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A Guide To Choosing The Best Farmhouse Sink

A Guide To Choosing The Best Farmhouse Sink

 

If you're looking into remodeling the kitchen, you've likely heard the term “farmhouse sink”. This sounds like it might be referring to color or even texture. Maybe a sink basin made of wood or wood-colored. It actually refers to a style of sink that has a deep basin that is also wide.

 

Inspired by history and tradition:

Today, farmhouse sinks are hugely popular across America. Perhaps a little bit of background first: the farmhouse sink was originally invented in the 17th century when water was sparse in many places. In Ireland, the Belfast was the original farmhouse sink, designed to hold large amounts of water, generally collected from a nearby lake. There was an overflow design that would allow the water to escape if the sink was too full. A similar design emerged around the same time in London as well. The London farmhouse sink wasn't as deep and there was no overflow for water.

 

There are many benefits to choosing a farmhouse sink for a modern kitchen:

 

  • Much deeper than any traditional sink
  • Allows for more space and the ability to prepare food with ease
  • Allows for a build-up of dishes, while still having the room for running water
  • Makes it easier to clean large pots and baking trays that typically don't fit in a traditional sink
  • Typically installed so any water splashes land on the floor, not the cupboards
  • Adds a hint of elegance to any kitchen with its vintage charm

 

What You Should Know About Farmhouse Sinks

 

What you should know about farmhouse sinks is that they are significantly heavier than the traditional sink. This is because of the size and shape but can be amplified by the type of material you choose as well. With water in them, they can weigh as much as 300 lbs. This means that any farmhouse sink should be properly supported by the surrounding counter space. Typically, installing a farmhouse sink will require a remodel of the counter space around the sink. Again, because these sinks are much larger. Unfortunately, the size of these sinks leaves no space under the sink for storage. 

 

It is also useful to know that farmhouse sinks do not have faucets in them. Instead, the faucet is actually installed and attached to the counter space behind the basin. Many of the traditional faucets will not fit the sizing or shape of this design. Therefore, you will want to purchase vintage faucets that are tall and curved enough to work as intended.

 

The installation of these sinks can be done in three ways. The first method installs the sink so the edge is flush with the counter. The second method allows the sink to stick out from the counter. The third method pushes the sink further back so there is an edge where the counter sticks out further. The way you need your farmhouse sink installed will depend on the space you have available.

 

Farmhouse sinks can be a single tub or a double tub, depending on your needs. They can also be made out of different materials. Here are a few of the most popular choices:

 

  • Fireclay (durable, a glossy shine, lasts a long time, fairly inexpensive)
  • Porcelain (inexpensive, prone to chipping, prone to staining and discoloration)
  • Stainless steel (inexpensive, easy to maintain, steals from the beauty of a farmhouse sink)
  • Copper (highly durable, long-lasting, easy to maintain, mid-price)

 

Copper farmhouse sinks are quite popular for many reasons. Yet some people aren't familiar with copper sinks in general so remember that choosing a copper farmhouse is a great idea provided you learn how to properly maintain them.

 

The Pros & Cons of a Copper Farmhouse Sink

 

There are pros and cons to everything and a copper sink is no stranger. Sometimes, reviews online will often turn up the negative side of copper sinks, while completely ignoring the benefits. Note that most of the cons can be taken care of if you follow our professional cleaning guidance for copper sinks.

 

Below, we're going to look at both the benefits and the downside of choosing a copper sink. 

Cons

 

  • Many different foods can cause the color of copper to shift
  • Foods that are high in acid can stain the living finish
  • Copper naturally changes color over time (this is the living finish)
  • The outer layer (or living finish) can chip or scratch off, looking unappealing
  • Having an uneven finish is an almost guarantee

 

Pros

 

  • Copper has natural properties that make the surface antibacterial
  • There is a very low risk of long-term stains developing
  • Copper has a vintage charm
  • Copper is elegant

 

Copper sinks will last a long time if properly cared for, it is all down to proper maintenance.

 

Proper Maintenance for Your Copper Farmhouse Sink

 

If you do know something about copper sinks, you've likely heard they are hard to maintain. There is some truth to this, but it's largely incorrect. The reason people believe copper is hard to maintain is that it has a living finish. This means, it naturally changes color over time. The sink will not remain the same color. This doesn't mean there is anything wrong with the finish, either. This is part of the natural beauty that comes from choosing copper.

 

Of course, there are some tips for keeping a copper sink looking nice:

 

  • Don't use abrasive or harsh chemicals
  • Don't use any abrasive materials (like scrubbing pads)
  • Don't leave small amounts of water in the sink
  • Don't soak anything in the sink that has a high concentration of vinegar (such as ketchup)
  • Don't leave citrus fruits in the sink
  • Wash regularly with warm water and soap

 

Maintenance for a copper sink boils down to understanding that there is a living finish. You want to allow your sink to naturally change colors. If this lack of uniformity is going to be an issue for you, you're not going to want to choose copper for your home.

 

In closing, there are a few things you have to consider when you're choosing a farmhouse sink:

 

  • Your usage
  • The space you have available
  • The design of your kitchen
  • Your willingness to remodel

 

Choosing the best sink is more about personal preference than anything else. kitchen, even if the idea is just in your head for now.

 

Remember: You don't need to completely remodel your kitchen to give it a new look. You can simply reface the existing cupboards or install an iconic sink. This can save you money that you can easily use towards enhancing your current kitchen. A dull kitchen only needs an appealing backsplash and a few pieces of art hung on the walls to transform the entire room. You just have to get creative!