Best Farmhouse Sink

Best Farmhouse Sink Reviews, Tips & Buying Guides

Buying Guides – How To Choose The Best Farmhouse Sink

When it comes to home improvement, the kitchen is one of the most popular areas. While kitchens are busy working spaces, they are also meant for family times and entertainment purposes.

To get your kitchen in top shape, you need to renew its appearance with a new sink that has style and functionality. A farmhouse sink offers these benefits along with being durable, easy to clean and maintain. So if you want the best for your kitchen, this should be part of your list when planning renovation or redecoration work.

1. Stand Alone Vs Undermount

Before you even start shopping for a farmhouse sink, think about how much countertop space you have available; this will help narrow down your choices since many models come in either stand-alone or undermount styles.

2. Size & Number Of Basins

You also need to decide how big you want the sink to be and what number of basins suits your kitchen space. The bigger the sink, the more difficult it will be for you to keep it clean. Also, if you are planning on using one basin as a washing-up bowl for your pet’s food, then two basins work best since they can hold soapy water together with clear water in the other basin.

3. Design & Finish

When shopping for farmhouse sinks, you have plenty of choices when it comes to design, finish and color that blend well with your overall decor theme. Sinks are available with either smooth or textured surfaces, matte or glossy finishes. There are also color options to choose from so you can get the right mix of style and functionality without overspending.

4. Materials

Farmhouse sinks are available in many materials including cast iron, copper, ceramic, steel, and acrylic. Each comes with its own benefits and drawbacks which is why you need to do some research before settling for one or another; there may be more than one material that suits your needs so look around carefully before making a final decision.

5. Accessories

Farmhouse sinks come with their own accessories such as drainboards on one or both sides, exposed backsplashes, and corner cushions that protect them from damage due to constant use. Some customers may want to add accessories such as bottom grids and custom drain assemblies to ensure that they get the most out of their money.

6. Price

You can find good farmhouse sinks within your budget if you look carefully. However, it is always best to know what you need in advance so that you don’t end up overpaying for features that you won’t use.

7. Add-Ons

Some add-ons such as soap dispensers and towel racks boost functionality while also turning your farmhouse sink into a handy utility station.

8. Installation

When installing your new farmhouse sink, you should ensure that it is plumbed correctly to avoid problems later on; this means having the right number of holes and making sure they match the basins and faucets. As with any plumbing work, hiring a professional can make things easier for you while ensuring top-quality results.

9. Long-Term Costs

When buying any appliance, it is always best to consider long-term costs including maintenance and repair expenses in case something goes wrong. The great thing about farmhouse sinks is that they are very durable so repair work is not common. However, there are some known issues that you can take steps to avoid including keeping the sink clean and unclogged.

10. Warranty

Do check for warranties before buying your farmhouse sink; this way, any defects can be addressed within a specific period of time without having to worry about the cost of repairs or replacements.

11. Maintenance  

Farmhouse sinks need regular cleaning and maintenance since they are prone to stains especially if grease gets stuck on their surface; you should also make sure that water pools don’t gather in between the basin legs or at the corners of the kitchen bottom cabinet.

12. Easy to use

When buying a new farmhouse sink, you should make sure that you can move it around easily. Some people prefer wall mount sinks while others choose full-sink basins that are lighter and easier to install especially when remodeling the kitchen so always check your options carefully before making a purchase.

13. Workflow

If you plan on getting a lot of use out of your farmhouse sink, then you need to think about workflow. This means having enough space in front of the basin for washing and rinsing, storing cleaning products, and keeping dirty dishes off the countertop itself; if you design your kitchen properly from scratch or just add in some tweaks here and there, there is no limit to what you can achieve.

14. Flow rate

If you have a large family or any other reason to increase water flow, then having decent flow rates is an important consideration. Because farmhouse sinks are known for their unique designs, they use up quite a bit of water during regular dishwashing sessions; before buying one, make sure that it has enough faucet holes to accommodate your demands.

15. Appearance

The appearance of your kitchen sink can say a lot about how you feel about cleanliness and hygiene which is why the design plays such an important role in this decision. There are many styles available including country craft, rustic modern, or transitional so choose something that suits your overall décor plans.

