Finding the best farmhouse sinks (and materials) is a task in itself.
I have researched farmhouse sinks because I wanted to buy one for my kitchen and I’m sharing here my favorite findings.
Though they were initially designed hundreds of years ago for practical uses, farmhouse sinks have recently begun trending in the interior design industry.
They perfectly match the modern farmhouse style that many houses have implemented in the past few years. Farmhouse sinks are beautiful, timeless, and unique.
However, like all things, there are still pros and cons to owning one.
Before investing in one, it’s best to do your own research to get a solid idea of the best and worst properties of farmhouse sinks.
This post contains affiliate links. In the event of a sale, I get rewarded a small commission at no extra cost to you.
✅ If you are in a hurry, here is a summary of the best farmhouse sinks you are going to find in this post.
- Best farmhouse ceramic kitchen sink. I got one and I love it!
- Best copper kitchen sink
- Top-rated modern farmhouse stainless steel sink
- Concrete farmhouse apron sink
- Natural stone double bowl kitchen sink for a modern farmhouse look
- Cast iron kitchen sink in modern indigo blue
Best Farmhouse Sinks By Materials
Farmhouse sinks can be created from a variety of materials, each having its pros and cons. The main materials are fireclay, stainless steel, natural stone, copper, cast iron, granite, and porcelain.
Personally, I have been looking around for my own farmhouse kitchen sink, and in the end, I settled for a white ceramic farmhouse sink because I wanted something classic and timeless.
See this white ceramic farmhouse kitchen sink on Amazon
Below are the best of the rest.
1. Best Copper Farmhouse Skin
Check this Handcrafted Copper Kitchen Sink
Copper sinks give each room an aura of antiquity and are guaranteed to catch the eye. Copper sinks are durable and resistant to rust. The color of the copper will change will age, providing an endlessly changing sink.
Copper sinks are also naturally antibacterial due to their material. Copper sinks are a little more high-maintenance than other materials as it’s best to regularly shine them to maintain the look and are more expensive than other materials.
Pros:
- Look and design – Copper sinks are usually handmade, which means that their value would hardly ever decrease as the years go by since people are always interested in buying old handmade things. Moreover, they can be designed by your own vision and taste, which is not the case for products that have been already made and put on the shop-shelves.
- Antimicrobial – Copper has antimicrobial properties. It can kill many bacteria and germs, which is not only great for healthcare facilities – but also for farmhouse sinks.
- Durability – Unlike many other types of sinks, copper sinks are made of a heavier material, and they are the most long-lasting sinks you’ll ever find on the market. Also, as the patina ages, they develop a vintage look, which doesn’t decrease but increases their value.
Cons:
- Cleaning – When you clean a copper sink, you mustn’t use a rough sponge, a scrubber, or any harsh chemicals because they might scratch its shining surface. You have to use a gentle cloth and soap.
And this is somewhat a disadvantage because the sinks are meant to get dirty with plates, food leftovers, and grease, where a gentle cloth wouldn’t be much of a help.
- Acid foods, cosmetics, and toothpaste – All of these products are bad news for copper sinks. They can damage the natural shining look and the patina if left on the surface for too long.
- Price – Copper sinks are way more expensive than the other types of farmhouse sinks.
2. (A)Best Fireclay Farmhouse Sink
Fireclay sinks are a type of ceramic sink. They have a timeless appearance and are more durable than most materials. Their glossy finish also makes them easier to clean, and minimal chips are hard to notice.
Though fireclay sinks are normally more expensive, certain manufacturers have begun to create cheaper options. However, the material is heavy and might need to be reinforced. It is also possible that the sink will crack if it is not cared for properly.
More information about this fireclay farmhouse kitchen sink
B) Fire-Clay Ceramic Porcelain Sinks
Porcelain material is harder than ceramic sinks, and both are made out of fired clay. It is a very old material and gives off a traditional and timeless feel. Sinks made out of these materials are decently priced and resistant to heat.
White Porcelain Reversible Single Bowl Farmhouse Sink
Porcelain has been a popular sink material for a very long time, and there are several reasons for this. Porcelain is a durable material that will hold up well over time with minimal maintenance.
Sinks made from metal and then covered in a porcelain finish are especially strong and are less likely to crack than a sink made entirely from porcelain.
As long as you stick to using gentle cleaners and don’t leave things like red sauce sitting directly on the porcelain, your sink will stay beautiful for many years.
An easily cleaned material is especially crucial when choosing a farmhouse-style sink as their exposed apron creates more cleaning surfaces than a traditional sink.
While most porcelain sinks come in white, which is a classic choice and will never go out of style, you can purchase them in several color options.
These types of sinks are easy to clean, however, ceramic sinks are more fragile, making them more prone to damage. The fragility of the material is why most sinks made out of ceramic are located within bathrooms.
