink,” “apron-front sink,” and “farmhouse sink” are all appropriate designations.
Rustic Farmhouse
The key difference between the two styles is that Farmhouse is usually less natural. This could mean the furniture has been painted over or buffed to look more new, whereas Rustic uses reclaimed wood in its natural state to give it a cabin-like style.
The Farmhouse Basics
An apron-front sink, floating shelves, exposed wood beams, and butcher block countertops are instant indicators of farmhouse kitchen design. Farmhouse kitchens also typically incorporate a mix of time-tested materials such as distressed woods, wrought iron, wicker, metal, and soft fabrics.
The twist is that classic farmhouse style tends to veer more towards the antique side of vintage furniture, modern farmhouse can go more for practical, light furniture. Both can look great with a layer of paint or a bit of stain.
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.
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 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.
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.
Whether you have a shining copper sink or a gleaming fireclay basin, the most reliable solution is a sink grid placed in the bottom of your Farmhouse sink.
Many farmhouse kitchen sinks are a yard wide, and some are as wide as two normal sinks. While all of this space allows versatility in functionality, it promotes more water wastage, especially if you fill up the sink to anywhere near capacity.
It may be a little unfair to call them trendy though. After all, they're the original modern sink design dating back about 400 years. Nevertheless, they still, arguably, outperform most other sinks available to this day. We took a look at the best designs from the best brands, more modern, farmhouse kitchen sinks.
They, therefore, require a special cabinet configuration, but it's entirely possible to convert an existing drop-in setup to accommodate a farmhouse sink. You'll want to choose a sink that is a few inches smaller in width than the cabinet so that there is cabinet trim on either side of the sink.
To put in a farm sink, you have to cut out the existing cabinet front, top, and even back, depending on how much space you need. Since these types of sinks have their aprons exposed, it's important for you to follow the template that comes with your farm 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.
Keep in mind that farmhouse sinks have a deep front apron that hangs over the edge of the cabinetry. The full height of the apron is usually around 10”.