Farmhouse Sink

Learn the ins and outs of choosing a classic farmhouse sink for a truly timeless kitchen renovation.

Get the details on this classic style, including what to shop for, where to purchase, and more! This is everything you need to know… the good, the bad and the ugly of an apron front sink!

You can even watch a video at the bottom of this post for more details about our classic Fireclay farmhouse sink review.

My classic kitchen remodel series continues with all the details about our farmhouse sink – and why I chose it.

During these painful months of our kitchen renovation, one thing helped carry me through the waiting… the love of my farmhouse sink!

I mean, even doing dishes is more fun now! It’s the little extra motivation I need because I don’t want anything sitting in that pretty porcelain sink.

I invested a considerable amount of thought into each decision we made during our renovation, and hope that should you want to tweak or renovate your kitchen in the future, you can benefit from my extensive research.

You can read all about our goal of a timeless kitchen renovation here, including before and after images that are fun to look back on. Don’t miss the details about choosing kitchen cabinet styles, details on unlacquered brass, Danby marble, our Lacanche range, and so much more! 

Classic Farmhouse Sink

I have long loved a beautiful white farmhouse sink, also known as an apron front sink. In fact, I’d been dreaming of one for years, and we had previously considered adding one to the kitchen at our previous home when we remodeled.

However, it would have required too much alteration to the cabinets we were saving (that helped us keep our budget to less than $5,000).

Then we moved to our new home and my dreams of a farmhouse sink felt like they may never come to fruition, as we weren’t sure we would ever do a full kitchen renovation. 

Initially we planned on updating the 80’s / 90’s kitchen with a little paint and few accents instead. So when we decided to take the leap and do a full kitchen remodel, the farmhouse sink search was on!

I knew that my heart was set on this classic apron front sink look and I’ve never looked back.

Where to Begin

There are so many beautiful options, including a very budget friendly farmhouse sink from IKEA, which my friend Tori integrated seamlessly into her beautiful new kitchen.

It’s a beautiful budget friendly option, but I don’t want the fuss of cleaning the grooves and I preferred a single basin. However, the Ikea option seems durable, gives you the sleek apron front aesthetic, and of course you can’t beat the price.

An array of modern farmhouse sink options are available with clean lines and of course, options in different materials like copper.

Baldwin, Durant and Reinhard all make beautiful basic farmhouse sinks in a mid-level price range, with the Durant being my favorite among them (all available at Signature Hardware).

Fireclay Farmhouse Sink

There was one sink I just couldn’t stop thinking about during my search, and that’s the classic Shaws Original Fireclay Apron Front Sink.

I decided to purchase the traditional Rohl Shaws Fireclay Farmhouse Sink because of its beautiful curves, thick frame and the classic blue emblem that reminds me of my grandma’s crocks.

This Fireclay sink is very heavy {weighing in at over 160 pounds}, and thick, making it feel substantial, and has soft, natural movement to the glaze. Rather than being 100% smooth, there are beautiful variations.

But that little blue “Shaws Original” emblem? Classic, timeless and traditional… it just had my heart. Despite some negative reviews, kitchen designers turn to them time and time again, and the looks won me over, too.

Here’s what it offers:

• Works with waste disposal units
• Drain placement is offset
• Glazed surface that is acid and alkali resistant
• Designed to withstand heavy use
• Suitable for waste disposal units or basket strainer waste

Farmhouse Sink Pros and Cons

I’ve already spoken about the beauty and the classic and warm look these vintage inspired apron front farmhouse sinks can bring to your kitchen.

There’s just something about this classic style that makes the kitchen feel a little warmer and lived in.

Of course, it’s important to evaluate the good and the bad before you invest in something like this!

Pros

• Beauty – the fireclay material and soft white color of these farmhouse sinks add warmth and charm to your kitchen, whether it’s traditional or modern.
• Tradition – they have the feel of a vintage farm kitchen, no matter which brand or style you choose. The fireclay sink just adds even more vintage charm with the blue emblem!
• Big and deep – Just like the cast iron sinks of yesteryear, you can bathe pets or even toddlers in these single bowl sinks! Pots and pans have plenty of room to soak.
• Durability – This was key for me. I wanted to feel like it was something that would last for ages.
• Easy cleaning – Because farmhouse sinks require a spray faucet, they’re actually so easy to clean. No more nooks and crannies from a traditional double sink.

Cons

One of the main concerns I had read before purchasing our apron front / farmhouse sink was that you might need a grate at the bottom to prevent scratches.

To be honest, the reviews of apron front farmhouse sinks tend to be horrible! Having a porcelain fireclay sink at the lake cottage and knowing they are the most classic style of kitchen sink, I didn’t worry too much.

My thoughts? They are loved for a reason! Sure, pots and pans can leave little silver marks in the basin of the sink, but it’s nothing a quick wipe down can’t eliminate.

• Extra hardware costs – Because of the shape of these sinks, it can often require more expensive parts to move plumbing, change cabinet cutouts, and even attach thinks like faucets and garbage disposals.
• Less under sink storage – Certainly not the end of the world, but something to be aware of. You’ll often need to re-evaluate your storage because these sinks are deeper.
• Staining – As a rule, white sinks of all kinds will stain easier than something dark or even a stainless steel. Try my all natural cleaner for a quick cleaning option!
• Expensive installation – Your sink base will often need to be completely changed, with precision cuts to allow for the size of the sink to rest. They are extremely heavy and need the proper support, often requiring professional installation and experience.

I’d love to hear from you! Let me know – do you love farmhouse sinks or prefer an undermount / drop-in sink?

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