16. Eco-Friendly Farmhouse Sinks

Not all farmhouse sinks are sustainable products; some are made of different materials including wood, glass, and stainless steel. You can find high-quality greener sinks on the market today though by taking your time to review your options carefully.

17. Farmhouse Sink Safety Tips

 In case you have small children running around the house or pets that come into contact with harmful chemicals, it is best to be on the safe side by choosing a farmhouse sink that is resistant to scratches or damages.

18. Easy Cleaning:

The cleaning process for any type of the dishwasher, large or small, is quite easy since most modern machines come equipped with an internal water sprayer and strong jets.  All you need to do is fill the basin with hot soapy water and let your machine do the rest; while it helps if you put in some elbow grease while removing stains and other spots, sometimes you just need to rinse off food particles or uneaten portions of meals.

 

FAQs

What is a farmhouse sink?

Farmhouse sinks are large and deep rectangular sinks that can be placed in a kitchen.

They’re usually made of porcelain, stone, or stainless steel.

Because farmhouses usually have wood counters,

the sink is always on the same level as the workspace below it. And because of this, clean up becomes very easy and you can see everything at once. It’s also very practical in a restaurant setting, where you need to wash dishes quickly with a lot of water running over them.

Farmhouse sinks were popular during – the 30s going into the big depression era—it wasn’t until recently they started becoming more common again in modern homes. Today there are many different styles along with many companies making their own version of the farmhouse sink.

Is insulation needed with farmhouse sinks?

Insulation is not necessary, but it will improve the heat efficiency of your sink. If you live in a region that has cold winters, insulating the farmhouse sink is strongly recommended. You will have to install an insulation kit underneath your countertop so water doesn’t leak through to the other side where all of your wires are located. This way you will be able to cut down on heating costs because less water will be needed to run through the pipes for hot water. It’s also important if you have wooden cabinets above the sink—the mildew forming on them can damage your surfaces and even cause mold or germs to grow if not taken care of properly.

People usually use foam to insulate their sinks, but it’s not very durable and can get destroyed easily. You will also need to replace the foam after a certain period of time.

What are farmhouse sinks made of?

They’re basically made out of the same materials that regular sinks are—most manufacturers use stainless steel and porcelain finishes to produce them. If you want to be sure about the quality of your sink, choose a manufacturer or retailer with a good reputation so you can rest assured that their products will last for years without needing repairs. Even though most people buy farmhouse sinks online (and they’re available in many different sizes and shapes), it’s always better to go into a store and try it before you actually make up your mind–looking at something online is not the same as touching and feeling it yourself.

Farmhouse sinks don’t really differ from traditional ones, but there are certain things (like insulation) that homeowners need to consider when buying them. The materials they’re made out of are usually the same as well, but some manufacturers might use different kinds which could be worse for your budget in the long run so do your research and find a trustworthy retailer.

Where can I buy stainless steel under farmhouse sinks?

The internet is one of the best places to buy farmhouse sinks and other kitchen appliances because you can compare prices, materials, and even customer reviews. A website like Amazon usually has a good selection of undermount sinks (you might even find free shipping if you’re lucky), but it’s still recommended that you visit your local hardware store because you will be able to see all of their products in person. You can also try visiting home improvement stores where there are always new models arriving every day–that way you’ll be able to choose from different designs and keep up with the latest trends.

Where can I find farmhouse sink faucets?

You may find them at the same retailer that sells sinks or they may come with your brand new farmhouse sink. If you’re having trouble finding them, try looking online where you can read reviews about different types of faucets and choose the one that’s best for your home. Some manufacturers recommend using their products with their sinks, but it’s generally a good idea to check out what other customers are saying before making up your mind. That way you won’t have to deal with returning an item if it doesn’t work well with your sink—generally speaking, they should go together because most brands tend to design similar models.

What do I need to know when buying farmhouse sinks?

