What to Know Before Buying a Farmhouse Sink

If you want a large apron front sink in your kitchen, you’ll want to read these things to know before buying a farmhouse sink.

It’s been over a year since we finished our Blue & White two toned kitchen remodel. Even though it was a big job, I have never regretted the craziness that is a kitchen remodel.

One of the big elements we added to our kitchen was a large farmhouse sink. I had been coveting big beautiful, single-basin, apron front sinks for a while and knew I wanted it in our kitchen.

As much as I love our farmhouse sink, there were some surprises we learned during our kitchen remodel. Large apron front sinks are different than a regular sink. Here are some things I wish I had known before buying a farmhouse sink.

Farmhouse sinks are not cheap

My dream was a large, single basin, white apron front sink. These types of sinks typically cost around $1000 and as much as $2000. That is how much we spent on all the wood needed to build the cabinets for our entire kitchen!

I did lots of research and found this wonderful, more budget-friendly, farmhouse sink and I love it. But it still cost over $500 for just the sink.

If a traditional farmhouse sink is not in your budget, don’t fret. There are other options. You can find stainless steel apron front sinks for much less.

And Ikea has an apron front white sink option, but it is not as deep as a traditional farmhouse sink, plus it has a sink divider (or they have a new smaller version without a sink divider).

Be aware of hidden costs

When you are working on a kitchen remodel or kitchen refresh, I am sure you have a budget. If you plan to add a farmhouse sink to your space, it is good to know about the hidden costs so you can properly budget for them. We were surprised a few times by the added costs.

If you plan on adding a garbage disposal to your farmhouse sink, you will probably have to buy an extended flange to attach it to the sink. Most farmhouse sinks are extra thick so the normal flange does not fit.

You would think a flange would not be an expensive item, but as I was trying to find the right one, I learned it was. The extended flange can cost almost as much as the garbage disposal so be prepared.

Because the apron front sink is much deeper than a standard sink, you may have to adjust plumbing in order for things to drain properly. Our previous sink had one higher drain and one lower so we were able to use the lower sink drain, but if not, we would have had to bring in a plumber which costs $$.

Farmhouse sinks are large

I know it seems odd that I am including this in the list of things to know. Of course, farmhouse sinks are large, that part of their appeal. But I didn’t realize just how big it was until it was installed.

It takes FOREVER to fill the sink with water. And then just as long to drain. If I am trying to just wash a few items (dishes, fruits, etc.) I prefer to place a large bowl in the sink instead of filling up the sink.

Because the sink is so large, you lose a lot of under-sink storage space. And if you put a garbage disposal in, you lose even more space (also make sure to measure your under sink room to make sure your new garbage disposal will fit, it’s that tight).

We have had to get creative with our under-sink storage to make everything fit. And some of the items had to be moved to the linen closet instead.

Dishes are easier to break

I’m not sure exactly why, but we have broken way more dishes in our farmhouse sink in the last year than we did in our standard porcelain sink in 15 years.

I believe it is because the farmhouse sink is deeper. If something drops from your hand, it has further to fall. Also, the bottom is large so it is easier for things to knock over.

After the lid to my $250 Le Creuset casserole dish was shattered in the bottom of our sink (lucky the sink was not), I bought this sink bottom grid. Since adding it to the sink, not 1 more broken dish!

However, it is a bit of a pain to clean the rack and the sink under it. It helps to keep the sink rinsed well after each use (which is harder with kids). Then I do a deep scrub once a week.

White sinks stain easily

This is not specific to farmhouse sinks. We had the same problem with our traditional 2 basin porcelain sink. But it’s worth noting, especially if you are use to having an easier to maintain stainless steel sink.

Again, making sure to rinse the sink fully after each use helps to reduce staining. Using a sink bottom grid will prevent any dishes from scratching the sink. Scratches to your sink get stained faster.

Also, never leave metal dishes in the sink. The feet of our cooling rack left rust spots in the beautiful white sink.

But the stains are not completely permanent. I do a deep clean each week with a microfiber cloth and my favorite cleaner: Branch Basics All Purpose mixed with their Oxygen Boost (this link will give you $10 off). Not only is this cleaner non-toxic (yay!), it also leaves my fireclay sink bright white and stain free.

Installation can be tricky

I have heard that a lot of contractors do not like farmhouse sinks because of installation. We installed our own sink and I found it quite doable.

To make the install smoother, the sink base cabinet was built to the sink specifications (I built our kitchen cabinets also). So no modifications on the cabinets were needed.

Then we installed 2×4 braces directly into the cabinets after they were installed. Extra time and care needs to be taken to ensure everything is level.

These sinks are super heavy and get even heavier when in use (remember how much water I mentioned they can hold). If installation is done poorly, fireclay sinks can crack.

We did LOTS of research before attempting our DIY farmhouse sink install and took the extra time to double check everything along the way. Because of this we had no problems and I would install a farmhouse sink again!

Why I Love My Farmhouse Sink

All these things to know before buying a large apron front sink are not intended to scare you off. Every day I use it, I love it even more.

We have enjoyed the large basin for so many things and the big bold sink is something that everyone loves when they come to visit. So I thought I would finish with the top reason of why you will love your farmhouse sink too.

5 Reason’s To Pick a Farmhouse Sink

1. The large, deep sink bowl makes it easy to fill and clean large pots & pans.
2. You can easily bathe babies or small animals in the kitchen sink (no more bending over the tub).
3. The front of the sink is right at your belly so no leaning over the counter, like with a standard sink, means less back strain.
4. You can hide lots of dirty dishes in the sink when company is coming.
5. The beautiful white apron is statement piece for your kitchen.

So if you have been considering a big, beautiful farmhouse sink for your kitchen, I hope this has helped understand the challenges that come with it. Being an informed buyer and DIYer is way better than getting yourself into a situation you are not prepared for.