All About Farmhouse Sinks - General Questions

  • Are farmhouse sinks a fad and going out of style?

    Farmhouse sinks have been around for over 100 years and are a classic that will never go out of style and will remain a timeless kitchen feature. These sinks are functional, look great and can be as affordable as many stainless steel sinks out there. Recently, Chip and Joanna Gaines are largely r...
  • Are farmhouse sinks durable?

    Farmhouse sinks are known for their durability. They are also easy to clean and maintain. They come in a variety of materials such as fireclay, copper, brushed nickel, granite/quartz composite, stone, stainless steel, and others that will last for decades. Among these, fireclay farmhouse sinks ar...
  • Are farmhouse sinks worth it?

    Farmhouse sinks are charming and versatile and work well in a variety of kitchen styles, ranging from traditional and vintage to modern and contemporary. In addition to better ergonomics, these sinks are deep and huge that allow you to wash dishes, wash your produce, bathe pets and even small chi...
  • Can a traditional farmhouse sink be installed with laminate countertops?

    Farmhouse sinks are typically installed undermount and hence, are not compatible with laminate countertops. Look for an over-mount farmhouse sink that could be retrofitted with the cabinets and one that sits on top of the laminate countertop to eliminate the risk of water damage and warping. Talk...
  • Can fireclay farmhouse sinks be used with a garbage disposal?

    Yes, they sure can! Plus, they all have a standard 3 1/2" drain hole, so any standard garbage disposal will work just fine. However, please note some thick sinks will need an extended disposal flange as the standard flange will not be deep enough to connect to the disposer. You can always review ...
  • Can I install a farmhouse sink in existing standard kitchen cabinets?

    In short, yes it is possible but the existing kitchen cabinets will need to be reworked. Please consult your kitchen installer. Some important points to keep in mind: Traditional farmhouse sinks are heavy and need to be supported, hence, a support structure will need to be built. Due to the dep...
  • Can I install any faucet with a farmhouse sink?

    Yes, you can install any faucet of your choice. Adding the right farmhouse kitchen faucet to your farmhouse sink will exponentially add to the overall look of your kitchen. Not all faucets are created equal and hence choosing one might be tricky, sometimes overwhelming, and can take time and pati...
  • Can you install a garbage disposer with a farmhouse sink?

    Yes, absolutely. A garbage disposer can be installed in a farmhouse sink be it a single bowl or a double bowl. In most cases, for standard thickness farmhouse sinks, you can use the stainless steel drain flange that comes with the garbage disposer. Farm sinks have a standard 3 1/2" drain opening,...
  • Can you retrofit a traditional farmhouse sink in standard base cabinets?

    Yes, it can be but is not recommended. Please talk to your professional installer as traditional farmhouse sinks can be installed in standard base cabinets but it will require considerable modifications. We recommend you read the manufacturer's installation guide and review the specific sink's pr...
  • Do farmhouse sinks stain?

    By following the simple care instructions provided by the manufacturer, your farmhouse sink will look great and last you for decades to come. White fireclay sinks may stain if overlooked but the stains can easily be removed. If they do stain, here are general instructions to keep your sink sparkl...
  • Do traditional farmhouse sinks require special kitchen base cabinets?

    Yes, you will need a farmhouse kitchen base cabinet or one made custom for the sink by using it as a template. Standard cabinets will not work (without a lot of modifications) as the front apron of traditional farmhouse sinks is 9 to 10" high. If retrofitting into an existing standard cabinet, ch...
  • Do you carry farmhouse style sinks for the bathroom?

    The farmhouse-style sinks have started to make an appearance in the bathrooms. Currently, we have a few farmhouse-style bathroom sink options available from Native Trails. Here is a link to the collection for your review. The sink can be installed above the counter as a vessel, installed behind c...
  • Do you have self-trimming or retro-fit farmhouse sinks?

    Most traditional farmhouse sinks are designed to be installed under-mount with custom-made or specially ordered farmhouse kitchen base cabinets. The cabinet will have a support structure built in so it can support the heavy sink. If you are looking for a farmhouse-style sink with shorter apron he...
  • How do you install farmhouse sinks?

    A farmhouse sink can be installed undermount, raised, or a flush mount. Read the manufacturer's installation guide for instructions as it pertains to your sink model. Most farmhouse sinks can be installed in 3 ways: Flush mount Installation: Where the sink sits in level to the countertop. Built...
  • How is a fireclay farmhouse sink made?

