Thinking of Buying a Farmhouse Sink?
Are you looking to buy or sell a historic home that needs work? If your answer is, “Yes” you might be dreaming of a kitchen renovation that includes a farmhouse sink.
Carrie Fitts is an expert in buying, selling, and renovating historic homes in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Here are her tips on that farmhouse sink you are thinking about buying.
6 Facts You Need To Know Before Buying A Farmhouse Sink
A classic farmhouse sink is a highly-coveted kitchen feature and for good reason. Farmhouse sinks are beautiful, spacious, and timeless, plus they add a distinctive look to any kitchen they are placed in. But before you make the splurge on this pricey kitchen feature, there are a few factors you should consider.
Most kitchen renovators do not realize until after they install their farmhouse sink how easily fragile dishware will break in it. Or how much work is required to keep a white porcelain sink clean. To avoid any surprises or regrets later, consider the six factors below. Keep in mind how you typically use your kitchen sink, including your cooking and dishwashing habits.
1. Dishes Will Break More Easily in a Deep Basin Farmhouse Sink
The deep basin of a farmhouse sink–the same reason this style sink is ideal for washing dishes—makes it more likely you will accidentally break glasses and dishes.
Setting stemmed wine glasses next to the sink is a surefire way to lose a few glasses, as they are likely to get knocked over into the porcelain bowl.
2. Farmhouse Sinks Get Stained (And Potentially Chipped)
If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it is highly likely to get stained, and it will require regular cleaning to keep it sparking.
Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove sauce stains, yet this mild abrasive will not scratch the surface. If you do not want to commit to cleaning your sink often, you may want to consider getting a farmhouse-style sink in a different material besides porcelain, such as stainless steel.
If you cook often with cast iron pans or other heavy cookware, there is also a chance you could chip a porcelain sink. Being careful when washing the dishes and investing in a protective sink mat will help avoid chips.
3. Farmhouse Sinks Not Just For Farmhouse Kitchens
Although apron-front sinks are a common design choice for farmhouse-style kitchens, they also work in kitchens of many other styles.
A sleek stainless steel apron-front sink fits seamlessly into a modern kitchen, while a trendy concrete one complements an industrial-inspired kitchen.
If a large, deep sink basin works best for your cooking and dishwashing style, an apron-front sink could be the most practical choice for you, no matter your home decor style. Consider all of the material options below to find one that matches your home’s aesthetic.
4. There Are Other Farmhouse Sink Options Besides Porcelain
When you think of a farmhouse sink, it is likely a pristine white porcelain one that comes to mind. But there are many other options available, so be sure to pick one that best matches your kitchen design and lifestyle.
- Stainless steel is durable and will not chip like porcelain.
- Copper is another popular option for its beautiful color. It will develop a patina over time and will need to be polished to minimize the effects of oxidation.
- If you want the look of porcelain but at a slightly lower cost and with less maintenance, fireclay could be your best bet.
- A polished marble farmhouse sink adds a luxurious look to a kitchen, but it comes at a higher price and will need to be resealed every few years.
5. Consider Your Kitchen Habits Before Choosing a Single Versus Double Basin Farmhouse Sink
As with many types of sinks, farmhouse sinks come in both single and double-bowl designs. Consider bowl options as carefully as you consider the sink material.
Think about the way you cook and dish wash. Do you do a lot of food prep in your sink? A large single-bowl sink could be the right choice. Do you like to tackle some of the dishes while dinner is cooking? A double-basin sink that lets you wash dishes on one side without disturbing the rinsed salad greens on the other side could be for you.
6. You Will Likely Have to Adjust Your Countertops for a Farmhouse Sink
If you are planning to upgrade to a farmhouse sink in your current kitchen, you may have to change your countertops. Because farmhouse sinks are wider and deeper than standard sinks, your countertop (and potentially the cabinets below) will need to be adjusted to make room.
If you are installing a heavy porcelain farmhouse sink or stone option, you will need to verify that the cabinets below can handle the weight. Or else the cabinets may need to be reinforced. Even if you are able to keep your current cabinets, you will likely need to repaint or touch-up the fronts following the sink installation.
—- Bottom Line —-
Whether you are looking to buy, sell, or renovate a historic home or a kitchen in any home, these farmhouse sink facts from Carrie Fitts will ensure you have no regrets and buy ‘a sink that Fitts’ your kitchen.
Buying or selling a home? Reach out today to take the first step toward finding ‘A House That Fitts’. Give us a call at (205) 248-7353 or send us a message.
We look forward to working with you.