Farmhouse kitchen sinks, along with the other fixtures in your kitchen, form a critical role in your kitchen. These sinks are ideal for heavy-duty kitchen works and are available in several material variations, each with unique properties to offer. That's why it's very important for homeowners to know the right farmhouse kitchen sinks for them.
Usually, the traditional county style farmhouse kitchen sinks are built with a single basin, but other contemporary versions have double basins. These sinks are rectangular (commonly available) and square in shape. Compared to other types of kitchen sinks, farmhouse sinks have the deepest bowl depth (16 inches to 21 inches deep) and are relatively long (30 inches to 34 inches in length). The apron-styled design allows the sink to reach forward with the front portion exposed. These are made from stainless steel, fireclay, copper, cast iron, and granite materials.
If you're confused which material is the right one for you, here are some of their pros and cons to guide you in choosing.
Stainless steel farmhouse sinks are appropriate for kitchens with contemporary theme. The sleek and glossy texture is very easy to clean and is resistant to corrosion. These are usually available in different stainless steel gauges, which dictate the durability of the material. Some manufacturers also use recycled stainless steel to create their farmhouse kitchen sinks.
The drawbacks to stainless steel farmhouse sinks are the fact that these are pretty noisy - that's why you need to buy the variety with sound absorber pads or undercoatings - and are prone to denting and scraping. A good brand to look at for stainless steel farmhouse sinks is Blanco America.
Since it's pretty hard to find original farmhouse sinks that are in good condition, a fireclay farmhouse sink is a great alternative replacement for the real thing. These sinks are durable, chemical-resistant, and stain-resistant. Unlike stainless steel, fireclay sinks are not vulnerable to scratches. Although these are quite inexpensive, the look it can offer is only generic.
Copper farmhouse sinks offer sophisticated and artsy look to your kitchen design. These are easy to maintain, but the problem is the price is quite expensive and the color fades over time.
Among the five materials, the cast iron sinks give out a more authentic vintage farmhouse sink look. These are also durable. If you search through the net, you'll find refurbished models, but you have to be prepared to spend big on cast iron sinks that are in great condition. These sinks tend to harbor stains, weigh heavily, and are easily chipped.
The rough exterior texture and natural stone look of granite farmhouse sinks add to its charm and beauty. The flaws of this material are the expensive price and heavy weight.
The type of material is only a fraction of the things you have to consider when buying farmhouse kitchen sinks. So, make sure to research and learn your options before making a final purchase.