    Fireclay is a type of ceramic that is made when clay and glaze are fused together at extremely high temperatures (most brands bake their sinks at over 2000 degrees F). The manufacturers have their own proprietary process, however, this is typically how these sinks are made. First, the clay is po...
  • How is a fireclay farmhouse sink unique?

    A point to note with fireclay sinks is that they are not perfect. Due to the organic nature of fireclay and the hand-finished high-temperature firing process, some sinks may have minor imperfections (such as little bubbles, dimples, small divets, etc.). It is also important to note that these min...
  • How is a fireclay sink different from a porcelain sink?

    We are commonly asked whether a porcelain sink is just another name for a fireclay sink. The simple answer is, no. Although a porcelain sink looks very similar to a fireclay sink they are different. Porcelain is a type of ceramic that is a white clay body made with clay, Kaolin, and other materi...
  • How to clean a fireclay farmhouse or undermount kitchen sink?

    For best results, keep the following in mind when caring for your new fireclay sink: ALWAYS: Clean daily with a mild cleaner and warm water. We recommend using natural ingredients that will not harm your sink or the planet. A simple mild solution of baking soda + vinegar or eco dish soap + wate...
  • How to get the perfect size farmhouse sink for your kitchen?

    Fireclay farmhouse sinks come in varied sizes and configurations. The most popular size is the 33" fireclay farmhouse sink followed by a 30" fireclay farmhouse sink. The most popular color is white indeed! Your kitchen size will be one of the key factors in deciding the size of your farm sink. We...
  • How to maintain a fireclay farmhouse sink?

    Sparkling clean Bocchi Fireclay Farmhouse Sink in Sapphire Blue Cleaning and maintaining a fireclay farmhouse sink is easy and very simple. Here are some general care and cleaning tips: ALWAYS Clean daily with a mild cleaner and warm water. We recommend using natural ingredients that will not...
  • How to pick a style for your fireclay farmhouse sink?

    Traditionally, a fireclay farmhouse sink was a choice for victorian homes, cottages and of course farmhouses. Today, farmhouse sinks come in varied styles and colors that make a bold statement even in a modern and contemporary styled home. Typical features that one looks for in a modern farmhous...
  • What are some important tips before installing a farmhouse sink?

    Here are some important points to keep in mind before and while installing a Fireclay Farmhouse Sink: Order your fireclay farmhouse sink well in advance. Many styles of sinks are very popular and can be on back-order for over a month. If you have your heart set on a style and brand, order it wel...
  • What are some key points to keep in mind while looking for a farmhouse kitchen faucet?

    Farmhouse sinks do not have pre-drilled holes in them, hence the faucet will need to be installed into the countertop or the wall. Pay attention to the front to back length of the farmhouse sink and determine how much space you have behind the sink leaving enough room for cleaning behind the sink...
  • What is a farmhouse sink?

    A farmhouse sink is also called an apron sink, apron front sink, farm sink or farmer's sink. Its defining feature is a finished front that remains exposed after installation. Furthermore, it is a wide deep basin sink with no lips protruding out at the corners. It has no pre-drilled holes that ca...
  • What is a workstation sink?

    It is a sink that truly enhances the user experience and keeps the mess off the countertops. These sinks have an accessory ledge along the sides of the sink for a dish rack, cutting board, or strainer that can be used interchangeably. Here are some of our favorite workstation sinks: _A [36" farm...
  • What size farmhouse sink should I get?

    Outside of personal preference, it is recommended that your farmhouse sink be 3 inches smaller than the size of the base cabinet you are considering installing. For example, the generally recommended size for a 36" farmhouse base cabinet is a 33" farmhouse sink or smaller. Please note: A farmhou...
  • Which farmhouse sink is best?

    The short answer is it will depend on how you use the kitchen, the design, your needs, and budget. The most popular farmhouse sink that works for most households and kitchens is a 30" or 33" single bowl white fireclay farmhouse sink. For an upscale and luxurious interpretation of the classic farm...
  • Which farmhouse sink material is best?

    Farmhouse sinks come in a variety of materials and colors. The best farmhouse sink material will depend on how you like to use your kitchen, the look you are going for, and the price range. From the classic fireclay material, these sinks also come in a variety of materials including copper, brus...
  • Which farmhouse sink to buy?

    The Bottom Line: The best of the best - Farmhouse sinks from Rohl Shaws cannot be beaten! These classic handcrafted sinks come from the original English farmhouse sink maker and were introduced in 1897. For a classic farmhouse look that is affordable yet durable: Latoscana, Bocchi, Crestwood, Ka...