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Why Are Farmhouse Sinks So Popular?

If you’ve ever wondered why farmhouse sinks are so popular, read this post. You’ll learn about the different material and design options and more.

Beautiful all-white kitchen with a white porcelain farmhouse sink, black hardware on cabinets, stainless steel appliances and faucet, a wooden bowl of lemons on the island, dark hardwood flooring, white shiplap ceiling

Farmhouse sinks have soared in popularity over recent years. Love or hate them, they’re pretty much everywhere. But if you’re not into the farmhouse style or see how apron sinks are practical, you may be wondering why people love them so much. 

Farmhouse sinks are popular because of their durability, deep basins, ergonomic design, large size, and overall aesthetics. They can be made from several different materials and in varying designs. 

If you’re wanting to learn all about farmhouse sinks, keep reading. This post covers them in detail, from how they’re made and installed, to whether or not they’re even still in style.

What Farmhouse Sink Material Is Best?

Farmhouse sinks can be made with many different kinds of materials, but they’re not all created equal. Each one has its pros and cons, depending on what you’re looking to get out of it.

Fireclay

Close up of a white fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink with blue and white marbled counters and white cabinets, window above sink looking out on a sunny day, green grass

Fireclay farmhouse sinks are made from kiln-fired ceramic clay and a glaze. These sinks are very durable and generally don’t chip, stain, rust, or dent. They come in many colors and styles, making them easy choices for most homeowners. 

They are also very heavy and do require professional installation, so don’t expect to DIY yours if you choose this type. Because they’re such a hard surface, they can also cause dishes to break when they’re not carefully placed in the sink.

Overall, fireclay sinks are incredibly low-maintenance and are usually one of the most affordable options.

Cast Iron

Close up of a black cast iron farmhouse kitchen sink, gold faucet, white cabinets with gold hardware, stainless steel dishwasher, white rectangle plate next to sink with soap, lotion and a little plant, large window letting in natural light above the sink

Cast iron farmhouse sinks are made with cast iron and melting glass. They have a lot of similar qualities to fireclay sinks like durability and weight. Apron sinks made from cast iron are overall very easy to maintain and easy to fit into a wide range of home decor styles.

However, they are much more likely to chip, stain, and rust due to their coating. They’re also incredibly heavy and require significant structural support. As with fireclay, these should also be professionally installed.

Overall, cast iron apron sinks are a great choice if you want a sink that’s durable and easy to clean, but don’t mind being more careful with them.

Porcelain

White Porcelain farmhouse sink with silver faucet with small white trimmed window above, a white vase of flowers and a bowl of cherry tomatoes sitting on counter along with 2 containers of rice

Porcelain farmhouse sinks are very similar to fireclay sinks but are made with different clay and are manufactured differently. Most will have a high back, fluted front, and/or built-in drainboard. They are also durable and come in a wide range of colors, styles, shapes, and finishes. 

While these sinks are durable, they’re more prone to chips and scratches than fireclay or cast iron. You need to be more thoughtful when caring for porcelain sinks and stay away from abrasive cleaners so you don’t scratch the coating. They’re also known for causing glassware to break because of their hard surface like other clay options.

Overall, porcelain farmhouse sinks will hold up for a lifetime as long as you care for them the right way.  

Stone

Farmhouse sinks made from natural stone are lesser-known, but are just as beautiful and useful. These apron sinks can be made from different kinds of stone, with soapstone being one of the most popular. Each kind will have their own pros and cons, so you’ll want to research the different options.

Stone sinks are also known for needing more maintenance. You can expect to reseal one every couple of years to preserve its appearance and durability. They’re also considerably more expensive than other materials.

Overall, natural stone farmhouse sinks are a good choice if you want more of an earthy feel and don’t mind maintaining them. 

Granite Composite

Kitchen with large island, granite composite sink with white and gray marbled counter, hardwood flooring throughout kitchen into the living room, built-in desk on the wall across from island

Granite composite sinks are made of a granite stone and resin mixture, which makes this type of farmhouse sink one of the toughest options available. It is highly resistant to heat, scratches, fading, and odors. They’re also easy to clean and maintain while being more affordable than fireclay or cast iron sinks.

The downside to granite composite farmhouse sinks is the delivery and installation. It isn’t unheard of for one to crack when being installed, or even overtime due to improper maintenance. You want to avoid harsh chemicals and keep up with cleaning, as some report this material stains easier than others.

Overall, a granite composite farmhouse sink is an affordable choice that’s durable and can hold up to everyday life.