It is best to know the dimensions of your cabinet so you can figure out how much space you have left. That way you’ll be able to buy a sink that fits perfectly and won’t look too big or too small for its location. If possible, measure your countertop as well so you can stay on budget—most manufacturers offer different sizes and models, but it’s a good idea to check what works best with your home first. Be sure to read customer reviews before committing to a specific product because there might be something wrong with it (and not everyone would notice if they’re not familiar with sinks). It may even come damaged in the box!

Most shops will give their customers an opportunity to test products before deciding whether or they want to buy them. If they don’t, it’s probably best to stay away from that retailer because their products may be faulty–and you won’t notice until you install them yourself.

Do I need an insulation kit for a farmhouse sink?

No, you don’t. That said, it’s a good idea to buy one, especially if your kitchen is small or not well-insulated. It will help reduce the amount of heat that goes from the pipes into the cabinetry and surrounding walls so you won’t have to worry about your water heater working extra hard just because your sink is undermount. In that case, it will be much cheaper for you to install an insulation kit than to replace all of these things. The instructions should be easy to follow and even people without any plumbing experience should be able to do it themselves—just make sure there aren’t any leaks before putting everything back together (always better safe than sorry).

How much does a farmhouse sink cost?

They start at around $100 if you’re buying a drop-in one, but the price can easily go up to thousands of dollars, especially if it’s made from unique materials like brass. Remember that your choice will depend on how much storage space you need and what design would best complement your kitchen—this is something that needs to be taken into consideration because you’d have to live with it for many years so it should blend in well. As long as you do your research, stay patient, and follow these tips, chances are everything should turn out just fine. You may even find some really good deals by searching online or looking through classifieds—all you need to do is give yourself enough time before making any kind of a decision.

How to install a drop-in farmhouse sink?

Some of these sinks are really heavy and you may want to ask for help from a friend or family member if you’re not that experienced when it comes to installation. You will first need to put down a wood board so it won’t crack, then secure the sink with screws—use faucet sealant tape before tightening them up because the joint between your sink and countertop should be air-tight. Make sure there aren’t any leaks after everything is back together and remember to keep the box in case something ever breaks inside.

Are farmhouse sinks hard to install?

Not at all, especially if you’ve done something like this before. Even though the first time may seem a bit challenging, once you get the hang of it it’s just about knowing what to do and doing everything right—nothing more than that. If you’re not confident enough to do this on your own, just hire someone reputable and they should be able to finish everything for you within minutes.

What does a farmhouse sink look like?

It usually has a large bowl and looks really classy because of its shape and color (it can be made from porcelain or stainless steel). The countertop sits on top of it so it gives an idea of how big each model actually is which is why most people pay extra attention to what it can hold before making their final decision.

What are the advantages of a farmhouse sink?

There are too many to count—for example, one big advantage is that they’re easier to clean than most other types. Soap and water should do the trick for pretty much anything you need to be taken care of (just like with any other kitchen sink) because it’s really deep. The curve also makes using them much more comfortable so cooking shouldn’t be as tiring anymore. Another good thing about these sinks is that they really do work well when used in conjunction with granite countertops (which shouldn’t cost you an arm and a leg).

How does a farmhouse sink work?

The way these sinks function isn’t actually complicated: they’re shaped like a half-circle and the drain is always placed on the left side (so your food bits won’t get stuck there). You can use it as a regular sink by placing anything you need to be washed inside, or hook it up to your dishwasher if you want. These sinks are also designed to be used with garbage disposals (which can make your life much easier) but keep in mind that this will only work well if the hose is long enough for everything to fit underneath it without any problems.

What is a farmhouse sink cabinet?

This basically means where your farmhouse sink sits—it’s important because you should really take measurements before actually buying one (even checking online and asking people who’ve already made similar purchases is a good idea). This way you’ll get something that fits perfectly without doing too much guesswork or being disappointed for any reason. You can also have custom cabinets made if needed, but just understand that this would require an investment of time and money—it all depends on how big your kitchen actually is.

How to clean a farmhouse sink?

