10 Farmhouse Sink Pros and Cons to Consider Before Buying One

Comes in Various Materials Besides Porcelain

When you think of a farmhouse sink, a pristine white porcelain one probably comes to mind. But there are many choices available, so be sure to pick one that best matches your kitchen design and lifestyle. Some other farmhouse sink material options include:

• Stainless steel: This material is durable and won't chip like porcelain, plus cleaning a stainless steel sink isn't complicated.
• Copper: While a popular option for its beautiful color, copper sinks develop a patina over time and will need to be polished if you want to minimize the effects of oxidation.
• Fireclay: If you want the look of porcelain at a slightly lower cost and with less maintenance, fireclay could be your best bet.
• Marble: A polished marble farmhouse sink adds a luxurious look to a kitchen, but it comes at a higher price and needs to be resealed every few years.

Can Be More Pricey Than Other Options

Compared to other sinks, farmhouse sinks are on the more expensive side. The average price for an installed farmhouse sink is $1,000 to $4,000. Of course, this depends on the material, size, brand, and other factors.

It is possible to find a more budget-friendly farmhouse sink. Some retailers sell farmhouse sinks for less than $1,000, so be sure to research and plan accordingly for your budget.

May Break Dishes More Easily

The deep basin of a farmhouse sink—the same reason this style of sink is ideal for washing dishes—makes it more likely you'll accidentally break glasses and dishes. Setting stemmed wine glasses next to a porcelain sink is a surefire way to lose a few glasses, as they can get knocked over into the bowl. A solution to this issue is to purchase a sink protector ($25, amazon.com) that could save your glasses and guard the sink against scratches.

Comes With Extra Sink Space

Since farmhouse sinks are wide and deep, it means you'll be able to easily wash large pots, baking sheets, and other large items. There's also lots of space for soaking dishes inside the sink instead of on the counter. Plus, lifting heavy items out of the sink is easier than with traditional sinks.

Porcelain Stains and Potentially Chips

If you opt for a classic white porcelain farmhouse sink, it's very likely to get stained and will require regular cleaning to keep it sparkling. Scrubbing the sink with baking soda will help remove stains, yet this mild abrasive won't scratch the surface. If you don't want to commit to cleaning your sink often, you may want to consider getting a farmhouse-style sink in another material besides porcelain, such as stainless steel.

Can Use Up Under-Sink Storage Space

Due to the large size of a farmhouse sink (one of its appeals), you will likely lose storage space underneath the sink. If you install a garbage disposal, that will take up even more space. However, with some creative organizational ideas, like using the inside of the cabinet doors, you may find this isn't a huge problem for your family.

Works With Other Styles Beyond a Farmhouse Kitchen

Although apron sinks are a common design choice for farmhouse kitchens, they also work in kitchens of many other styles. A sleek stainless steel or porcelain farmhouse 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, a farmhouse sink could be the most practical choice for you, no matter your home decor style.

Smaller Family Members May Not Reach

That deep sink space you want for easily washing large pots can also be problematic for younger or smaller family members. They may not reach inside a farmhouse sink easily to place or wash dishes. Keep this in mind when choosing a farmhouse sink and consider who will primarily be using it. (Of course, a handy step ladder can easily remedy this issue.)

Comes Either as a Single or Double Basin

As with many types of sinks, farmhouse sinks come in both single- and double-bowl designs. This choice should be considered as carefully as the sink material. Think about the way you cook and dishwash.

• Do you do a lot of food prep in your sink? A large single-bowl farmhouse 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.
• Do you wish to separate clean dishes from the dirty ones? You may prefer the included divider of a double-bowl farmhouse sink.

Countertops and Cabinets May Need Adjusting

If you plan 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) may need to be adjusted to make space.

And if you're installing a heavy porcelain or stone option, you'll need to check that the cabinets below can handle the weight, or else they may need to be reinforced. Even if you're able to keep your current cabinets, you'll likely need to touch up or repaint the cabinet faces following the sink installation.