On a personal note, I haven’t had any problem with my farmhouse-style porcelain sink, just a few scratches from pots and pans.
If this happens to your porcelain sink, there is an easy way to get rid of those marks, using Barkeepers Friend. I also found plenty of tips to get rid of black marks in porcelain sinks on this page.
3. Stainless Steel Sink
Top Rated Matte Gold Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink
Stainless steel sinks are a great low-cost option for acquiring a farmhouse sink. Stainless steel sinks are easier to install and easier to clean. It is unlikely to have issues with staining and chipping, too.
Over time, stainless steel sinks can begin to show dents, scratches, and even watermarks. Stainless steel is also a very noisy material.
Pros:
- Maintenance – Stainless steel sinks are very easy to maintain. They don’t chip or crack. They are heat-resistant and also very easy to disinfect.
- Durability – The great thing about stainless steel sinks is that they never tarnish. The steel surface is strong enough to cope with the heaviest dishes. And they are not prone to discoloration, though they are prone to scratch.
- Price – They are way cheaper than copper or natural stone sinks, which makes them the most affordable sinks for farmhouse kitchens on the market. And yes, they haven’t gone out of style for decades.
Cons:
- Options – Stainless steel sinks are lacking variety. They indeed come in different bowl styles, but their color is always silver. So, if you’re looking for a sink that would match the color of your farmhouse kitchen or décor, you should probably consider getting a natural stone sink, which comes in various colors and shapes.
- Noise – No matter how slowly and quietly you work, the cooking utensils and dishes you’re washing will always make clinging noises in the stainless steel sink. And if you’re a person that gets irritated by such noises, think twice before getting a stainless steel kitchen sink.
4. Concrete Sink
Terracotta Modern Concrete Apron Kitchen Sink
Concrete may not seem like the most obvious option for a kitchen sink, but the concrete design has come a long way in the last few years and is now a top contender when people ask themselves, “what kind of sink do I want for my space?”
Because your concrete sink will be poured for your space and not mass-produced, they are very customizable, and your sink will be one of a kind.
Concrete sinks allow you to choose not only the shape and size of your sink but also the color of the concrete and the finished texture.
While concrete can be dyed to almost any color, neutral colors that are naturally found in stone turn out best, and that is still a much wider range than other types of sinks.
You can opt for a sleek and smooth finish or a rougher, more organic result. All of these choices mean that concrete sinks can be matched to kitchens with a wide range of design styles, from modern to rustic.
While concrete is a great option for your new farmhouse-style sink, there are some things you need to consider before diving in. Concrete is hard but not as hard as some other sink materials, and it is also porous.
This means that your concrete sink will need to seal to prevent staining and scuffing. Over time they will develop a patina, which not everyone loves.
Concrete sinks are also very heavy, and your counters and possibly your floor will need reinforcing to bear the load. Being unique and customizable is a huge bonus, but it also comes with a big price tag.
Pros:
- Easy to customize to your space and shape requirements
- Come in a variety of colors
- Eco-friendly
Cons:
- Requires sealing and maintenance
- Very heavy
- Can be expensive
5. Natural Stone
See this Double Bowl Granite Kitchen Sink On Amazon
Natural stone sinks are the route to go if one is looking for a truly unique sink. Each sink is carved from real stone, ensuring that no two are alike.
The unique sinks are strong and heat-resistant but will also be extremely heavy. It might need to be resealed every couple of years to prevent any chips or cracks.
Practicality-wise, it might be better to go with a stronger material, but if one wants their sink to be a piece of art, then natural stone is the way to go!
Types of natural stone sinks include granite, limestone, quartzite, and marble.
Pros:
- Look and design – It takes thousands of years for beautiful stones to form. And having one in your house, using it as a sink, is a classy thing. Natural stone sinks come in all shapes and sizes. A natural stone sink for a farmhouse kitchen, for instance, usually has a rough texture to give your place a natural countryside look.
- Durability – It is nearly impossible to cut or dent a stone without any proper equipment. Therefore, natural stone sinks are very durable and strong. The only thing you need to make sure of is that your natural stone sink is properly sealed so that water wouldn’t do any damage to it for hundreds of years.
- Maintenance – Aside from the fact that the natural stone sinks have to be re-sealed occasionally so that the water wouldn’t do any damage to them, they are very easy to maintain. All you need is a wet cloth, and you’re good to go.
Cons:
- Weight – Natural stone sinks are very heavy. Some of them even weigh over 300 pounds. You can’t bring them to your house and install them alone. Moreover, you’ll need extra-strong metal holders to keep it firmly in place so that it doesn’t fall over and gets destroyed – or even worse, cause an injury.
