Farmhouse or Apron Sinks have exploded in popularity over the years, as the modern farmhouse style increases in status for homes of today. If you are considering a farmhouse sink, here are some things you may want to consider.   

SINGLE OR DOUBLE BASIN?

This is the most common first question to ask yourself if you are considering a farmhouse sink. Do you want a single or double basin? Most choose a double if they are used this or if they like to have 2 separate compartments, especially handy for handwashing dishes.

Another consideration is if you plan on having a garburator or food disposal, you may want to consider a double basin apron sink, so you have two separate zones. 

Homeowners typically choose a single basin sink if they don’t need a large sink. A smaller sink can sometimes give you more space for drawers or an accessory pullout, which may be more beneficial to you. They are also perfect for washing large items such as larger pots and roasting pans.

CUSTOM CABINET REQUIRED

No matter what you do, you will most likely need a special or custom cabinet to accommodate your new farmhouse or apron sink. This is because there are many styles of sink designs and how they need to be installed, typically requires a non-standard cabinet. The two most common types are Drop-in or Undermount.

Simply put, you will need to add to your overall budget to accommodate this and not just consider the cost of the sink. For example, at Superior Cabinets we have several standard farmhouse sink cabinets that can be used as a starting point, sometimes avoiding huge custom upcharges.

If you are planning a new kitchen remodel or renovation, your Professional Kitchen Designer will need to know the specs of the sink you would like to have. They can advise you on the fit and what is required to build your new cabinet to make it a success. If you are retrofitting an existing sink cabinet, you will mostly likely have to consult with a professional renovator or someone better versed in cabinet retrofitting, rather than consulting a cabinet company that designs and supplies cabinetry for new or refreshed spaces.

SUPPORT IS NECESSARY

You will need to set aside some budget to properly secure and support your farmhouse sink, as added support is typically required beneath. There are many ways to do this, and this is typically advised from the provided sink specifications that come with your new apron sink. Based on the provided sink specs, your Professional Cabinet Designer may also be able to advise you on any additional required cupboard build details.  

Support is also dependent on the substrate or build material of the sink type you select. For example, Cast Iron or Fireclay sinks are extremely heavy and can weigh up to 200 pounds. When you fill the sink full of water and some heavy copper bottom pots, you can really push the weight limits of your sink, and therefore additional support is required beneath. 

PROTECTING YOUR CABINETS

The 3” flat countertop apron piece that is normally there with a conventional drop-in sink or undermount sink does more than you will know. That flat countertop piece is a great place to catch water, preventing it from dripping down the face of your cabinetry. Protecting your cabinetry from water of any kind is important, as this can cause accelerated damage. Simply put, water or moisture of any kind and cabinets do not play well together.

POTENTIAL FOR SINK DAMAGE

The one thing that no one will tell you is that farmhouse or apron sinks are prone to damage, as they are exposed on the front. A common use behavior for homeowners is to lean into the sink.

Jewelry, Rivets on Pants or Belt Buckles are common culprits of scratching or marking up farmhouse sinks. This may not be a big deal to some, but this is something to contemplate as you outweigh your decision.

SUMMARY

Many homeowners choose a farmhouse or apron sink mostly for aesthetic or functionally reasons. They come in a wide variety of materials including Stainless Steel, Porcelain, Copper, Fireclay, Cast Iron or Quartz/Granite Composite. There are also some interested depth capabilities with these sinks, which is another important topic and factor to consider.  

It is always recommended to test and evaluate your current behaviors in your existing kitchen before you make a final selection. Do you like to lean into your sink? If so, would you be upset with some scratches on your farmhouse sink? Do you splash a lot of water when working at your sink? If so, are you comfortable with wiping this excess water off daily?   

We also recommend visiting plumbing showrooms or kitchen and bath design studios to see these sinks professionally installed. This way you can see them in person. If you would like to see an apron sink at one of our Superior Cabinets Corporate Showrooms, be sure to give us a call and the showroom team can let you know if they have any installed, for your viewing pleasure.