Cleaning your farmhouse sink properly should take some elbow grease but it’s not difficult at all if you follow these simple steps:

1. Remove any kind of food particles with a soft-bristled brush or sponge before rinsing the area with warm water while scrubbing lightly (just enough to remove stains while avoiding taking off paint).
2. After everything has been cleaned up, dry the sink with a lint-free cloth or paper towel to avoid spotting—if there are spots, use bleach containing sodium hydroxide to get rid of them.
3. Lastly, protect your sink by applying a fresh coat of kitchen sink wax using another brush or sponge so it doesn’t start rusting anywhere anytime soon. There are also commercial products you can use for all this but they still require effort so try not to be lazy when doing this kind of stuff (it will only take less than 15 minutes in most cases).

What is a farmhouse sink made from?

Farmhouse sinks usually come in two different colors: white and brownish-red (which makes it look really classy ). They’re made from porcelain (or whatever fancy name you want to call it) and stainless steel, which is why they’re both very durable. Keep in mind that porcelain can crack or chip if subjected to water for too long, especially when used with strong cleaning solutions (like bleach).

What are the alternatives to a farmhouse sink?

As mentioned before, there are plenty. For example, one alternative would be installing two sinks instead of one—this is often the case when people get their kitchens remodeled or built but if you really need something like this then just remember that it’ll cost you more than getting just a single kitchen sink would have. There’s also an option of using roll-out trays underneath your kitchen sink so spills don’t cause too much of a mess—or you could just get something like this and hook it up to your dishwasher.

What accessories do I need for my farmhouse sink?

You don’t really need any extra stuff if you simply want to use it as a regular kitchen sink or washbasin so try not to spend too much on accessories, especially since most sinks come with their own set anyway. The only thing that can be considered an upgrade is getting a faucet that’s perfect for your needs, but even then you’d have a lot of choices (just make sure that the sprayer is compatible with all kinds of water pressure).

What makes a farmhouse sink different than traditional sinks?

For one, the design is very unique so it tends to stand out and be remembered for all the right reasons (not that you should base your choice on this kind of thing).

Secondly, they’re designed to last longer than most other types of sinks—so if materials and craftsmanship are important to you then these types of kitchen sinks can give a real boost in terms of overall quality. Thirdly, farmhouse sink cabinets tend to look even better than some cheaper options like “self-rimming” ones (which basically means where the sink sits on top of the countertop) due to their simple yet elegant design.

What Is The Best Material For Farmhouse Sink?

The best material for a farmhouse sink is porcelain. Porcelain is more durable than most other materials on the market (which includes stainless steel). Stainless steel doesn’t rust or chip (like porcelain can) but it’s prone to scratching, unfortunately. Both are good options overall, but if you’re looking for something that will last longer then porcelain might be a better fit here.

Why You Should Install Farmhouse Sink?

If you want to enhance the look of your kitchen and improve functionality at the same time, installing a farmhouse sink would be a great choice— remember that kitchen sinks tend to get dirty quite easily so if they’re not fantastic looking then this might draw unnecessary attention to your bathroom or kitchen in general.

What Sink Is Best For You?

In general, stainless steel or porcelain would be your best options here since they’re both very durable and easy to clean—however, certain materials can get scratched if subjected to the wrong kind of abrasive material (like metal forks), so it’s important to keep this in mind. In terms of functionality, you should choose a sink that fits your needs but if looks are something that matter then going for a farmhouse sink cabinet might give you the best possible experience overall.

How To Install A Farmhouse Sink?