- Discoloration – Many types of natural stone sinks are prone to discoloration. They lose their vibrant color over time. In order to stop this from happening, it is advisable to use mineral oil and coat it over its surface once a month.
6. Cast Iron
Beautiful Indigo Blue Cast Iron Kitchen Sink
Sinks made out of cast iron give an age-old feeling, as they’re made out of one of the oldest materials used in kitchens. Though these sinks are beautiful, they are also very heavy and can be expensive.
Cast iron sinks have been around for a long time, and while they fell behind newer materials like stainless steel for a while, they are making a come-back. Anyone who uses cast iron pots and pans will understand just how durable these sinks are.
Made from a base of cast iron that is covered with a layer of protective enamel and with proper care cast iron sinks will stand the test of time.
The enamel coating can be dyed in almost any color, meaning your sink can be customized to match your kitchen.
The enamel gives these sinks a high-gloss finish which is attractive and makes them easy to keep clean with just a wet rag and some dish soap.
If you know how durable cast iron pans are, you also know how heavy they are. Farmhouse sinks are larger than the average sink, and cast iron ones require extra mounting and support.
The enamel surface is easy to clean, but if you use harsh chemicals or scrub brushes, it can lead to scratches and abrasions, which increase the risk of staining.
If you do end up with deep scratches or chips that expose the base, the cast iron will begin to rust, which will compromise the strength of your sink.
Each material has its pros and cons, but cast iron sinks tend to be the most durable with their glossy scratch-resistant surface.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Strong and unlikely to crack
- Low-maintenance
Cons:
- Heavy and will require extra support
- Vulnerable to stains
- If exposed, cast iron will rust
Popular home related posts you might like:
- Farmhouse decor on a budget (15 ideas you will love!)
- Kitchen coffee bar ideas and decor tips to inspire you
- Great French country style home decor tips and accessories
- Make your own easy DIY tiered tray and get decoration tips
Popular Questions & Answers
1. What is the difference between a farmhouse sink and an apron sink?
Both farmhouse and apron sinks have the same design and properties, but the main difference is that the front of an apron sink sticks out from the counter.
If highly examined, it could be suggested that farmhouse sinks are typically made out of older materials while apron sinks take advantage of modern materials.
If you are searching for an apron sink, this model is beautiful
2. Do farmhouse sinks have garbage disposals?
A common question that arises while shopping for a farmhouse sink is whether or not it can have a garbage disposal.
Contrary to popular belief, it is easy and simple to fit a farmhouse sink with a garbage disposal.
When installing garbage disposal the only thing replaced is the traditional drain. Thus, most sink drains and garbage disposals are compatible. A farmhouse sink rarely needs its drain refitted to fit a regular drain.
Click HERE for a selection of kitchen sink garbage disposals.
3. Is a farmhouse sink practical?
Farmhouse sinks have qualities that differentiate them from normal sinks. The most obvious difference is the sink’s depth and size.
Farmhouse sinks were created to help hold a lot of water for households that didn’t have running water.
Thus, the basin is wider and deeper than most sinks which allows one to wash more items in the sink without worrying about getting splashed.
4. Is a farmhouse sink hard to install?
The drawbacks of installing a farmhouse sink usually reside in the installation process. Farmhouse sinks are very large, and it might be necessary to redo nearby cabinets for the sink to properly fit.
A lot of farmhouse sinks also need extra reinforcement to make sure that they are securely held up.
Practicality-wise, a farmhouse sink would be very beneficial to one who feels like their current sink is far too small. It might not be a smart investment if one is only interested in the design.
5. Does a farmhouse sink add value to your home?
The sheer size of farmhouse sinks alone seems enough to warrant the investment. The home’s resell value could benefit from a farmhouse sink as well, as they are known to add significant value to a house.
According to this article on Market Watch, having a farmhouse sink in your home could very well add up to 30% of the asking price. Not too bad!
✅ Check this great selection of Farmhouse Sinks For Your Kitchen
Bottom Line
Farmhouse Sinks are a great investment and can bring great value to everyday life. The expansive basins provide much-needed space for extra things to be washed like dishes, food, laundry, and even animals!
A variety of materials and colors are offered to tailor the sink to one’s specific needs.
The sinks are very durable and add a touch of timelessness to each room. All in all, getting a farmhouse sink can be very beneficial to most people.
Other decorating tips including farmhouse decor ideas
- 17 Vintage farmhouse decor ideas for a touch of rustic
- 25 Storage ideas for small bedrooms on a budget
- How to decorate and transform your ugly plastic plant pots
- Farmhouse decor on a budget (15 ideas)
- 7 Country kitchen canister sets you will love
- 10 cute DIY room decor ideas
If you have questions or comments about the best farmhouse sinks, leave them below. Thanks!