Copper

Old kitchen with tile flooring, small old stove with copper hood in the corner, copper farmhouse sink with a copper faucet, green cabinets with a natural wood countertop

Another lesser-known material for farmhouse sinks is copper. This is a long-lasting and strong material, which is loved for its anti-microbial properties and ability to withstand rust and stains. Copper farmhouse sinks are available in a vast array of shapes, sizes, designs, and finishes.

However, they shouldn’t come in contact with acidic foods and drinks, or hot pans. You should only clean a copper sink with mild soap and water to preserve its finish and longevity. As with anything made of copper, you should expect it to develop a patina over time.

Overall, copper farmhouse sinks are a great option if you want a strong statement piece and something that will last a lifetime with proper care.

Stainless Steel

A gorgeous kitchen that combines a stainless steel farmhouse style sink with a stainless steel dishwasher, white cabinets and countertops, gold hardware, and a gold faucet, small plants on the window sill, wine rack, and bowl of grapes sitting on the counter

Stainless steel is a very common material for standard sinks, but many don’t realize they’re also available in an apron style. As with anything made of stainless steel, this kind of farmhouse sink will be able to withstand heat and stains. It’s also easy to sanitize, match with existing kitchen appliances, and is the most affordable option. 

The cons to a stainless steel sink are that they are especially prone to scratches, water spots, and may not fit into a specific farmhouse style. When choosing a stainless steel sink, opt for a lower gauge to prevent warping and sensitivity to heat. Cheap stainless sinks are thin and will eventually give way to everyday life, so keep that in mind.  

Overall, stainless steel is the safest choice for a farmhouse sink because of its durability, versatility, and lower price tag.

Can Farmhouse Sinks Be Replaced?

Farmhouse sinks are known to be difficult to install, and unfortunately can be just as difficult to replace. Whether or not a farmhouse sink can be replaced depends entirely on its shape, size, and how it’s been installed. 

Some sinks are built into the counter and cabinets, which can make them nearly impossible to remove without removing the cabinets and counters with them. 

However, sometimes it is possible to take out a farmhouse sink without compromising the counter or cabinets. In this situation, you will still need to find a replacement sink with the same measurements unless you plan to do some repair work and retrofitting on the cabinets and counter. 

Can Farmhouse Sinks Be Drop-In?

Farmhouse sinks have come a long way and can now even be dropped into existing countertops and cabinets without too much hassle. 

While it can be relatively straightforward to install a drop-in farmhouse sink, you’ll need to pay careful attention to the measurements of your counters, cabinets, and plumbing. Farmhouse sinks are deeper and heavier than traditional sinks, so it’s important to consider things like clearance area and the sturdiness of your existing cabinets and counters.

It’s also important to note that drop-in sinks will have a visible lip that may need to be re-caulked and is harder to keep clean. Sometimes they will even collect water underneath the lip, so keep that in mind as well. 

Regardless, drop-in farmhouse sinks are easy to DIY and are more affordable than others.

How Are Farmhouse Sinks Installed?

Each sink and kitchen will be different, but generally speaking, installing a farmhouse sink is fairly simple. 

After choosing the correct sink size for the cabinets (whether new installs or existing), the countertops will need to be cut to fit the sink. Then the cabinet face will need to be cut so that the front of the sink is exposed. From there, supports to hold the sink in place are made and installed.

When the groundwork has been completed, the sink can officially slide or drop in before plumbing is set up, along with the other finishing touches. 

Who Installs Farmhouse Sinks?

Virtually anyone can DIY a farmhouse sink installation. However, if you’d rather a pro handle the job, you can reach out to your local contractor, plumber, or handyman service. Stores like Lowes and The Home Depot also offer installation services.

Can Farmhouse Sinks Have Garbage Disposals?

Yes, farmhouse sinks can absolutely have garbage disposals installed. Most of the time you can simply use the drain attachments that come with the garbage disposal kit.

However, you will need to find a garbage disposal unit that can fit under the sink. Because farmhouse sinks are deeper than traditional sinks, you should consider this when picking one out. 

When in doubt, check the manufacturer instructions that come with your sink and garbage disposal, watch a tutorial on DIY garbage disposal installations, or call in the pros.

Are Farmhouse Sinks Going Out Of Style?

Even if the Fixer Upper trends have waned since the show’s ending, farmhouse sinks aren’t going anywhere. They have been around for centuries because of both their practical purposes and timeless beauty, and homeowners everywhere have come to love them. 

Farmhouse sinks are definitely still in style, and with all of the choices on the market, it’s not hard to see why!