What are farmhouse sinks made of?
Farmhouse sinks typically come in fireclay. Other options do exist, though. Some of those options include stainless steel, copper, granite, and even marble or porcelain.
However, not all these materials make for a great farmhouse. Here are the materials that the best farmhouse sinks are made of:
Fireclay/ceramic
In our opinion, fireclay is the best material for a farmhouse sink. It’s durable and resistant to a lot of different types of abuse.
It does tend to weigh significantly more than metal sinks. And it’s also more expensive than stainless steel.
All things considered, a fireclay farmhouse sink is still the best option for a farmhouse sink because of the durability.
Stainless steel
Stainless steel is the most common material for a farmhouse sink.
It’s affordable, looks good, and won’t chip, rust, or scratch.
The negative with stainless steel sinks is that they have much less options when it comes to finishes and colors, which isn’t a problem if you can find a finish and color that matches your kitchen.
Copper
Copper farmhouse sinks offer more durability and look better than stainless steel farmhouse sinks. The only negative with copper sinks is that they will change color over time and it’s fairly easy to accidentally a copper sink.
We recommend a copper sink for decoration more than utility.
Cast iron
Cast iron farmhouse sinks aren’t particularly common – they’re heavy and prone to scratches and chips if not properly maintained.
That said, if you have the ability to keep up with maintenance, then a cast iron sink might work for you. We still recommend a stainless steel sink with a darker finish rather than a cast iron sink.
Maintaining a Farmhouse Sink
Cleaning a farmhouse sink really depends on what type of material it is made of. If it’s fireclay or stainless steel, then cleaning it with a sponge and soap will work perfectly fine.
As for preventing any damage, a sink grid should prevent most damage to the bottom of your sink. If you have a fireclay sink, then you don’t have to worry about damage nearly as much.
Also, avoid putting hot dishes in a stainless steel sink – it can warp the sink.
Installing a Farmhouse Sink
This section will offer some general advice about installing a farmhouse sink in your home.
- You should first consider where you will place the sink and faucet before installing and even purchasing the sink.
- Next, you want to take into account the plumbing situation in your kitchen. Where are the drain pipes and water connections?
- If the counter requires cutting, then you should hire a contractor to avoid damaging your counter. The contractor will cut the counter according to an outline that comes with the sink – it has to be a nearly perfect cutout or the sink will not stay in the countertop.
- You should also make sure that the sink will fit your cabinet.
The installation process itself is fairly simple. You simply drop the sink into the cutout and attach it with fasteners. This will probably require multiple people if you are installing a fireclay sink, though.
Farmhouse Sinks buying Guide and FAQ
What’s a farmhouse sink?
A farmhouse sink is a sink that has no counter or cabinets between the apron and the user. This means you can more easily reach into the sink.
This compares to a top-mount or under-mount sink that often has some counter or cabinet between the apron and the user of the sink.
What is the difference between a farmhouse sink and a front apron sink?
A front apron sink will only have a finish on the front of the sink. The other sides are unfinished because they are hidden behind the counter or cabinets.
A farmhouse sink will have a finish on all sides, which allows it to stand on its own.
Should I get a single bowl or double bowl kitchen sink?
A single bowl sink usually requires less space and can accommodate larger dishes. However, it can be a little more difficult to do dishes with only one bowl.
A double bowl sink usually necessitates more space, but it will make doing dishes easier with two separate bowls. You can’t place large dishes in a double bowl sink, though.
We recommend a single bowl sink if you have a small sink.
What is the most durable and affordable farmhouse sink material?
Fireclay or granite is the most durable types of farmhouse sinks. We prefer fireclay because they require more maintenance than granite.
In terms of affordability, a stainless steel farmhouse sink is the most affordable. They’re also fairly durable, but not nearly as durable as fireclay or granite.
Final Thoughts
That covers it for the best farmhouse sinks of 2021. We have hopefully provided you with some good options for your next purchase.
All the choices we listed are the best for different uses. As mentioned before, we highly recommend purchasing a fireclay farmhouse sink because of the durability. The durability makes up for the slightly higher price.
Anyway, a farmhouse sink will give your kitchen some extra character and can really be the centerpiece for your kitchen. It’s a decision that almost everyone that makes is happy they made.
The extra functionality of a farmhouse sink is also nice.