farmhouse sink = this is the same thing as an “apron front” sink. The front panel is revealed, exposed, or cut into the sink cabinet. undermount sink = this sink sits underneath your countertop. It attached to the bottom of the stone from underneath.
Farmhouse sinks are typically installed undermount and hence, are not compatible with laminate countertops. Look for an over-mount farmhouse sink that could be retrofitted with the cabinets and one that sits on top of the laminate countertop to eliminate the risk of water damage and warping.
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.
The most popular farmhouse sinks are undermount style, which, as the name implies, means they nestle under the countertop (not on top of), creating a seamless countertop edge surrounding the basin.
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.
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.
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.
Pros of an Undermount Sink
Undermount sinks are: Easy to clean: Countertop cleanup is more streamlined with undermount sinks since you can wipe any spills or crumbs directly into the sink. Highly durable: Undermount sink types can be worth the price for their durability and quick countertop cleanup.
Undermount Sinks Make Cleaning Easy
Of the kitchen sink options, undermount sinks are a perfect choice to keep the home clean. Because they are caulked or clipped directly to the vanity or counter space, there is no gap underneath the sink.
Yes, absolutely. A garbage disposer can be installed in a farmhouse sink be it a single bowl or a double bowl. In most cases, for standard thickness farmhouse sinks, you can use the stainless steel drain flange that comes with the garbage disposer.
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.
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.
'Can you install a farmhouse sink in an existing countertop? ' is a common question, one with the short answer of 'yes'.
Undermount sinks also remain popular, with Beesley sharing that they're “a popular choice for customers as they are installed under the level of the worktop creating a seamless design. These types of sinks save space, and create a clean and sleek look which is great for minimalist-style kitchens.”
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.
Marble and granite
In this case, they are ideal for undermount sinks because they also happen to be durable. The fact that they are porous also helps in helping the adhesives bind more firmly with the stones. Despite what most people think, marble is not a “soft” stone.
Moldy or Cracked Caulk: Just like topmount sinks, undermount sinks on granite and quartz need to be sealed to prevent moisture from creating mold and mildew problems in the cabinet.
'The easiest kitchen sink material to maintain is going to be one made of stainless steel, copper, cast iron or enamel because they will not support microbial growth as they are not cellulose material,' says Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services at PuroClean.
Con: You Need a Specific Type of Countertop
Because an undermount sink requires a lot of strength, it doesn't work well with all types of countertops. If your countertop is quite old, it is probably made of laminate or tile.
An undermount sink is just like the name sounds – a sink that fits underneath your countertops. This sink has many benefits compared to other options and makes task work in your kitchen much easier. Undermount sinks work best when they are installed in conjunction with natural stone countertops, like granite.
Overall, which is better: Undermount or Drop-in Sinks? In general, which sink type is best for you will come down to preference. Drop-in sinks represent a sink type that is affordable, flexible, and easy to install. But drop-in sinks do not have much in the way of resale value and are aesthetically outdated.
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.
Don't think farm-style sinks only fit in farmhouse-style kitchens! Farm sinks can go modern or traditional when styled in either aesthetic. They look great in any type of home, even a minimalist one. Don't think you have to go literally rustic with an all-wood kitchen look to use a farmhouse sink.