What’s the difference between a farmhouse sink and undermount sink? We take a look at the Farmhouse Sink vs Undermount Sink options.
Choosing the perfect perfect workstation sink between them is very important when kitchen remodeling and designing your perfect setup.
Vs
People make mistakes when choosing the best kitchen sink. The kitchen sink mounting style can change the overall look of the kitchen. Farmhouse Sink vs Undermount Sink – which mounting option would be better?
You can check our trending farmhouse sinks on Amazon and the latest deals available.
A farmhouse sink is a traditional type of sink with two sides, one which is flat and used for washing, and the other hand one slopes downwards. This gives more room on top for working on the counter than an undermount sink.
The edges are usually round or squared-off to give it a slightly traditional look. The style of the farmhouse sink is much like a standard bowl kitchen sink. The difference is that it has a slightly more traditional look and feel.
Undermount sinks are made by casting metal in a mold. The most common materials used for an undermount sink are stainless steel and cast iron. These materials are very tough and will not dent easily. The casting process helps to ensure that the sink is made with no imperfections.
Check the trending undermount sinks on Amazon and the latest deals available.
The standard size for an undermount sink is 22 inches wide by 33 inches long. This size suits different types of kitchens and will fit easily under most kitchen cabinets.
Differences between Farmhouse Sink and Undermount Sink:
Difference 1: Durability
A farmhouse sink is considered more durable than an undermount sink because it is not prone to cracking.
Also, since the aim of this type of sink provides additional support, there’s less chance of water damage due to cracks or chips caused by wear and tear.
In addition to being more durable, a fireclay farmhouse sink is easier to repair. They are less likely to crack because of the support from two brackets and can be easily replaced.
On the other hand, an undermount sink is prone to cracks if there’s any damage done or too much weight on it. If it gets damaged, it’s usually harder to repair because of the complicated plumbing.
Difference 2: Mounting Style
Farmhouse sinks are supposed to be “built-in” so they have a finished look, which sometimes may mean sacrificing drawer space or making sure there’s enough room behind and to the sides for plumbing.
An undermount sink is usually mounted underneath the cabinets under the countertop as a thumb rule for mounting undermount sink.
On the other hand, farmhouse sinks are typically hung off of two short “ears” or brackets that sit on top of the countertops that bolt to wall studs.
Undermount sinks usually sit right in front of the cabinets, while farmhouse sinks are centered on the counter.
Difference 3: Maintenance
Undermount sinks require minimal maintenance and care over time, while a farmhouse sink requires more care and maintenance.
Farmhouse sinks need to be regularly cleaned to avoid accumulating bacteria, stains, minerals, or scale.
Both sinks need to be cleaned, but undermounts are a bit more protected from the elements. They also may require less cleaning because they have fewer crevices where dirt can accumulate.
On the other hand, you’ll need to clean around drain lines with an old toothbrush now and then if there’s gunk buildup in them, which is more likely to happen with a farmhouse sink.
Difference 4: Cost
A farmhouse sink is typically more expensive than an undermount sink. However, the material used to make it provides good value for money because of its durability and functionality. Also, depending on the farmhouse sinks material used, the cost of installing farmhouse sinks varies.
Difference 5: Weight
The weight depends solely on the material used. Some of the most common materials used to make farmhouse sinks include stainless steel and fireclay (a high-quality non-porous ceramic material).
An undermount sink averagely weighs about 20 to 25 pounds, whereas a farmhouse sink typically weighs more than 100 pounds.
This makes it difficult to install by yourself due to its heavy weight. However, since this sink is durable and can last longer, you won’t have to buy a new sink shortly.
Difference 6: Stain Resistivity
Farmhouse sinks are more resistant to stains compared to under-mount sinks. Also, it is easier to clean a farmhouse sink because the flat surface of its bowl makes it easy for you to wipe or rinse hard-to-reach corners and crevices. It also features overflow drains which ease the removal of debris stuck between basin partitions.
An undermount sink is a little more difficult to clean because of its design. The wall surrounding it prevents you from getting between crevices and corners.
Also, since most of these sinks have overflow drains at either end, not all debris can be removed through this point.
What is Farmhouse Sink?
A farmhouse sink also called an apron sink is a type of kitchen sink design. The apron refers to the front-most horizontal member of a cabinet, which may support an upstanding countertop or drop-in sink.
An apron sink is typically made from the same material as the cabinet. Still, it can be made out of a more water-resistant or waterproof material since it is exposed to water.
Farmhouse sinks are typically deeper than other kitchen sink designs, and they often have curved fronts which allow you to clean dishes better by making it easier to reach the bottom surface of the sink.
This design also enables it to hold many dishes because of its large basin that’s flush with the countertop.
The Pros and Cons of Farmhouse Sink (Apron sink):
Pros:
1. Provides good countertop space
2. Can provide additional storage space
3. Easily accessible to clean due to its design, especially in the corners and crevices
4. Extra capacity
5. Durable
Cons:
1. Expensive compared to other kinds of kitchen sinks
2. Heavy compared to other kinds of sinks
What is Undermount Sink
Undermount sink is a type of kitchen sink that is mounted underneath the countertop. This kind of sink holds water and can be made out of various materials, including stainless steel, copper, fireclay, stone, or ceramic.
This type of sink has an advantage over rim sinks because it uses all the available space under the countertop. This limits the amount of clutter that can accumulate in your kitchen.
Also, it has a sleek design that complements the modern style of most kitchens today. This design makes it easy to maintain because you can easily reach any part of its basin, even when stacked with dirty dishes and utensils.
The Pros and Cons of Under-mount Sink:
Pros:
1. Can be installed easily with minimal effort
2. Offers additional storage space below the countertop
3. Easily accessible to clean due to its design, especially in the corners and crevices
4. It Doesn’t require a mounting ring for support
5. Securely attached to a kitchen cabinet using a series of clips or adhesive
Cons:
1. Not stable if not properly installed
2. Prone to dents and scratches from heavy objects that are placed on top of it
Farmhouse Sink vs Regular Sink
A standard regular sink or a flat bottom sink is a common kitchen sink design with straight sides and sharp corners. It also features an exposed perimeter which makes it easier to wipe spills off the basin.
A regular kitchen sink is cheaper. It can be made out of various materials, so you have many options when shopping for one. Also, it provides ample drainage space due to its flatter base compared to other kinds of sinks.
A farmhouse sink is a large kitchen sink design that offers better cleaning space than regular sinks. It often features deep sills on either side, which can act as extra counter space, or it may have raised edges that provide room for plates and bowls to air dry.
Also, the exposed front makes it easier to wipe spills off the basin, while its steep slope aids in better drainage of sudsy water.
Read More: Flush Mount vs Undermount Sink
Conclusion
After looking at the differences between farmhouse sinks and undermount sinks, I hope you are able to decide which sink mounting design is best for your kitchen.
It all boils down to personal preference, but most people will tell you that farmhouse sinks are better than undermount sinks. Even with a farmhouse-style kitchen, you can still use a regular sink if your countertop is flat at the bottom.
There’s also no need to limit yourself to one type of sink since most sinks can be used with almost every kitchen countertop material.
