Both apron sinks and farmhouse sinks are examples of a deep, large sink style found largely in modern kitchens. Despite their slight differences, the sinks are mostly the same.
Here we will focus on those “slight differences” so you can easily decide which of the two will suit your kitchen best!
Farmhouse sink – A quick look
Pros
- The timeless design adds an aristocratic touch to any house
- Gives a farmhouse an aesthetic appearance that creates a cozy ambiance. With a very large kitchen, you can handle large dishes, pots, and pans without any difficulty
- Although only one sink, it can be separated into two as needed for the user’s convenience because of the size
- A variety of colors, sizes, and materials available to match your kitchen decor
- Easy to clean (Fireclay or porcelain sinks offer quiet cleaning)
- The large, deep design reduces splashes of water when cleaning
- Materials ranging from porcelain, copper, stainless steel to enameled cast iron to suit your kitchen’s style
Cons
- They cost more than traditional undermount sinks
- The sink could be so large that a new countertop might be needed to make it compatible with it
- Installation can be challenging and may require additional basins to accommodate the sink
Apron sink – A quick look
Pros
- The metal and ceramic materials have a long-lasting and comforting feel
- The size and depth can accommodate a large number of dishes
- The exposed front side of the cabinet protects from damage
Cons
- More expensive than under-mount and upper mount sinks
- Traditional sinks more costly and challenging to install than modern sinks
- The depth may cause splashing and may be difficult to use for tall individuals
Farmhouse Sink vs Apron Sink: How Do They Differ?
Material:
Farmhouse sink
Farmhouse sinks are available in various materials, including ceramic, copper, concrete, stainless steel, and granite.
Apron sink
Fireclay and cast iron are usually used to make these sinks.
Winner
The farmhouse sink has more variety of material types to match your current settings.
Installation
Farmhouse sink
Farmhouse sinks are stand-alone, making installation easier than apron sinks.
Apron sink
Due to their ceramic construction and the fact that they come with a drying board, apron sinks weigh a lot and are difficult to install.
Winner
Installing farmhouse sinks is not as complicated as apron sinks.
Size
Farmhouse sink
Large and heavy-duty, there are no compact versions available for small kitchens.
Apron sink
Apron sinks are smaller in size than the typical farmhouse sink. They can be installed in a countertop arrangement and don’t need to be their own unit.
Winner
An apron sink is easier to install and not as bulky as farmhouse sinks.
Design
Farmhouse sink
Very deep in size, they are adjacent and covered with kitchen cupboards.
Apron sink
They are also deep and have the exposed front face visible.
Winner
The winner here depends on the design and size that you like best. Do you prefer an exposed front or not?
Faucet
Farmhouse sink
Farmhouse sink faucets can be wall-or countertop-mounted.
Apron sink
Most faucets for an apron sink are wall-mounted.
Winner
There are more options for mounting if you go with a farmhouse sink, so you are not too limited.
Appearance
Farmhouse sinks
These aesthetic options range in style, material, and cabinetry and can be made to look both old-fashioned and modern.
Apron sink
Apron sinks offer a more traditional farmhouse urban feel.
Winner
Farmhouse sinks can be suited in rustic and modern kitchens. Unfortunately, apron sinks only offer urban appearances that doesn’t work too well in a modern home.
Price
Farmhouse sinks
For installation, you are looking at around $500. But this might be higher if amendments need to be made. Basic farmhouse sinks can be in the price range of $400 up to over $1000.
Apron sink
They are about $400 for installation, and the sinks are about the same. You can get budget ones for around $400, but bigger models and different materials can range higher.
Winner
Both come into the same category here for installation price and product price.
Maintenance
Farmhouse sink
Our recommendation is to regularly clean with a solution of three parts hot water and one part vinegar, or you can use a limescale cleaner such as Viakal. Make sure you rinse thoroughly afterward. You can avoid future water stains by drying the sink thoroughly afterward.
Apron sink
Clean your sink every day with mild cleaners and warm water. Use a soft rag, sponge, or soft brush to clean surfaces. Make sure that there is no standing water in the sink to prevent mineral deposits from building up.
Winner
Both require daily cleaning and wiping over, and both are prone to watermarks when not dried properly.
Damage and stain resistance
Farmhouse sink
When regularly cleaned and properly maintained, stainless steel is a stain-resistant surface. This super durable material won’t break, chip, or crack so easily.
Apron sink
These sinks are made of high-gloss and non-porous materials that are stain-resistant and easily maintained by using ordinary household cleaners.
Winner
Both sinks require regular care and maintenance, and both can be prone to watermarks if not dried after use. So, they are about the same in maintenance needs.
Which Should You Choose?
For a comfortable and inviting kitchen, a farmhouse sink is a great choice. Unlike traditional kitchen sinks, they are usually bigger and deeper, making them ideal for washing large pots and pans (or even your dog if you want). Since they extend beyond the cabinet edge, they are more ergonomic and can be accessed without bending forward.
An apron front sink is a more suitable option than a traditional sink in contemporary urban kitchens. The depth and protrusion of apron front sinks means they require specialized cabinets. This makes them unsuitable for retrofitting in existing kitchens; unless you intend to replace the sink cabinet along with the sink.
FAQs
Q. Do farmhouse sinks need a special drain?
Sinks for farm use come with a standard drain opening of 3 1/2″, so you won’t need to buy anything else
Q. Do all farmhouse sinks have apron fronts?
Yes, they all have the telltale apron front in all materials.
Q. Can you replace the farmhouse sink in the existing countertop?
With a little reinforcement, it can be installed inside an existing cabinet. As with regular sinks, a farmhouse sink can be mounted in a variety of ways.
