White Farmhouse Sink

What's a Farmhouse Sink?

Farmhouse sinks are deep basin sinks with a exposed front apron. A farm sink is large enough for stock pots, baking sheets and even roasters. These sinks also provide the depth to reduce splashing while making them easier to work with. The front apron creates less physical strain and stress compared to comparable undermount sinks as you can lean against them. Farmhouse sinks are easy to spot because of the way they extend past the front of the counter with no loss of space underneath as most under mount sinks have a false cabinet.
 
Is this different from an apron-front sink? 
In a word, no. The term “apron-front” sink is descriptive of the apron-like panel that extends past the edge of the cabinetry. They are called farmhouse sinks because these sinks first became prevalent in farmhouses.
 
What's the difference between traditional apron-front sinks and today's farmhouse sinks?
Basically the depth. Traditional farm sinks were used to soak dishes, scrub deep pots, wash the pet or even small kids. Photos of rural Americana during the early 1900s are full of these sinks. Today though, such deep seated sinks would require custom fitting. Because of this shallower versions have been designed to fit within today's standard cabinetry.
 
A brief history of how farm sinks came about...
Sinks originally weren't attached to any water supply. Water was “brought in” for use. Because farm wives and housewives spent so much time cleaning, sinks became an important part of the daily routine. Comfort became an issue. This is how the farmhouse sink came into being because of its design for comfort and extended use. First arriving in 17th Century England, they later spread to France in the next century, and later to America. Due to war efforts, easier construction and minimal materials – farmhouse sinks were gradually replaced with today's stainless steal shallow sinks. With so many choices in materials why not have beauty in the kitchen? Today the trend is with the centralized kitchen theme is returning along with the use of apron front sinks.
Why are people choosing farmhouse sinks now?
One of the main reasons is the ease of installation. The traditional farm sink did not include holes for faucets; instead the faucets were installed within the cabinetry or wall and extended over the sink. If the sink needed replacement, the basin was removed after disconnecting the drain pipe. The replacement was lowered in and attached. There is no need to shut off the water. Today's farmhouse sinks follow this thinking in their ease of installation as well. Apron-front sinks are available in a wider range of material. You can find copper, stone, stainless steel, and fireclay which can easily fit into both traditional and modern contemporary designs. Want to see a farmhouse sink? See a variety of styles we have to offer at RusticSinks.com
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