Deciding on a new sink for your home? Today, we will be looking at farmhouse and apron sinks and discussing the key differences between the two. Hopefully, this will help you when choosing one for your home.
Farmhouse and apron sinks share similarities in their exposed front panels and functional designs, but they differ in size, versatility, and installation requirements. Farmhouse sinks are more extensive and deeper, making them ideal for spacious kitchens and households requiring ample space for cooking and cleaning. However, they often demand custom cabinetry and more complex installation, which can increase costs. In contrast, apron sinks come in various sizes, making them more versatile and suitable for smaller kitchens. They are easier to install, often fitting into pre-existing cabinetry, and cost less.
When choosing between the two, consider your kitchen size, budget, and style preferences. Farmhouse sinks offer a traditional, rustic charm with a prominent aesthetic, while apron sinks provide a similar look with greater adaptability for modern and compact spaces. Both options are available in durable materials like fireclay, porcelain, and stainless steel, ensuring functionality and long-term use. Ultimately, the right choice depends on your practical needs and design goals.
A farmhouse sink is a deep sink that has an exposed side that is usually faced towards the front. This is referred to as an “apron”. The apron protects the user from water and other elements when using the sink. These sinks are usually placed in the kitchen as their depth and overall size make it easier to prep and wash larger items like pots, pans, and baking sheets. However, they are gaining popularity in many bathrooms today.
| Pros of a Farmhouse Sink | Cons of a Farmhouse Sink |
|---|---|
| Large size: This sink’s large size makes cleaning and using it much easier as you have a great deal of space to maneuver. | Bulky & cumbersome: Farmhouse sinks tend to be quite large and their design makes them difficult to install in the bathroom. The extra size is intended for use in the kitchen and may be too bulky for the bathroom. |
| Aesthetic: This sink is highly attractive as its large size and prominence make it quite a focal point in the bathroom. | Material will stain: Although fireclay and porcelain are durable materials, they can stain from the use of harsh chemicals or water stains if not properly maintained. |
| Easy to clean: Most farmhouse sinks are made from fireclay, stainless steel, or porcelain, which makes them easy to clean with a wide variety of materials. The added size of the sink allows for easier cleaning compared to other sinks on the market. | Expensive: In addition to installation costs, farmhouse sinks are costly by themselves. Their main purpose is to handle a large kitchen, so the extra space may seem wasted for a bathroom. |
| Solid durability: Fireclay is durable to heavy impacts and can withstand the high humidity in bathrooms, making it a reasonable choice. |
Large size: This sink’s large size makes cleaning and using it much easier as you have a great deal of space to maneuver.
Aesthetic: This sink is highly attractive as its large size and prominence make it quite a focal point in the bathroom.
Easy to clean: Most farmhouse sinks are made from fireclay, stainless steel or porcelain, which makes them easy to clean with a wide variety of materials. The added size of the sink allows you to easily maneuver and clean the whole of the sink when compared to other sinks on the market.
Solid durability: Fireclay is durable to heavy impacts and can withstand the high humidity in bathrooms, making it a reasonable choice.
Bulky & cumbersome: Farmhouse sinks tend to be quite large sinks and their design makes it difficult to install in the bathroom. The extra size is intended for use in the kitchen and may end up being too bulky for the bathroom.
Material will stain: Although fireclay and porcelain are durable materials, they can stain from the use of harsh chemicals or water stains if not properly maintained.
Expensive: In addition to installation costs, farmhouse sinks are costly sinks by themselves. Their main purpose is to handle a large kitchen, so the extra space may seem wasted for a bathroom.
An apron sink is a deep, wide sink with an exposed front, similar to a farmhouse sink. In many functions, these sinks are very similar, except that an apron sink has an exposed front that is meant to protrude above your lower cabinetry slightly. For installation purposes, this is a key feature that must be accounted for, as your cabinets and countertops must be cut exactly to the sink’s dimensions for it to fit. Other than that, the term is used interchangeably regardless of material or size.
| Pros of an Apron Sink | Cons of an Apron Sink |
|---|---|
| Large size: This sink’s large size makes cleaning and using it much easier as you have a great deal of space to maneuver. | Bulky & cumbersome: Apron sinks are quite large, and their design makes them difficult to accommodate in the bathroom. The extra size may serve no functional benefit beyond aesthetics and may be challenging to fit in a bathroom. |
| Aesthetic: An apron sink is highly attractive due to its size and prominence. The exposed front allows for a full display of the sink’s material, enhancing its visual appeal. | Material will stain: While durable, common materials like fireclay, porcelain, and stainless steel can stain from harsh chemicals or water buildup, requiring proper maintenance. |
| Easy to clean: Apron sinks are easy to clean due to their non-porous materials. The additional length and depth make it simple to maneuver for thorough cleaning. | Expensive: In addition to installation costs, apron sinks are inherently costly. Designed primarily for kitchens, their larger size may seem unnecessary or wasteful in a bathroom. |
| Solid durability: Materials like fireclay, porcelain, and stainless steel are highly durable, resistant to heavy impacts, and capable of withstanding high bathroom humidity. |
Large size: This sink’s large size makes cleaning and using it much easier as you have a great deal of space to maneuver.
