Complete Your Kitchen With A Showstopping Farmhouse Sink

With their vintage-inspired style and exposed apron front, farmhouse sinks make a gorgeous focal point in any kitchen. Installing one of these stylish sinks is a simple yet dramatic way to transform the look and functionality of your kitchen.

Farmhouse sinks feature a large, wide basin and exposed front apron that gives them their signature charm. Also known as apron-front or apron sinks, they come in a range of styles and materials to match different aesthetics.

What is a Farmhouse Sink?

A farmhouse sink gets its name from its resemblance to the large, utilitarian sinks found in old-fashioned farmhouse kitchens. Today's styles maintain the vintage look but with modern materials and amenities.

The most identifying characteristic of a farmhouse sink is the exposed apron front. The sink basin is mounted under the countertop with the front of the sink visible. This gives them an attractive, eye-catching look compared to undermount sinks.

Farmhouse sinks are available in durable, easy-to-clean materials like stainless steel, enameled cast iron, fireclay porcelain, and copper. The large, spacious basin allows for filling stock pots or washing large items with ease.

Benefits of Farmhouse Sinks

There are several reasons why a farmhouse sink can be a smart upgrade for your kitchen:

• Gorgeous focal point - With their attention-grabbing apron fronts, farmhouse sinks make an architectural statement and become the centerpiece of your kitchen.
• Improved functionality - Their deep, wide basins make it easy to wash large pots and pans by hand. Many models are extra deep for increased utility.
• Material options - Farmhouse sinks come in durable, low-maintenance materials like stainless steel and enameled porcelain that resist stains, scratches and heat.

Beyond looks, farmhouse sinks are an investment in better ergonomics and efficiency in the kitchen. Washing dishes by hand is easier with the generous basin space.

Choosing Your Farmhouse Sink

With so many sizes, materials, and configurations available, it's important to choose the right farmhouse sink to complement your space:

Measure your existing sink base cabinet to determine what widths and depths will fit the space. Larger 36-42 inch sinks provide ample room but may limit your faucet choices.

Single vs double basin, offset drain, squared vs rounded corners - coordinate sink basin style with your needs and kitchen aesthetic.

Stainless steel, fireclay, porcelain, and copper each have their own pros and cons. Fireclay is durable but heavy, while copper is artisan-quality but requires more maintenance.

Look for extras like faucet drilling options, bottom grids, drying racks or cutting boards that come with higher-end farmhouse sink models.

Cost of Farmhouse Sinks

Due to their handcrafted style and materials, farmhouse sinks are generally more expensive than regular kitchen sinks. However, they also provide a clearer return on investment with their aesthetics and utility.

Price range varies widely based on size, materials, and features. Simple porcelain models can cost as little as $200. More common price range for a quality 30-36" stainless steel or porcelain farmhouse sink is $400-$800. High-end designer sinks in materials like hammered copper can cost $1,000 and beyond.

Installing Your Farmhouse Sink

One consideration with undermount sinks is the special installation requirements. The countertop must be cut with extreme precision to account for the apron front.

Farmhouse sinks may also require custom-built cabinetry to account for the extra height. Proper sealing is crucial to prevent leaks. Hiring an experienced contractor is advisable for a smooth installation.

With their vintage-chic style and innovative features, today's farmhouse sinks provide the best of form and function. Installing one is an easy way to refresh your kitchen's style while also boosting utility.

If creating a kitchen focal point with designer flair sounds appealing, a farmhouse sink is a project to consider. With so many sizes, materials and configurations available, you can find the perfect farmhouse sink to complement your space and style.