Farmhouse Sinks
Pros and Cons
Farmhouse sinks have become a popular centerpiece in modern kitchens, blending timeless charm with everyday practicality. Before you commit, it’s important to know what makes them stand out, and where they might fall short.
Farmhouse sinks aren’t just for farms these days. A trending kitchen design with no end in sight, we’ve seen a major increase in customers wanting to convert from a traditional undermount to a farmhouse sink. Farmhouse sinks come in a variety of styles, sizes and finishes. A farmhouse sink makes a major statement and adds a lot of functionality to a kitchen.
However, as with all things in the world farmsinks are not necessarily for everyone or even every kitchen. There are some drawbacks as well as benefits to installing a farmsink.
A couple of considerations:
1. If you are building a new house, you can have your cabinets installed to accommodate a farmsink. Cabinets need extra support to bear the additional weight of the farmsinks (farmsinks are heavier than regular undermount sinks.
2. If you are doing a remodel, you will need to consult your carpenter to see if your current cabinets can be.
Benefits
Of a Farmsink
Contemporary kitchen design featuring a modern take on the farmhouse sink. Countertops are Iconic White by Silestone. Home design by Hill Country Artisans, Austin, TX.
1. Farmhouse sinks are naturally ergonomic. Back in the olden days, women spent a lot of time hunkered over the sink – washing dishes, washing clothes, preparing food, and cooking. Farm sinks were designed to prevent women from having to bend over by being flush with the edge of the cabinets. This design orientation relives back strain.
2. Increased Counter Space. A farm sink is designed to maximize counterspace since the lip of the counter fits over the edge and there isn’t a strip of counter between the front edge and the sink.
3. Protects Your Cabinets from water damage. Unlike recessed sinks, the farmsink has an apron that juts out slightly beyond the supporting cabinets. This design helps protect cabinets from water damage, as water dripped over the front of the sink will fall onto the floor instead of the wooden cabinet.
4. Easy to soak pots and pans. An obvious advantage of the farmsink is its depth. Farmsinks are wide and deep and have just a single bowl so pretty much any pot or pan you have will easily fit inside. This makes it really easy to stack and soak pots and pans.
Drawbacks
Of a Farmsink
Farmhouse sinks come a variety of material options like this one in stainless steel. Home design by Giddens Homes, Austin, TX.
1. Farmsinks aren’t cheap. Farmsinks start at about $400 and go up to well over $2,000 depending on the style you choose. In comparison, a typical stainless steel undermount sink will typically cost around $200 – $400.
2. Be prepared for chips and scratches. Although the white porcelain that farmsinks are known for is a durable material it is prone to scratches and staining. You’ll want to be prepared to scrub sauces and stains out of the sink with a mild abrasive (i.e. baking soda). Heavy cookware being dropped into the sink can also cause chips. You can avoid these issues by choosing a farmsink made from an alternate material, such as stainless steel.
3. Watch your water usage. If you like to fill your sink with water to wash dishes, be prepared to use a lot more water with a farmsink. The single, wide bowl takes a good deal of water. If you just use your sink to rinse dishes for the dishwasher this probably won’t be a concern for you.
Frequently
Asked Questions
Do farmhouse sinks require special cabinets?
Yes, in most cases. Because of their size and weight, farmhouse sinks typically need a modified or reinforced cabinet base. Some conversions from undermount sinks may require additional custom wo
Are farmhouse sinks hard to clean?
Not necessarily. Many modern farmhouse sinks are made from non-porous, easy-to-clean materials. However, their flat apron front can be prone to water drips, and the deep basin may require more effort to reach the bottom for thorough cleaning.
Are there different styles of farmhouse sinks?
Absolutely. While the classic white version is most popular, you can find modern stainless steel, rustic copper, matte black, hammered finishes, decorative aprons, and even colorful enamel options to match any kitchen style.
How deep are farmhouse sinks compared to standard sinks?
Farmhouse sinks are typically deeper than standard sinks – often around 9 to 10 inches deep. This extra depth makes it easier to soak or wash large cookware, but it may be less comfortable for shorter users or those with back issues.
Can I install a garbage disposal with a farmhouse sink?
Yes. Most farmhouse sinks are compatible with garbage disposals, but it’s important to check the sink’s drain size and your cabinet space to ensure proper fit and plumbing alignment.
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