Aesthetic: -An apron sink is highly attractive due to the size and prominence of the sink. It allows you to fully display the material of your sink because the front is exposed.
Easy to clean: Apron sinks are easy to clean as most of their materials are non-porous, and the extra length and depth of the sink make it easy to maneuver. Solid durability: Fireclay, porcelain, and stainless steel are all durable to heavy impacts and can withstand the high humidity in bathrooms, making it a reasonable choice for the space.
Bulky & cumbersome: Apron sinks are pretty large, and their design makes it difficult to accommodate in the bathroom. Therefore, the extra size would see no benefit in the bathroom other than aesthetics and may end up too large and difficult to accommodate.
Material will stain: Although common apron sink materials are durable, such as fireclay, porcelain, and stainless steel, they can still stain from harsh chemicals or excess water, so they must be adequately maintained.
Expensive: In addition to installation costs, apron sinks are costly sinks by themselves. Their main purpose is to handle a large kitchen, so the extra space may seem wasted for a bathroom.
In general, these sinks are almost identical. When purchasing one of these sinks, you will find both apron and farmhouse are used interchangeably to describe the same sink. However, the key difference is that an apron sink is designed to protrude above your cabinetry, whereas a farmhouse sink is meant to be flush with the rest of your cabinets.
A farmhouse and an apron sink are designed in a similar fashion-they are deep vessel sinks with an exposed front. This allows the user to navigate the sink without any issues easily. The raised lip also prevents water from splashing up. The only difference between these two sinks is their installation method, as an apron sink has a protrusion above the cabinets, whereas a farmhouse does not.
Both farmhouse and apron sinks share a similar material pool. Common materials for these sinks include porcelain, fireclay, and stainless steel, although there are copper and natural stone composite options.
These sinks are installed on top of a cabinet or vanity. This means that the existing cabinet or vanity needs to be durable enough to handle the extra weight of this sink style. The measurements need to be exact, as you have to account for the counterspace as well.
There aren’t very many style options with either a farmhouse or an apron sink. The only thing that you can alter is the size and material you select. Porcelain, fireclay, and copper are more for a classic look, and steel and natural stone composites are designed for contemporary/modern homes.
In 2024, apron sinks are more popular than traditional farmhouse sinks, primarily due to their versatility and suitability for various kitchen sizes. Apron sinks, also known as apron-front sinks, feature an exposed front panel that extends slightly beyond the countertop’s edge, offering a distinctive aesthetic appeal. This design adds a unique visual element and provides ergonomic benefits by reducing the need to lean over the counter, thereby minimizing strain during kitchen tasks.
Traditional farmhouse sinks, while similar in their deep basins and exposed fronts, are typically larger and may require custom cabinetry to accommodate their size and weight. This makes them less practical for smaller kitchens or homeowners seeking a more streamlined installation process. In contrast, apron sinks are available in various materials and sizes, making them a more flexible choice for different kitchen layouts and styles.
The enduring appeal of apron sinks can be attributed to their blend of functionality and style. They offer ample space for washing large pots and pans, a significant advantage for those who cook frequently. Additionally, the exposed front panel can serve as a focal point in kitchen design, complementing modern and traditional aesthetics.
In summary, the popularity of apron sinks in 2024 is driven by their adaptability, ergonomic benefits, and the aesthetic value they bring to a kitchen space. Their ability to fit into various kitchen sizes and styles makes them a preferred choice for homeowners and designers alike.
When selecting a sink for your kitchen, there are several important factors to consider to ensure it meets your household’s needs and complements your space. Here are eight key considerations to guide your decision:
Evaluate the size of your kitchen and the available countertop area. Larger sinks, like farmhouse models, may require more space, while apron sinks offer a variety of sizes suitable for compact kitchens.
Farmhouse sinks often necessitate custom cabinetry and additional support due to their weight and size. Apron sinks, on the other hand, are easier to install and can fit into existing kitchen layouts with fewer modifications.
Both farmhouse and apron sinks are stylish and can be a focal point in your kitchen. Consider which style aligns better with your overall kitchen design and personal preferences.
Choose a sink material that can withstand daily use. Common options include:
Factor in how much effort you’re willing to put into upkeep. For example:
Farmhouse sinks are generally more expensive, both in purchase price and installation costs. Apron sinks are often more budget-friendly while still delivering many of the same benefits.
Ultimately, the decision may come down to what feels right for you. Sit in front of each sink style to see which aligns with your comfort and vision for your kitchen.
By carefully considering these eight factors, you can confidently choose the sink that best fits your needs and enhances your kitchen’s functionality and style.
Eric is the founder and president of Badeloft USA. He has been the president of Badeloft’s US division for over ten years and oversees all marketing and branding aspects of Badeloftusa.com.
His expertise lies in small business development, sales, and home and bathroom industry trends and information.
Contact us with any business related inquiries.
Free material samples and tub templates
Whether you own a fiberglass bathtub or a luxurious copper bathtub, cleaning is an essential part of making you and
Deciding on a new sink for your home? Today, we will be looking at farmhouse and apron sinks and discussing
Thinking about installing a new bathroom? Well, before undertaking your project, consider what kind of bathroom you want and how
Freestanding soaking bathtubs are the pinnacle of elegance and comfort, offering homeowners a luxurious way to unwind while elevating the
