The Complete Guide to Farmhouse Sinks: Materials To Maintenance

Looking for a sink that will make a statement in your kitchen? A farmhouse sink is a great option! Farmhouse sinks are becoming increasingly popular in home design. They are perfect for both traditional and modern kitchens.

If you’re considering a farmhouse sink for your kitchen, this guide is for you! We’ll cover everything you need to know about farmhouse sinks, from materials to maintenance. By the end of this guide, you’ll be an expert on farmhouse sinks!

What is a Farmhouse Sink?

Farmhouse sinks were originally used on operating farms and, therefore, had to be as hard-working as possible.

These sinks were purposely designed to be large, allowing their owners to do everything from scrubbing a bushel of freshly harvested vegetables to soaking laundry to bathing children – or sometimes a combination of all three!

Farmhouse sinks today are. of course, not utilized for all of these same functions. But it is safe to say modern homeowners who desire a farmhouse sink still seek the flexibility and charm this type of sink provides.

Of note is the fact that farmhouse sinks may (or may not) be designed as apron sinks. While farmhouse sinks with exposed aprons have risen in popularity, plenty of farmhouse sink options can be mounted inside traditional cabinetry.

Are farmhouse sinks still in style? 

In a word – yes. Farmhouse sinks, like so much of farmhouse style, are classic, and classic pieces do not go out of style.

A farmhouse sink will always have a unique aesthetic that no other sink will be able to match.

While farmhouse sinks certainly have some charming idiosyncrasies, there are many reasons why they won’t ever go out of style. They are practical, functional, and beautiful. 

Plus, farmhouse sinks are also used in many transitional kitchen designs. Homeowners continue to want the benefits associated with having a larger, roomier sink.

Benefits of a Farmhouse Sink

There are many benefits to installing a farmhouse sink in your kitchen. Some of the key benefits include:

1. Farmhouse sinks provide more space for washing large pots and pans.
2. The deep basin of a farmhouse sink can help prevent water from splashing out of the sink and onto your countertops or floor.
3. Farmhouse sinks can be easier to clean than traditional kitchen sinks because there is no lip or rim around the edge of the sink to trap food and dirt.
4. Farmhouse sinks are available in a variety of colors, materials, and sizes that will match (or change up) the look and feel of your kitchen.

Drawbacks of Farmhouse Sinks

While farmhouse sinks come with a number of benefits, there are a few potential drawbacks to keep in mind as well. Consider your personal needs and the needs of your family before making a decision.

1. Farmhouse sinks can be more expensive than traditional kitchen sinks.
2. The deeper basin of a farmhouse sink may lead to items being dropped (and broken).
3. Farmhouse sinks can be difficult to install and may require the help of a professional.
4. Daily cleaning. A traditional, white farmhouse sink is going to readily show dirt and grime. This means that you should be prepared to perform daily sink maintenance to ensure it doesn’t get gross.  

Things to Consider When Buying a Farmhouse Sink

Now that you know a little more about farmhouse sinks, it’s time to choose the perfect one for your home! Here are a few things to keep in mind as you shop:

The material

The first thing to consider when choosing a farmhouse sink is what material you want it to be made out of.

The three main materials for farmhouse sinks are metal (which includes stainless steel, brass, and copper), porcelain (which includes enameled-cast iron and fireclay), and natural stone (which includes granite, marble, travertine, and soapstone).

Farmhouse sinks come in all of these materials, but they are probably most commonly made out of porcelain or natural stone.

Number of basins: One or Two

This question definitely divides farmhouse sink owners! While the majority are firmly in the “one basin is best” camp, another (albeit smaller) group of owners is equally as passionate about their 60/40 two-basin sinks. A third option is the bowl-and-a-half, which is just what it sounds like. The larger-sized basin makes up two-thirds of the sink and the “half” comprises the other third. This gives just slightly more size to the large basin than the 60/40 does.  

Our takeaway: It is easy to divide a one-basin sink by placing a purchased plastic basin inside if you feel you need to keep something separate. We would rather have the option of using the whole sink when necessary, so we throw our support behind getting one large basin.  

The style

Finally, think about the style of the sink. Farmhouse sinks come in both traditional and modern styles. If you want a sink that is more traditional in style, look for one made out of fireclay or enameled cast iron.

A farmhouse sink can absolutely be modern. If you want a sink that is more modern in style, consider stainless steel. Many new builds are including stainless steel farmhouse sinks, which is a great way to modernize and update the farmhouse vibe.

Stainless basins can be gorgeous and they are far less fragile than the typical white farmhouse sink. No matter what style you choose, make sure it fits in with the overall style of your kitchen and the rest of your home.

The color

Farmhouse sinks come in various colors, from white to black to silver. White tends to look more traditional; black, more modern. Many sinks are also available in hues like gray, red, blue, or even gold.

We recommend pouring over Pinterest in order to see what type of farmhouse sink draws your eye. A board devoted to farmhouse sinks will let you collect all of your favorites and narrow your choices down to which one you really want.

Take your time

No matter what, make sure to take your time when shopping for a farmhouse sink. This is a big investment, so you want to make sure you choose the perfect one for your home!

Farmhouse Sink Care Tips

Once you’ve installed your farmhouse sink, it’s important to take care of it properly so that it lasts for many years. Here are a few tips:

1. To keep the finish on your farmhouse sink looking new, use a mild detergent (like dishsoap) and water to clean it. Do not use any harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners, as they can damage the finish.
2. To prevent staining, be sure to wipe up any spills or messes as soon as possible.
3. If your farmhouse sink starts to get dirty or stained, use a commercial cleaner or a paste made of baking soda and water to clean it.
4. Once a month, pour a cup of vinegar down the drain to help keep it clean.

If you follow these tips, your farmhouse sink should remain beautiful for many years to come.

Conclusion: Is a Farmhouse Sink Worth It?

Do you find yourself daydreaming about farmhouse sinks? Do you feel like your kitchen isn’t really complete without one? Are you willing to invest some money in order to make your farmhouse sink dream a reality? Are you willing to deal with the small pain points that sometimes accompany farmhouse sink ownership?

If you are nodding your head, you already know what your answer is. It’s time to start shopping! 

In our opinion, farmhouse sinks are well worth the time, cost, and effort they take to install and maintain because of the undeniable beauty and charm they add.