When we finished remodeling our old kitchen, it was a two-toned glory. Every visitor we have had since then has loved and praised the white and grey two-tone job on the tiled walls, composite countertop, cabinets, and sink. We will not lie; the sink has been an integral part of the whole remodel. You could even say that we always wanted a farmhouse kitchen, which is why we chose to go with the simpler grey and white shades.
Before getting a farmhouse kitchen sink, we were worried about the cost, longevity, and utility. However, once we checked it out at a friend’s house and the store, we were sure that the apron front sink would be the center of attraction in our kitchen. We were wrong! It is not just the center of attention, but it is also the center of all activities inside the kitchen space.
Why we love our apron front sink in the kitchen?
Your success story of remodeling your home and kitchen can be similar too. When experts say that farmhouse kitchen sinks are full of surprises, they aren’t wrong at all. They are full of lesser-known functionalities that a potential buyer should know before investing their hard-earned money.
- They are larger than the conventional top-mount and undermount sinks.
- The stainless-steel apron front sinks are sturdy with a long life.
- They are easy to clean.
- They provide excellent multi-tasking platforms for every home-chef.
- They can enhance your kitchen space and add to the beauty of seamless cabinetry in the working area.
What we wish we knew before purchasing a farmhouse kitchen sink
Check out a wide range of Kraus apron front sinks to get a practical idea about hidden features, advantages, and pricing. When we were on the hunt for a budget apron front sink, we realized that along with these pros, came a set of cons that every user should know before installing the sink. The lack of enough literature on the struggles of an apron front sink owner prompted us to compile a set of disadvantages we have experienced after opting for a farmhouse styled sink.
Does an apron front sink come with disadvantages?
Just like every other kitchen kink, apron front sinks come with their own set of features that the buyer should be aware of. Sadly, not every feature is as welcome as the larger capacity and sturdiness. Here is a list of things you should know before you purchase your own farmhouse sink –
- There can be hidden costs
We are not saying that under mounting a porcelain bowl sink does not have any hidden costs; we are merely stating that installing an apron front sink in the kitchen can have expenses you may not have considered yet. For example, adding a garbage disposal feature to your farmhouse sink can be an additional cost. You may have to opt for an extended flange. While most buyers initially think that an extended flange is not a significant expense, in reality, it can cost as much as the installation of the garbage disposal. The extra flange is necessary since these farmhouse sinks are thicker than usual sinks and the regular flanges don’t fit properly.
At the same time, if you are replacing an old standard sink with an apron front sink, you need to adjust the plumbing entirely to fit the sink and the water connection lines. If you are lucky like us, your current sink may have an existing lower sink drain which you can use after installing your farmhouse sink. Otherwise, you may need to call the plumber, and we all know how that goes!
- Apron front sinks are anything but cheap
Authentic manufacturers and sellers might be able to give you a reasonable price, but if you have compared the prices of standard sinks with farmhouse sinks, you may have seen the distinct difference in price. Farmhouse sinks can cost between a couple of hundreds to thousands depending on the brand, material, size, and features. Reversible sinks can be costlier than regular one-side curved ones. Stainless steel sinks can cost significantly more than porcelain or composite sinks.
There is enough variety to confuse a first-time buyer. However, if you want both great price and quality, you should always check out stainless steel apron front sinks from multiple sellers online. The comparison of cost depending upon sizes and materials will give you a good idea about which will be a smarter investment for you. In our experience, stainless steel goes with almost all types of kitchens and countertop material.
- Installing a farmhouse sink can be a challenge
When installing a farmhouse sink, you need to consider any and all skillset available around you. You can complete the installation on your own as we did! However, choosing a reversible sink may make this process a lot easier for you if you have no prior experience.
Ensure that your kitchen cabinet is low enough to fit a farmhouse sink. You can begin by installing your 2*4 braces directly onto the cabinets. The installation needs to be perfectly straight since fireclay sinks WILL crack if they are installed poorly and then filled to capacity. That is another reason we love our stainless-steel apron front sink!
You will need a lot of research and practice before you can DIY your farmhouse sink. Take the extra time to double-check braces and brackets, and their level before you can place the sink. If you securely install your sink in place, there is no fear of slipping, leaks, or cracks.
Farmhouse sinks or apron front sinks are lovely additions to any kitchen. They have the power to elevate the aesthetics, and at the same time, provide extra space for draining your vegetables or meat, while cooking. These beautiful sinks come with a long lifespan. Therefore, instead of considering them to be an additional remodeling expense, you can think of them to be a necessary upgrade to your kitchen that can increase your property value.
