Farmhouse sinks have become increasingly popular in recent years for their classic, vintage-inspired aesthetic. With their large, deep basins and exposed front aprons, farmhouse sinks make a statement in any kitchen. But their unique design also requires some special considerations when it comes to installation. One of the most common questions homeowners have is whether they need a special cabinet for a farmhouse sink.
What is a Farmhouse Sink?
A farmhouse sink, also called an apron-front sink, is a style of sink with a large, deep basin and an exposed front apron. The apron is the vertical front surface that replaces a standard sink cabinet door. Farmhouse sinks can be made from various materials like enamel-coated cast iron, copper, stainless steel, and fireclay.
Some key features of farmhouse sinks:
- Large single basin design, usually at least 30 inches wide. This provides ample room for washing large pots and pans.
- Deep basin, generally 10 inches or more deep. This creates more usable space for filling pots with water.
- Enameled cast iron or fireclay construction. These traditional materials have a classic look and feel.
- Exposed apron front. The front apron replaces a cabinet door for a seamless look.
- Optional rear apron. Some farmhouse sinks include a rear apron for a fully enclosed design.
Do You Need a Special Sink Base Cabinet?
So do you need a special cabinet for installing a farmhouse sink? The short answer is yes. You will need a sink base cabinet that is specifically designed to accommodate the unique apron-front design.
A standard kitchen sink cabinet has doors across the front that would interfere with a farmhouse sink’s front apron. Instead, you need a farmhouse sink base cabinet that has been modified to remove the front facing cabinet door and expose the interior.
The key elements that make a sink base suitable for a farmhouse sink include:
- Open front design to accommodate the sink’s apron. No doors or drawers on the front facing side.
- Sturdy cabinet construction to support the heavy weight of materials like cast iron and fireclay.
- Side cabinet doors for access to plumbing and storage space.
- Customizable width to match different farmhouse sink sizes.
- Optional built-in drawer stacks to maximize storage.
- Accommodates undermount or top-mount sink installations.
Farmhouse Sink Base Cabinet Styles
There are a few common farmhouse sink base cabinet designs to consider:
Full Exposed Cabinet
This style has an open front and exposed sides. It gives you easy access to the plumbing and provides a furniture-like look matching the exposed sink apron. It offers storage space inside the cabinet interior.
Partial Exposed Cabinet
With this style, only part of the front is open to accommodate the apron. The rest of the front and sides are enclosed with cabinet doors for a more integrated look and additional storage.
Fully Enclosed with Custom Door Cutout
Some homeowners opt to use a standard fully enclosed sink base and customize it by cutting out the center door panel to create space for the apron. This allows you to match existing cabinetry but requires customization.
Considerations for Installation
When installing a farmhouse sink, there are a few key factors to consider with regards to the sink cabinet:
- Cabinet width – Measure the width of your farmhouse sink to ensure the cabinet base matches. Allow for only 1-2 inches wider than the sink on each side.
- Plumbing access – The cabinet must allow access to water and drain lines. This may require an open back side or removable panels.
- Sink height – Standard counter height is 36 inches, but you can customize the cabinet to raise or lower the sink as desired.
- Farmhouse sink weight – Many models are extremely heavy (over 100 lbs), so the cabinet must have a sturdy frame and solid attachment to studs.
- Rear support – Having rear support is ideal so the sink’s weight is evenly distributed and not fully carried by the front apron.
Farmhouse Sink Base Cabinet Options
When shopping for a farmhouse sink base cabinet, you have several options:
- Custom cabinetry – Hire a woodworker or cabinet maker to build a fully custom cabinet designed for your sink.
- Semi-custom cabinetry – Select a modified stock cabinet with sizing and features to match your sink.
- DIY modification – Alter an existing cabinet by removing the front door and reinforcing the frame.
- Pre-manufactured – Purchase a cabinet specifically built for farmhouse sinks from brands like Sinkology, Signature Hardware, or Timberwolf.
- Farmhouse sink units – Choose a sink that comes with a matching custom sink base cabinet included.
No matter which farmhouse sink cabinet route you take, the key is ensuring it properly accommodates the apron front and has the right sink opening dimensions, plumbing access, and structural strength for a safe and seamless installation. With the right farmhouse sink base cabinet in place, you can enjoy the stylish functionality of an apron front sink for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions About Farmhouse Sink Cabinets
Do farmhouse sinks require special plumbing?
No, a farmhouse sink does not require any special plumbing. It uses standard drain and supply lines like most other sinks. The key is making sure your sink cabinet allows good access to the plumbing hookups.
Can I install a farmhouse sink in an existing cabinet?
In some cases you can modify an existing base cabinet to work with a farmhouse sink by removing the front facing door and reinforcing the frame. However, it is best to use a purpose-built farmhouse sink base for proper fit and structural support.
How much weight can a farmhouse sink cabinet hold?
Quality cabinets designed for farmhouse sinks can hold 300-500 pounds or more. But very heavy cast iron sinks exceeding 200 pounds may require extra reinforcement to the cabinet frame.
Should my farmhouse sink cabinet have storage drawers?
Many farmhouse sink cabinets integrate practical drawer stacks for storing kitchen items. Side drawers are generally preferable over front-facing drawers that could obstruct the apron.
What is the standard height of a farmhouse sink cabinet?
The standard height is 36 inches to align with most kitchen counters. But it is possible to customize the cabinet height to raise or lower the sink as desired.
Conclusion
A farmhouse sink can make a gorgeous functional statement in your kitchen, but it requires a properly fitted sink base cabinet designed to match its unique apron-front design. With the right custom or pre-made farmhouse sink cabinet with open front and sturdy construction, you can securely install your beautiful farmhouse sink and enjoy its vintage-chic style and deep basin functionality for years of cooking and cleaning.