1. Remove your existing sink cabinet (if there’s one present), pluming and faucet.
2. Measure the width of an existing cabinet to determine the size of lumber needed for installation.
3. Cut out lumber in accordance with dimensions in step 3, making sure that it fits snugly underneath your countertop.
4. Place cut lumber underneath countertop so it rests on top of studs behind the wall if any are present; if no studs are present then secure lumber using metal brackets or angle irons fastened to the bottom of countertop and wall studs behind the wall.
5. Secure wood underlayment around the front edges using metal screws/washers & fasten to the underside of kitchen cabinets with 1″ screws.
6. Remove the underside of the sink cabinet, countertop, and upper kitchen cabinets from wall studs using hex key set to appropriate size for each screw/bolt as to not damage surfaces with a power drill.
7. Reattach the underside of kitchen cabinets, working from the bottom up to ensure even spacing between upper and lower cabinets.
8. Apply silicone caulking around the outside perimeter of the cutout hole underneath your sink cabinet where it will set into place once reattached.
9. Set farmhouse sink in place under the front lip of underlayment to create a seal, silicon area around the rim if needed for extra strength & sealing properties.
10. Fasten the farmhouse sink over the top of the front lip using oval head screws and washers in the predrilled holes, starting from the back center of the sink and working your way out to the front edge. 
11. Reattach underlayment using 1″ screws/nuts and tighten until snug against the underside of the farmhouse sink cabinet, being careful not to overtighten so as not to lift lip or crack the porcelain.
12. Reinstall upper kitchen cabinets over top of underlayment with sealant around the perimeter of cut-out hole underneath sink cabinet where it will set into place once reattached.
13. Apply silicone caulk at corners & seams between lower & upper kitchen cabinets, then allow the silicone to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the sink or applying grout.
14. Regrout kitchen backsplash to match surrounding grout and ensure it’s sealed using silicone caulking between stone and wall surrounding the area.
15. Reattach lower kitchen cabinets with sealant around the perimeter of cut-out hole underneath sink cabinet where it will set into place once reattached.
16. Apply silicone caulk at seams & corners between counters & lower kitchen cabinets, then allow the silicone to dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions before using the sink or applying surface material (granite).
17. Install new faucet and tapware as needed/wanted, making sure that it is suited for use with a farmhouse sink if you’re planning on mixing and matching.
18. Fill the sink with water; watch for leaks or any other serious issues, making sure to record each for future reference.
19. Enjoy your new farmhouse sink cabinet!

Can you Retrofit a Farmhouse Sink?

Yes, you can definitely retrofit a farmhouse sink to your kitchen. To do so, you’ll need the following materials:

2 pieces of 3/4″ x 6′ x 8′ plywood or OSB board. Make sure that they are identical. A piece is for the top, another for the bottom.

1 piece of 5/8″ inch plywood or OSB board, 6 inches wide and 7 feet long (and “cut out”)

3 pieces of 2x4s, length matching that of your sink — two pieces are required, one less if using an existing countertop instead of installing an additional baseboard.

One large bucket filled with water with enough capacity to cover all three surfaces used in the farmhouse sink retrofit (top and two sides).

Several cinder blocks prop the entire assembly up while working on it.

