Before the innovation of indoor plumbing, people were forced to haul buckets of water from a well or cistern for their daily use. Traditionally, the farmhouse sink was used to hold large amounts of water and save multiple trips with the bucket. The sink was used for many purposes, from washing clothing and vegetables to cleaning up after the day’s work. Of course, all that has changed. We have running water available in multiple rooms in our homes, as well as modern water-dependent appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers, and hot water heaters.

In spite of that, apron-front, or farmhouse sinks, are a growing trend in the latest kitchen remodels. This vintage sink is now adding antique-style charm to even the most contemporary kitchens.

When choosing a new apron sink, dare to dream! There are so many available options. Farmhouse sinks are no longer limited to a single porcelain basin style. As their popularity has increased, so has the available range of material, basin size, and add-on options. Farmhouse sinks now come in a variety of styles and finishes to fit any kitchen design and budget. Some of the most popular farmhouse sink material choices include stainless steel, porcelain, copper, and granite composite.

Each choice has its pros and cons.

Stainless Steel Farmhouse Sinks
Pros: Heat and stain resistant, various finishes available, affordable, durable, easy to keep clean.
Cons: Water marks and scratches tend to be more noticeable, noisy, silver color option only.

Porcelain Farmhouse Sinks
Pros: Easy to keep clean, less prone to water spots, various color options available, durable.
Cons: Heavy, prone to staining, prone to chipping and scratching.

Copper Farmhouse Sinks
Pros: Stylish, rust-resistant, antimicrobial, various finishes and styles available.
Cons: Prone to staining, metal darkens over time, susceptible to acidic liquid damage, susceptible to heat damage, high maintenance, expensive.

Granite Composite Farmhouse Sinks
Pros: Stylish, durable, highly resistant to heat, resistant to chips and scratches, various color options, reasonably priced.
Cons: Prone to staining, high maintenance, only available in matte finishes, stone may crack, finish can dull overtime.

Faucet Choices
Modern faucets offer not just high style, but also improved convenience with a variety of new features. Without question, you will be able to find the faucet that best compliments your new farmhouse sink while providing the conveniences you desire. Companies such as Delta, Moen and Kraus, to name three, offer faucets across a wide range of price and styles. Some popular features you may want to consider are: pull down sprayer hoses, one or two lever faucet controls, high arc spout, soap dispenser, and touch technology to help control the spread of bacteria.