How to Choose the Best Apron Front Farm Sink

Often, time can feel like it's moving way too fast. Perhaps that's why vintage touches and antique treasures hold such an appeal.

There's a reason why farmhouse decor has swept the design scene lately. Furnishes such wood-paneled walls, simple linens, and apron-front farm sinks remind us of a simpler era.

This aesthetic is refreshingly unfussy and provides an easy canvas to personalize and make your own.

As you decorate your home, you might decide that a farm sink is exactly what you need to add that special throwback charm. Now, the next part is to decide which style, size and material you prefer!

Thankfully, you have plenty of options. Read on to discover how to shop for the best apron-front farm sink around.

What is a Farm Sink?

Though it's a mainstay in some of the most upscale homes around, the kitchen farmhouse sink was born out of necessity.

The first two designs emerged in the late 17th century. During that time, there was no running water throughout Ireland and Britain. Homeowners needed a sink big enough to hold a substantial amount of water from rivers, lakes and wells to use for a variety of everyday tasks.

Though the two original designs were similar, they did have a few differences.

Ireland's Belfast sink was ultra-deep and featured an overflow that directed water away from the sides. Britain's London sink was shallower, primarily because water was scarcer in that region. There was also no overflow because every drop was considered precious.

Now, you can find farm sinks almost anywhere you look. Their simple, classic design is versatile enough to fit everywhere from a downtown apartment to a hillside retreat.

Why Buy One For Your Home?

There's more to a farm sink than meets the eye.

Not only are these basins gorgeous, but they're also functional. Let's take a look at a few of the top benefits of owning one.

More Ergonomic

Tired of reaching over your cabinets and countertops to access your sink? An apron-front farm sink eliminates that issue.

These are designed to hang slightly in front of your lower cabinetry and do not include any countertop space in front. This means they're positioned closer to you and easier to reach.

It might seem like a minor detail, but those few inches can make a world of difference. The apron front reduces back strain and makes your time in the kitchen that much more comfortable.

Easier to Maintain

If you're going to spend hours in your kitchen, you want to be making memories and great meals. You don't want to be scrubbing stubborn grime off your sink.

With a farm sink, you don't have to.

Most of these sinks are under-mounted, which makes it easy to wipe crumbs right from your countertop in the basin. Moreover, if you choose an easy-to-clean material like Fireclay, everyday care is as simple as using dish soap and a soft cloth.

Larger and Deeper

Have you ever played Tetris with your pots and pans? After a big family meal, finding room in the sink for all of your big dishes can be a challenge!

This is where a farmhouse sink comes in handy.

Bigger, deeper, and wider than most standard sinks, they can easily accommodate your bulkiest kitchen utensils with ease.

Ready to buy the best farmhouse sink around? Let's review a few features to consider as you research all of your options.

Choosing Your Surface

One of the best things about farm sinks is that they're available in a variety of different colors and finishes. This allows them to work well in myriad different kitchen styles.

Some of the most common farmhouse sink materials include:

• Fireclay
• Porcelain
• Stainless steel
• Cast iron
• Copper
• Concrete
• Soapstone

Let's check out the details behind a few of the top ones.

Fireclay

While all of these can create beautiful sinks, Fireclay is our recommendation.

This material is formed when clay mixes with glaze and is fired at a very high temperature. The result is a sink that is durable and long-lasting with a gorgeous glossy sheen. It's also resistant to scratches, dents, scrapes, and stains.

Today, you can find Fireclay sinks that mimic the look of their more traditional cast-iron or porcelain counterparts without the sky-high price tag or fussy upkeep, or Italian fireclay farmhouse kitchen sinks that are unmatched in design creativity and durability.

Porcelain

Porcelain looks and feels similar to Fireclay, but isn't as hard or durable.

This is a special type of material that's denser than most ceramics, but it still lacks staying power. Though it's fired at a high temperature, Fireclay still gets hotter. Thus, porcelain is more likely to chip or crack down the road.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel farmhouse sinks offer a sleek and modern twist on the traditional apron-front farm sink. These sinks are cost-effective, rugged, and easy to clean. They also won't rust or chip and feature a sanitary, non-porous surface.

Especially if you have stainless steel appliances in your kitchen, these are the perfect way to tie your kitchen decor together!

Copper

You can also find farmhouse sinks made of copper. These can be as simple or ornate as you prefer, as this vine-design copper farm sink shows!

Copper is an unexpected and striking material to use for your sink. As the years go by, it will also develop a gorgeous patina that only adds to its charm and allure.

Other Options to Consider

Once you decide which material you want for your farm sink, you have a few more decisions to make. These include:

• The size of your sink
• If you want a single-bowl sink or dual-bowl sink
• If you want a sink with a top lip or one without

Rather than sticking too closely with current trends, go with what appeals to you the most! This way, you can be sure you'll love your new sink for years to come.

Shop Our Expansive Farm Sink Collection

Now that you know a few of the factors to consider as you shop for a farm sink, are you ready to add one to your home?

If so, we'd love to help.

We have a wide selection of farmhouse sinks available in a range of materials, from Fireclay to copper. Feel free to shop around today and let us know if we can help in any way.