Kitchen Sinks - Farm Sinks "Apron Front" Options

Farm Sinks can evoke period-style kitchens. These sinks have a stylish panel in front and are available in both tile-in and undercounter models. Because of their unique installation, it is recommended that you have the sink on hand during cabinet construction. Most sink cabinets need to modified so that the cabinet can accept the farm sink.  Here are some of the top options on the market today.

 Cast Iron Farm Sinks

This is the most common sink you find on the market. This is a great sink and very durable.

Pros:  

Long lasting durability - Cast iron isn't going to crack or dent like a solid surface or stainless steel sink. They're heavy and massive and barring any problems with their finish, they should last for a long time. 

Appealing finish - The porcelain enamel coating provides a glossy finish that adds a beautiful visual appeal and is available in a range of colors that varies with manufacturer. The glossy shine adds sparkle to the kitchen and enhances the surrounding countertops.

Surface less prone to water spots - It's glossy surface combined with white and other lighter colors tends to hide water spots and streaks better than other types of sinks like stainless steel. Wiping it clean after each use will keep it clean too but that can be inconvenient and impractical. Black sinks on the other hand may show more streaking than lighter colors.

Easy to clean - The porcelain surface is non-porous and smooth making it resistant to staining and easy to keep clean. It's not totally immune to stains.

Cons:
Porcelain can chip or wear - The porcelain enamel is a brittle structure and it can chip if it's knocked hard enough. It can also scratch and wear if you use abrasive cleaners and aggressive cleaning methods.

Not compatible with aggressive cleaners - Abrasive cleaners that are typically found in the kitchen can scratch and wear away at a cast iron sink's porcelain finish. You'll need to use the right cleaning methods and materials to maintain the sink's finish.

Stainless Steel Farm Sinks

 Make a striking statement with stainless steel.

Pros:
Durability and longevity - Quality sinks with reasonable care should last forever. They're made from a corrosion resistant steel that's harder and tougher than other types of materials and won't chip, crack or wear out. 

Affordability - Yes, you can pay over a thousand dollars for some high-end stainless triple bowl kitchen sinks but there are plenty of very affordable models that provide the benefits stainless sinks have to offer. 

Timeless look consistent with many appliances - depending on your perspective and taste, stainless steel sinks provide a consistent look in a kitchen with stainless appliances. Even without these types of appliances, stainless steel sinks have consistently been in fashion and immune from fluctuating style trends.


Cons: 
Not immune to scratching - Even though they're metal you can still put scratches in a stainless steel sink. They also have a "grain direction" and any rubbing with an abrasive material in the direction opposite of the grain will result in visible scratches and/or a blotchy appearance inconsistent with he rest of the sink. 

There's maintenance involved in keeping it looking good - Stainless sinks are relatively easy to clean as they don't really stain but keeping them looking new and fresh takes effort. Dried mineral deposits from standing water and drips can make a stainless steel sink look dingy pretty quickly. You'll need to wipe out the sink frequently to avoid the drab filmy look.

Copper Farm Sinks

Copper is one of the most elegant choices where kitchen copper sinks are concerned. Large, bold farm sinks add an element of charm and character.

Note: When installing under mount copper sink, overhang the countertop opast the rim of the sink. Copper sinks are not square and very hard for the countertop cutout to follow.

Pros:

Copper is stylish - Creates a custom look that matches nearly any decor including traditional or modern decor.

Bacteria Resistant- Copper itself is an antimicrobial surface that is naturally self-renewing. This is partly because of the non-porous nature of copper. It can make it difficult for bacteria to penetrate into the sink.

Doesn’t rust or corrode - long lasting and will not break down

Cons:
Can be expensive - If you are in the process of remodeling your kitchen and budget is tight you might consider choosing a cheaper kind

Soft Material - Copper is much softer than stainless steel, so it will scratch much easier than stainless steel and other materials. Because of copper’s low melting point, hot pans can easily damage it. Lower gauges can dent and warp, and washing dishes can be noisy.



High Maintenance - Copper requires much care to keep them clean and bright. To maintain a bright, shiny finish, it must be polished and waxed regularly. You must also ensure you dry the sink after each use.