Farmhouse vs. Undermount Sinks: Which is best?

Design and Aesthetic Appeal

Farmhouse sinks offer a rustic, traditional look with their exposed fronts, while undermount sinks provide a sleek, modern appearance. However, at Rachiele, we have designed farmhouse (apron front) sinks that also look quite contemporary and are fitting for today's modern kitchens. This blend of traditional and contemporary aesthetics allows homeowners to enjoy the impressive benefits of a farmhouse sink without compromising on a modern kitchen design. 

 Functionality and Ergonomics 

This is where the farmhouse sink has a distinct advantage, especially as sinks get larger and larger. The typical undermount sink will have between 3 and 4 inches of countertop in front of the bowl opening. Reaching over this barrier causes a user to bend and reach in an uncomfortable position when working in and on the sink. We, at Rachiele, have designed farmhouse sinks with aprons as thin as 3/4" to allow for the ultimate in ergonomic comfort.

3/4" thick apron offers the ultimate in ergonomic comfort.

(See the photo with the brass apron on a stainless steel sink.) This farmhouse sink features a brass face, with the rest of the sink being stainless steel. As you can see, the cutting surface is very close to the user and is only set down 1/8" below the face of the apron. It is not set below a countertop, as would be seen in an undermount installation. There are some companies that offer undermount sinks with cutting boards thick enough to be flush with the countertop. What they have neglected to realize is that these cutting boards need to be rinsed in place on occasion. Having a cutting board flush with or above the top of the countertop or apron will cause water or food juices to run off onto the floor. 

Is it possible to replace a double-bowl undermount sink with a farm sink without replacing the countertop or cutting into the cabinet below? With one of my first patents, the answer is yes! The sink below replaced a double-bowl sink. The design of the sink must be customized significantly. The patented design has a channel behind the apron that slips over the face frame of the cabinet. The installation is quite simple. The original sink and plumbing are removed, and then the countertop is cut based on our instructions. The sink simply slips into place.

Drop-in retrofit farm sink.

Investing in a sink that will last the test of time is something to consider.

This is an important subject. Replacing a sink is likely one of the most costly items to replace in a kitchen. Without the help of a full custom sink company, replacing a sink often requires new countertops and backsplashes throughout the kitchen. Being a custom sink manufacturer, we have been able to mitigate these high costs by offering custom replacement sinks for quite a few customers over the years. Without a custom sink, most sink replacements require high replacement costs.

So, let's take a look at durability based on what we offer. 1. 316L Surgical Grade Stainless Steel: Our hand-finished stainless steel is designed to last generations and look great with very little care. We do not even offer grates to protect the bottoms of the sinks. Our hand finishing inside and out helps to hide scuffs and scratches, and if one becomes noticeable, the Scotch-Brite pad we send along with the sink will allow you to take the mark out and blend everything back to looking great again. 2. Copper, Bronze, and Brass: We put an extremely durable topcoat on the faces of all of the copper, bronze, and brass farmhouse sinks. My policy has always been to be very candid. The topcoat can easily last generations. It can also be scratched or chipped. It would take a bit of effort, but this is a real possibility. Workers with toolbelts are usually the offenders, and this has happened just a handful of times over the years. That is why we place a warning inside and outside of every sink we ship that says, "NO TOOL BELTS." Think of the topcoat much like you would think of your furniture or cabinetry. Our topcoat is far more durable but not indestructible. 

Cost Comparison and Value

In most cases, farmhouse sinks are more expensive than their undermount counterparts. There is less material involved and lower labor costs. In the case of a stainless steel custom sink, there is roughly a $900 premium for the apron front version. With copper, bronze, and brass, the apron-front sink's additional investment can vary from about $1,000 to well over $2,000, depending on the choice of patina options available. So, what is the value here? For me, the value is comfort and style. No more backaches when working at my sink. 

The true value of a farmhouse sink lies in its comfort and style. Many of our customers have reported that farmhouse sinks significantly reduce backaches compared to undermount sinks. This ergonomic advantage, combined with the aesthetic appeal, makes farmhouse sinks a worthwhile investment for many homeowners.