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.

If you can’t tell, I’m excited to share every detail of our impending kitchen renovation with you. I have invested a considerable amount of thought into each decision we make 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.

Shopping for an Apron Front Sink

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).

Why did I Choose a 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.

Despite some negative reviews, kitchen designers turn to them time and time again, including my friend Toni Sabatino, who I met last fall and assured me that I’ll be pleased.

This Fireclay sink is very heavy {weighing in at over 160 pounds}, and thick, making it feel substantial, and has imperfections to perfection. 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. 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

What to Consider

Farmhouse Sink Pros

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 of our Fireclay farmhouse sink:

• 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.

Farmhouse 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.

The negatives to consider if you are researching farmhouse sinks:

• 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.

Important Notes Before you Purchase a Farmhouse Sink

• Most cities have codes regarding how many inches your walkways need to be. Be mindful that a farmhouse sink can easily add 2-3″ outside of the cabinet.
• This type of sink requires a special cutout, which can be challenging depending on which one you choose. It requires a lot of precision and an experienced carpenter / installer.
• A faucet with a sprayer is required. Read more about our unlacquered brass kitchen faucet for more detail on why we love this style!

I couldn’t do without a sprayer – it’s a lifesaver to encourage bits of food to the drain in this style sink.

I had a reader mention she wished she had added one to her prep sink as well. You can read more about our unlacquered brass faucet and sprayer to get the full scoop. 

Stop by to read about how to add charm with a vintage-inspired Wall Sink for your laundry or utility room!

Embracing Imperfections in Your Single Bowl Apron Front Sink

One thing I’m trying to embrace with our new kitchen is that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. I’m aiming to select timeless, classic elements that will age gracefully even with a chip or a stain.

I want to embrace imperfections just as my mother and grandmother did. While I appreciate the new materials that are heat resistant, scratch resistant, and attempt to look like the marble we all adore, I think we put too much weight on perfection. Do you agree?

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

More Kitchen Design Tips

• Brass Kitchen Faucet
• Unlacquered Brass Hardware
• Appliance Pulls
• Inset Cabinets
• Kitchen Island Dimension Guidelines
• Full Overlay Cabinets
• Beadboard
• Microwave Drawer
• Bridge Kitchen Faucet
• Alternatives to Carrara marble
• How to Design a Classic Kitchen