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Apron sink: Finding the answers to seven essential questions before completing your purchase You can call it an apron-front sink or a farmhouse sink. The name does not take away any part of its bold yet flush appeal. The name suggests that it is ideal for a farmhouse style kitchen or a country-themed home. However, the apron sink has been enhancing the appeal of several kitchens irrespective of their theme and style.

The unique farmhouse sink appeal combines the best of modern and traditional elements. The only concern of first-time kitchen remodelers is the size of an apron-front sink. Thanks to its revealing and, sometimes, curved front, these sinks appear much larger than they really are. They are indeed “big” beauties, but their capacity will both stun and impress you.

What are apron front or farmhouse sinks?

Their name stems from the olden times when there was a lack of indoor plumbing. Therefore, the vintage farmhouse sinks are enormous and sturdy. They have an enormous capacity to hold both water and steel utensils. In the early days, before indoor water supply lines were standard, people would fill farmhouse sinks till the brim with warm or cold soapy water to do their dishes. Some of the modern farmhouse or apron sinks still have similar capacity, but the commercial ones are typically the size of any other undermount or top-mount sink. However, these sinks tend to be deeper than the traditional undermount sink. So, if you have a cabinet under your sink space, measure the available depth before purchasing a farmhouse sink.

Why do homeowners like larger farmhouse sinks?

The look of an apron-front sink is still quite unique. It is common for these sinks to jut out a little from the edge of the countertop in the front. It is especially noticeable in the case of sinks with curved fronts or aprons. This particular feature makes these farmhouse sinks a statement feature of any kitchen. The demand for farmhouse kitchen sinks coincides with the evolution of open kitchen plans. As people's needs have shifted from functional and basic working spaces to ones that are functional as well as good-looking, the popularity of farmhouse sinks has also risen considerably.

Who should go for the larger farmhouse sinks?

If you frequently cook for a large family or invite friends over for dinner, you will appreciate the presence of a traditional farmhouse sink. The larger farmhouse sinks are also deeper and wider. You can easily soak dirty pots and pans after a delicious dinner and give them a good scrub, without that strip of countertop (in front of the sink) coming between you and your dirty dishes. Interestingly, to date, several people choose the farmhouse sink over their bathtub to bathe their infant or small pets.

How many basins should your sink contain?

The modern farmhouse sink is not just a single large bowl. Even apron sinks now come in double basin varieties. Consider your garbage disposal preferences and dishwashing habits before you decide on the number of bowls your apron sink should contain. If you are an avid multitasker, who keeps washing dishes while prepping for dinner or lunch, you might prefer a double-bowl apron-front sink design. It is also great for homeowners, who prefer to keep their garbage disposal separate from their food prepping or vegetable washing station.


What material is ideal for an apron front sink?

One problem many users face is a farmhouse sink's propensity to chip or crack easily. However, you can overcome this problem by choosing a material that is not fragile. Skip porcelain and ceramics, go straight to the stainless steel sink section. Modern design and tech allow the production of perfectly functioning and aesthetically pleasing apron sinks in stainless steel. These are sturdier and more durable than the conventional porcelain sink that adorned the farmhouses in the 20^th century. If you already own a porcelain sink, you can invest in a sink mat to prevent easy chipping and cracking.

Why should you check out stainless steel apron sinks?

Since farmhouse sinks have become a style statement for modern kitchens, you can find these sinks in more materials than you can even dream of. Cast iron, copper, brass, fireclay, and even marble are options for the trendy homeowner. Most of these are significantly costlier than stainless steel, but only some are as strong and long-lasting. If you want to make a style statement that is both a smart investment and a sustainable choice, go with stainless steel. Stainless steel apron sinks are also the easiest to clean thanks to home-made cleaning solutions as well as affordable ready-to-use solvents for getting rid of stains and scuff marks.

What kind of installation is ideal for apron sinks?

Contrary to popular belief, apron front sinks do not just come with undermount installation options. The undermount sinks are better for a seamless look if your kitchen is smaller or prominently rectangular in shape. These sinks don't have visible caulk between the counter material and the stainless steel rim. Undermounting sinks will offer you more counter space, and it will make the apron front more prominent as compared to drop-in installation. Undermount sinks are also better in terms of hygiene. That can prevent the buildup of grime over months of use. However, if you are going for an undermount apron sink, do consult expert installation to avoid any leakage or installation errors.

On the other hand, top-mount or drop-in farmhouse sinks are more traditional than undermount installation. It is an excellent choice for solid countertops. Additionally, if you have a laminate countertop, you should opt for a top-mount sink only. Most laminate countertop materials are not compatible with undermount sinks, irrespective of the sink design and material.

A point worth remembering!

If you are going for a complete kitchen remodel, choose a countertop material that is identical to the sink material. It will give your entire kitchen a gleaming and stylish new look, irrespective of its size and other appliances. We suggest a complete metallic finish for the cleanliness worshippers and a laid-back mix of tiles and porcelain with stainless steel for kitchens with a touch of nostalgia.