9 Amazing Reasons to Install a Quick-Fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sink
You may not have realized this, but there is such a thing as a quick-fit drop-in farmhouse sink.
Not only that but there are some absolutely gorgeous drop-in farmhouse apron sink models available.
This means you can add a farmhouse sink to your own kitchen without having to overhaul the whole room!
If you are looking for a kitchen refresh as opposed to a remodel, installing a drop-in sink may be exactly what you didn’t even know you needed.
1. No Need to Replace the Existing Countertops
That’s right! This is a kitchen upgrade that you can accomplish without having to do too much demo.
The fact that an overmount farmhouse sink can be installed without replacing your countertops is a huge perk.
It is possible that those countertops will need to be reworked a bit, but even existing stone (i.e. granite, quartz, or marble) can be used without much adjustment.
Drop-in apron front sinks will usually come with a template that is used to determine how to cut the existing countertops to fit the new sink.
2. Quick-Fit Drop-In Farmhouse Sinks Are Laminate-Countertop-Compatible
If you have been eyeing up gorgeous apron farmhouse basins but have existing laminate countertops, you don’t have to give up your dream.
That’s right! Quick-fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sinks can be used with laminate counters. This overmount sink model will work perfectly with laminate counters because the edges of the counter are protected from water with this design.
The more common undermount farmhouse sink is often not recommended for use with laminate counters. This is because of the potential for moisture exposure as water splashes up from the sink. That water could potentially enter through the seams where the laminate attaches to the particleboard base beneath it.
However, a drop-in apron sink will protect these vulnerable edges, making it possible to install an overmount sink with your current counters.
A drop-in farmhouse sink is also a great option for homeowners with existing butcher block countertops. A drop-in model will protect the edges of the butcher block instead of exposing them to moisture.
3. Pre-Drilled Faucet Holes
It is standard for Quick-Fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sinks to come with faucet holes already drilled. This means that there is no need to figure out how to install a faucet through a thin slice of countertop at the back of the sink. Or, if that’s not possible, through the wall above the sink.
Most drop-in farmhouse sinks have 3 faucet holes predrilled, which means they will accept faucets that need up to 3 holes.
This doesn’t mean you have to select a 3-hole faucet, however. If you end up having your heart set on the perfect 1 or 2 hole faucet, there are plates readily available to cover the holes that are not in use.
4. Quick-fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sink = No Need to Replace Your Existing Cabinets
Most drop-in farmhouse sinks are retrofit, meaning you don’t have to replace, or even strengthen, your existing base cabinet.
This is because retrofit sink basins are shallow by design (most are about 9-inches deep). They will fit into your current base cabinet without creating a necessity for you to have to shorten your cabinet doors.
The exposed apron front will require you to cut out the false drawer fronts at the top of the cabinet. However, that should be the only thing to do, as far as modifying the base.
Additionally, some sinks, like the Kohler Vault, have a self-trimming apron that OVERLAPS the cabinet face. This means that you don’t need to cut the cabinet at all since the apron simply covers the top of the cabinet.
The only other cut you should have to make is jigsawing out the hole in your countertops to be able to drop in your new sink. Note: Most sinks will come with a pattern for this cut.
5. A Variety of Quick-Fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sink Options Exist
As more and more manufacturers produce drop-in apron sinks, the variety of models available continues to grow.
There are drop-in sinks made from diverse materials, including stainless steel, fireclay, acrylic, and porcelain.
Colors range from the more traditional white or off-white to blue, gray, black, tan, or even candy apple red. Drop-in stainless sinks are, of course, offered in silver.
Sizes span from petite bowls (24 inches) to full-sized vessels (36 inches).
All of these options mean that there are quick-fit drop-in sinks available to suit just about any style of kitchen.
6. Time Savings installing a Quick-Fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sink
A quick-fit drop-in farmhouse sink can be installed by the average DIY-er in just an afternoon.
And if you do some studying ahead of time by reading through the literature that comes with your sink and/or watching a few youtube videos, the process should be even easier.
When you consider that the average kitchen renovation takes weeks-into-months, it is obvious that this is one home improvement project that can provide immediate satisfaction.
7. Fewer Backaches
Regular farmhouse sinks tend to be deeper than average sinks.
Add to that the fact that a traditional undermount farm sink will be another inch lower due to its mounting under the countertop, and you are looking at a sink depth that could be 3-inches lower than you are accustomed to.
A drop-in farmhouse sink, however, should have its bottom at just about the exact same height as your current sink. This will eliminate the need to bend to reach the bottom of the sink.
8. Cost Savings
There are a variety of reasons why installing a drop-in apron front sink may cost less.
Some drop-in sink models, like Sinkology’s Josephine and Elkay’s Burnham White, both made of fireclay, are really quite affordable.
However, even if you go with a different model and the sink ends up not costing less than a traditional undermount farmhouse apron front sink, there should still be significant savings on installation costs.
Because a drop-in sink is a suitable project for weekend warriors, there may be no need to contract with a professional at all. However, if you do decide to hire someone to complete the job for you, the installer will have to spend less time on this type of sink installation, which will save you money.
And speaking of installation costs, the fact that the sink will likely come with predrilled holes will also make installation easier. There will be no need to determine where to install the faucet or to try to figure out how to drill the faucet holes. Instead, your faucet can simply be attached and mounted.
9. Quick-Fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sinks are Just as Beautiful
It is absolutely possible to get the apron front sink of your dreams installed as a drop-in model. Don’t just take our word for it, though.
These photos should be all you need to convince yourself!
Conclusion
Installing a Quick-Fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sink has so many benefits.
You will not have to hire a professional, spend loads of money, tear apart your entire kitchen, or wait for months.
Instead, simply select a beautiful sink from the variety of options available and spend your time enjoying it!