The Belfast sink vs farmhouse sink debate is one of those topics where you can’t just pick one style blindly. Both have been on the market for years, but which is best?
Belfast sinks are segmented under farmhouse sinks, but they are not the same as you think. So, with the help of a detailed guide, we’ll show you how they differ from one another.
We start with the core history of both styles. Later on, we discuss the other aspects, including design, specification, and function.
Honestly, whether it’s Belfast or Farmhouse, it will go well with any kitchen. After reading this write-up, your confusion will be cleared, and you’ll be able to choose yours in a very thorough way.
Belfast Sink Vs Farmhouse Sink – 5 Essential Differences
The difference between Belfast and farmhouse sink isn’t very noticeable from the outside. However, if you look closely, you will find some distinctive characteristics between them.
They have histories all their own. Other than that, every feature, function, size, and type is different from the others.
Difference 1: History
Belfast sink was first introduced in the 17th century. The name of the sink originates from the city where it was designed, which is Belfast, Northern Ireland.
Initially, the size of the sink was a little hefty. It was mostly used in big kitchens of restaurants and houses. But it is becoming more and more popular as its features and functionalities evolve.
On the other hand, Farmhouse sinks are one of the oldest among all. The sink originated in Britain.
One of the main reasons for building this sink was to save water on the bowl. It’s because, at that time, there was no direct water supply. Moreover, the bowl of the farmhouse sink is quite deeper than Belfast.
Difference 2: Design and Materials
Ceramic is the most commonly found material in Belfast sinks. The best features of ceramics are their easy cleaning capabilities and durability. But that’s not the end, it’s also scratch-proof, and it’s able to handle high wear heat.
The sinks come with a beautiful minimalistic design and can easily fit into a Norfolk cottage kitchen or Contemporary Kitchen.
However, farmhouse sinks aren’t built solely from one material. You will see granite, copper, cast iron, porcelain, or even fireclay sinks. But among them, granite is the most popular because of its durability.
The sinks come in different styles, including an apron front or under-mount style. This style goes well with most kitchens.
Difference 3: Installation/Positioning
Installation of these sinks is generally a straightforward process, but placement is a bit different than others.
Belfast sinks can be paired with nearly any work surface. It is common for these sinks to sit a bit lower than the work cabinet. But this positioning is not fixed.
It can be placed anywhere that gives a better look or is most convenient for you. In addition, the plumbings are not visible, they are covered by the case or cabinet.
Installing farmhouse sinks is also relatively easier. This sink sits in the front of your kitchen cabinet. When water overflows, it will fall from the front instead of the other side connected to the cabinet.
The reason is when it falls from the front, it will directly go to the floor. But if it falls from the side, water will damage the work cabinet.
Moreover, the position of this sink is equal to or the same as the work cabinet height. It means the sink doesn’t go lower or higher than its cabinet.
Difference 4: Features
The Belfast sink has an overflow hole in it. So there is no chance that water is going to fall from the sink. Excess water will be automatically discarded. Besides, Belfast faucets are very flexible to use. Some faucets can be moved 360 degrees.
Unfortunately, overflow holes are absent in most of the farmhouse sinks. And people sometimes complain about their poor drainage system. Apart from that, farmhouse faucets are also very flexible and made of great materials.
Some faucets have a 360-degree movement feature along with a two-tone look.
Difference 5: Function
One of the key differences between Belfast and farmhouse sink is their internal function.
Although the plumbing staff at Belfast faucet is not the best, they are still good to go. For instance, faucet supply tubes and supplier hoses could be a little better. But their drainage system is far better than other brands’ sinks.
The reason is their superior design of tailpipe, sink traps, and trap adapters which led to a smooth draining of water.
A farmhouse sink’s drainage system is somewhat suboptimal. But their water supply system, especially the supplier pipes, are very flexible and they are all positioned with the isolated valve.
What is the Difference Between a Butler Sink and a Belfast Sink?
Since they have the same appearance, it will be really difficult to tell them apart. But here are some good factors available that make them unique. Let’s see the points between butler sink vs Belfast sink.
History
Originally, Butler sinks came from London over 2 hundred years ago. It was mainly used by butlers to hold water for further work. That’s why butler sinks are wider. Because butler sinks are made from porcelain and cast iron, they are incredibly durable.
On the other hand, the Belfast sink originated from Belfast city, which has already been discussed. Here the main material is ceramic, specifically fireclay ceramic. This sink is smaller and deeper, easy to clean, and totally scratch resistant.
Size Difference
Frankly, the size is the main difference between the butler sink and the Belfast sink.
Butler sinks are bigger and wider. You will be able to conserve enough water there. The earlier versions did not have overflow holes, but the newer ones do. You will be able to hold 42 to 50 liters of water in their sink.
Belfast’s sink is not much bigger or wider than a standard sink. They are just a standard size that can fit in any kitchen. 36 to 42 liters of water can be held in their sink.
Besides that, this sink contains an overflow hole from the very beginning to save excess water.
Other Aspects
Installation and cleanliness both are very easy when it comes to Belfast. One of the reasons for this is its smaller size and well-functioned plumbings.
Butler sink is also easy to clean but they absorb scratch and water residue pretty easily. So you have to clean them more often.
Talking about variation, the butler offers a more versatile product than Belfast. Butler has ceramics, porcelain, cast iron, composite quartz, and granite sink.
However, Belfast doesn’t have much variation in its product. They have ceramic and iron sinks only. But they pay more attention to their product quality.
Butler Sink vs Farmhouse Sink
It depends on your personal preferences. The farmhouse sink is extremely common and versatile. So, if you want to experience something new, then you should probably go for Butler.
However, if you want to avoid an unnecessary problem like a functional problem or drainage failure, then you should go to the farmhouse because almost everyone uses a farmhouse. You will easily get a solution to any problem.
Farmhouse Sink vs. Belfast Sink – Final Words
When the topic is Belfast sink vs Farmhouse sink, you must delve into the details to know what makes them unique.
There are certain factors that distinguish them. Here I have shared some of the important points, including the historical perspective of both the sink. Besides, we also share sink size, feature, function, design, and installation.
Later on, we also show a brief comparison between a Butler sink and Belfast sink to give you a clearer idea.
Once you get the point, you will be able to select the right sink for your needs.
Read More: Flush Mount Vs Undermount Sinks.
