Is A Farmhouse Stainless Sink Right for Your Kitchen
The ergonomic apron design of the farmhouse was distinct from the period when practicality was central to the home. These large basins made work comfortable, and the homeowners were able to move in closer without the counter extending beyond the front of the appliance.
Nowadays, these sinks are favored as much for their utility as their beauty and appeal. The designs, sizes, materials, and bowl configurations come in a vast assortment, with most homeowners finding an option to suit their space and personal style.
Stainless steel is one of the most popular materials used for farmhouse sinks, comprising 304 grade and either 14 gauge, 16, or 18, for a matte surface that presents a clean appearance and fits nicely in the modern home. These serve as a high utility with crack and chip resistance.
The thicker the gauge, the more tolerant it is to heavy use and the less likely it is for dings or scratches.
Let’s examine the farmhouse sink more closely to see why you might consider this option for your kitchen. Visit Things to Know about Buying & Installing a Stainless Steel Farmhouse Style Sink | The Happy Housie – for facts on pursuing a stainless farmhouse sink for your kitchen space.
Reasons To Consider the Farmhouse Kitchen Sink for Your Space
The apron or farmhouse design is a highly sought-after feature in kitchen design for many reasons, including high utility and a stunning presence.
Because this option offers incredibly favorable features, the price point can reflect that, making it necessary to consider your purposes and habits before committing.
While this sink offers the homeowner many advantages, some may find a few drawbacks. Let’s examine each to learn if an apron-front is the most suitable for your space.
A range of materials
Many people appreciate the vast range of materials offered with the farmhouse sink. Often, homeowners associate the style with white porcelain, but it is not restrictive. Many choices are available; in fact, stainless steel is among the favored choices for its durability, low maintenance, and longevity.
The priority is to choose an option that suits your kitchen’s function and the surrounding aesthetic as well as fits your lifestyle. Most people have little time to be involved with extensive care and upkeep. Options like copper are stunning but require routine polishing to reduce the effects of oxidation.
A stainless sink requires regular cleaning but involves washing it down gently with mild soap and warm water with the grain and keeping spills and other messes wiped up as they happen.
The investment
An apron-front sink has a distinct look and offers a deep basin, allowing greater function in a busy space. The appealing features come with a higher price point, typically ranging up to $4000 based on factors such as size, material, brand, and on.
The material
Stainless steel is a durable and strong material capable of withstanding heavy use. Scratches, dings, and dents are less likely with thicker gauges, and noise is filtered as the gauge quality increases. The stainless steel is rust- and corrosion-resistant, lightweight, and boasts a long lifespan with adequate care.
The farmhouse stainless sink requires low maintenance but regular cleaning to maintain a clean, sleek appearance. This involves washing the surface with warm, soapy water, thoroughly rinsing any residue, and drying. It’s also essential to keep all spills or food messes wiped up as they happen.
Unlike the traditional porcelain farmhouse sink, the stainless-steel material won’t crack or chip and is resistant to staining. Stainless steel is often recommended as a more efficient and lower maintenance choice compared to porcelain.
The design
When thinking of a “farmhouse” sink, many believe the design would be most comfortable in a traditional home or farmhouse. While the sink is right at home in these settings, the style fits virtually any aesthetic, particularly when opting for a sleek matte stainless version.
This choice could be at home with an industrial loft or a modern contemporary studio. A stainless apron front will fit seamlessly into virtually any decor, depending on the surrounding aesthetic.
When matching the decor, remember to pay attention to the utility to ensure it meets your functional purposes. That means weighing the benefits against the downsides to see if the apron-front is practical as well as pleasing.
The depth
A potential downside when the option for a sink with this depth is being able to reach up and into the depths of the sink. That may sound simple to many people, but some are disadvantaged in height and could have difficulty maneuvering this challenge. That could especially be true for children performing their chores.
When comparing kitchen sinks, much time and consideration should be put into the purpose and who will most often use it. That doesn’t mean you must rule this choice out if it’s ideal in every other way.
You can have a handy step stool by the sink to simplify daily meal prep, dishwashing, or cleaning. It’s merely a matter of being somewhat creative if you prefer the stainless-steel apron sink for its many benefits to the kitchen. View here for what factors to consider when using a stainless apron-front sink.
The basins
When imagining this style, most people envision a large, deep basin. Many must be aware that you can also get a double basin in a stainless-steel material, something worth careful consideration.
A double basin allows for separating the dirty dinner dishes from those you clean. You can also let dishes soak while prepped vegetables remain on the other side. The single basin would be suitable if you tend to have large meals with much food prep or heavy loads of dishes.
When comparing sinks, keep your cooking and cleaning habits as the deciding factor. A sink that meets these functions most efficiently will be the better option. A professional can answer questions and address concerns or provide general information if you’re having difficulty with the decision.
Final Thought
Farmhouse or apron-front sinks offer a comfortable and convenient low-basin design for added efficiency in a busy kitchen. A stainless material suits the utility and adds to the distinct appeal.