1. Mark and cut out a section of the existing countertop in order to install the new plywood top base. Make sure that this will serve as a leveling base, or else you’ll have trouble with your walls later down the line. To do so, measure how far back from your wall you want your upper kitchen cabinets to be, then add an additional 4 inches for safety measures; mark that distance from the face of your upper kitchen cabinets and make a rectangular cut-out following those marks; set aside remaining piece if using an existing countertop instead of installing a new one.
2. Remove the existing countertop or sink, depending on which you are using for the base. Keep the screws and any other fasteners in a safe place until you need them later.
3. Place the new plywood base in its proper place, then use cinder blocks to support it up while working around your sink or countertops. Make sure that this is sturdy enough to carry all three components of the farmhouse sink retrofit (the newly-installed plywood board, upper kitchen cabinets, and existing lower kitchen cabinets).
4. Attach 2×4 legs onto 3/4″ plywood boards by drilling pilot holes at one end of each leg before screwing through the plywood into the ends of each leg beneath; attach two seats facing opposite directions if your kitchen floor slopes.
5. Measure the distance from the top of your lower kitchen cabinets to where you want your new farmhouse sink cabinet to set in place, then create a rectangular cut-out in the base using a circular saw or reciprocating saw fitted with steel step bit. Ensure that this hole is big enough for your farmhouse sink cabinet to fit snugly; make necessary adjustments if needed before fully installing the farmhouse sink.
6. Once finished with cut-outs and prepping surfaces, attach legs onto 3/4″ x 6′ x 8′ plywood boards (for both top and bottom) according to which direction they will be facing (make sure that this is suitable for use as a leveling board without additional shims). Use lag screws and wood glue to secure the boards in place.
7. Flip the farmhouse sink cabinet onto its top, then use shims to level it off properly so that it will sit flat on the baseboard(s) with no rocking or unevenness. If you need additional room for this step, simply remove legs from upper kitchen cabinets and set them aside for now; add wood blocks underneath if necessary before setting farmhouse sink cabinet back in place on top of baseboard(s).
8. Attach five metal support brackets onto each end of 5/8″ plywood cut-out piece (for a total of 10), making sure that they are evenly spaced out along the edge facing the opposite direction of the farmhouse sink itself; use 4-inch #10 countersink screws to secure each bracket firmly in place.
9. Flip the farmhouse sink cabinet back over and place it onto the baseboard(s), then use shims and cinder blocks (or whatever else is available) to level the top of this piece with the plate rail of your upper kitchen cabinets; make sure that there is no rocking or unevenness once finished.
10. Now attach the two pieces of 2x4s (that match depth of lower kitchen cabinets if not doing a full countertop replacement) between upper and lower kitchen cabinets according to which direction they will be facing (make sure that these are suitable for use as a leveling board without additional shims); use lag screws and wood glue to secure them in place.
11. Attach 5/8″ plywood cut-out piece to the inside bottom of your lower kitchen cabinets by drilling pilot holes at one end of each leg before screwing through the plywood into the ends of each leg beneath; attach only three legs on top near where they can rest comfortably against upper kitchen cabinet’s plate rail, then add wood blocks underneath if necessary so that it is level with farmhouse sink base. If you want an even more finished look, use 1×2 pine strips to reinforce the support beams running along the edge between lower and upper kitchen cabinets. Alternately, you could also opt for a full countertop replacement instead of using a solid squared-off board piece attached to your existing countertop.
12. Attach hinges to the inside top of the farmhouse sink cabinet so that they will sit between upper and lower kitchen cabinets when in use; screw these into place with lag screws and wood glue.
13. Fill in gaps in your newly-installed farmhouse sink base by cutting 1×2 strips of pine so that they fit snugly within plywood, then fill any larger cracks using a small piece of half-round sanded grout sponge held tightly between fingertips before wiping away excess with a rag.
14. Screw 4-inch white plastic battery operated puck lights underneath front lip of upper kitchen cabinets (one on each end) according to wiring instructions included with lights themselves; drill pilot holes at one end and then screw through the plastic housing and into legs of lower kitchen cabinets; if you need additional room for this step, simply remove hinges from a farmhouse sink cabinet and set aside.
15. Attach any other accessories such as wire grates or drainboard tray to upper kitchen cabinets, then flip the top piece of plywood over so that it is propped against the front corner of the sink base (the one with an electrical cord).
16. Plug in your farmhouse sink faucet’s electrical cord by extending through-hole between the bottom and top pieces of plywood, then flip-top board over and drop onto bottom piece about 1/4″ of surface; use lag screws and wood glue to secure them together at several points along each edge using shims as necessary to keep them level with each other.
17. Pull the electrical cord through galvanized p-trap underneath farmhouse sink cabinet, then screw end of hose clamp over the end of the p-trap nipple that protrudes between kitchen cabinets; use cork or rubber washers to create a watertight seal by pushing them into place on either side before tightening metal band down firmly with an adjustable wrench (you may choose to leave these loose during initial test run so that you can easily remove them if necessary).
18. Attach one-half of your riser kit onto 5/8 plywood cutout attached to lower kitchen cabinets by drilling pilot holes first at one end and then screwing into place using screws and wood glue; however, leave the second half for now.
19. Run hot water into your sink until it fills, then turn the faucet off and wait 5 minutes before attaching the other half of the riser kit to upper kitchen cabinets by drilling pilot holes first at one end and then screwing into place using screws and wood glue; after this point, do not be alarmed if you hear “gurgling” sounds as water drains through hose clamp underneath farmhouse sink cabinet.
20. Enjoy your new farmhouse sink!