The most common material used to make farmhouse sinks are porcelain and stainless steel, though many modern kitchens use concrete farmhouse sinks as these have a more industrial aesthetic style. There are also other materials to consider including granite composites, cast iron, and fireclay.
The two top contenders are either a enamel-coated cast iron or a fireclay apron sink. Both are very strong materials, and both have been used for hundreds of years to make not only sinks but also structural building materials and tools for extreme temperatures.
Size. If you are concerned about wasting water, look for a farmhouse sink that has a smaller capacity. The depth of the traditional farmhouse sink is great for washing big items, but it means to fill it you'll need a lot more water than for a typical sink.
This is especially the case when it comes to fireclay vs cast iron. While both sinks will give you the age-honored look you want to achieve, fireclay wins out as being more durable, less expensive, and easier to maintain. Looking to upgrade your existing sink?
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.
Fireclay sinks can also chip or crack when struck by heavy objects, but they are more resistant to chips, cracks, scratches and stains than porcelain. Fireclay is almost synonymous with the farmhouse or apron front style, but double-bowl sinks are also available.
Durability. Due to its large and deep design, a farmhouse sink can be challenging, especially if you're concerned about dropping dishes. If you happen to drop a heavy pot or pan onto a porcelain farmhouse sink, it could crack. When it comes to durability, a fireclay farmhouse sink is an excellent choice.
The downside is that the fireclay material can show surface scratches, especially if an object creates a hard impact. Luckily, it's easy to reduce blemishes by resting a simple sink grid at the basin.
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.
Avoid pouring boiling water into sink. Run cold water if hot liquids are poured into sink. (Green Scotch Brite, Steel Wool etc). This will help to eliminate soap scum buildup and mineral deposits.
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.
The most popular farmhouse sink that works for most households and kitchens is a 30" or 33" single bowl white fireclay farmhouse sink.
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.
Granite composite farmhouse sinks are among the toughest out there, resistant to scratches and stains. While quartz composite farmhouse sinks are available, they are not considered quite as durable.
Both types of sinks are huge, large, and quite deep. However, the apron sink's front area is exposed and visible- which is why they are called apron sinks. These are versatile and modern houses prefer apron sinks. But on the other side, farmhouse sinks look adjacent as well as covered by the kitchen cabinets.
Farmhouse sinks have been huge in recent years, and it seems the trend is not going anywhere. A practical choice for family homes, this style of sink is hugely versatile, and is a feature in many modern farmhouse kitchens...and those that have brought the rustic look to the city.
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.
For harder-to-clean stains, we recommend using 50/50 water and bleach or vinegar solution or a non-abrasive cleaner. Rinse thoroughly after cleaning and dry with a soft dry cloth. You can also use a Mr. Clean® Magic Eraser®.
With the shrinkage of Fine Fireclay being much less than that of Vitreous China, (usually between 4% and 6%), Fine Fireclay can maintain a flat and straight surface much more easily.
The best way to keep your fireclay sink in great condition is to regularly scrub it down with dish soap and warm water, using a soft sponge. Rinsing it down and drying it off with a soft dry cloth will prevent soap scum build up. 02. Avoid the use of abrasive cleaning products or scouring pads.
To avoid this, it is important to dry the sink after each use. To avoid unwanted build-up, it is recommended to dry your sink after each use. Soft abrasive cleaners may be used when necessary (Blue Scotch-Brite Pads). Strong abrasive cleaners will scratch and dull the surface (Green Scotch-Brite Pads).
Cleaning Heavy-Duty Messes
If you do need to use a mildly abrasive cleaner, you can mix a little baking soda into your dish soap solution. Because it's made of heavy-duty clay and glaze, your fireclay sink is more than capable of withstanding the regular use of such mild abrasives.
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.
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.