But what actually makes a sink considered “farmhouse” style? 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.
A standard kitchen sink is typically made of stainless steel or porcelain. With farmhouse sinks, you can find them crafted of anything from enameled cast iron to fireclay. Farmhouse sinks are now offered in a myriad of modern designs, too. You're not just limited to the classic white sink.
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.
These sinks were common in rural homes, giving them their original name of farmhouse. People took water for bathing, cleaning, as well as for washing clothes and dishes from these basins, making farmhouse sinks a central feature in the late 17th and 18th century homes throughout Europe.
In most cases, you can use the stainless steel drain attachments that come with the garbage disposal unit. Farm sinks have a standard 3 1/2" drain opening, hence, you will not need to purchase anything in addition.
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.
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.
Scratchable. Compared to other ceramic-style sinks, fireclay is incredibly durable and resistant. It's hard to break or nick a fireclay sink. The downside is that the fireclay material can show surface scratches, especially if an object creates a hard impact.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even so, having said all that, there are plenty of reasons farmhouse sinks will never go out of style. As George pointed out, “they are extremely versatile” and as long as you're careful and “you keep on top of cleaning, your sink will remain in good quality for years to come.”
Are farmhouse sinks out of style? Farmhouse sinks are most definitely not out of style. In fact, House Beautiful has featured plenty examples of this timeless design element over the years, as seen in articles about the modern farmhouse aesthetic, modern farmhouse kitchens, and modern farmhouse decor.
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.
Cons: Limited sizes and colors; not “friendly” on dropped dishes; susceptible to stains without proper care; can crack or chip over time; expensive. Installation: The weight of the sink requires additional support, so professional installation is recommended.
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.
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!
We normally go ⅜ inch inside the sink for the overhang, but this can be flexed for the look you desire.
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.