Before we even began our kitchen remodel and we were just in the dreaming and planning phase, some of the things that were at the top of my list that I knew I wanted to include were white cabinets, open shelves, a pot filler and a farm sink. I had dreams of a farmhouse-style kitchen from day one and a farm sink was going to set the tone and style for the entire kitchen. I wanted it to make a design statement.
A Big Decision
I quickly learned these sinks were made from a variety of different materials and I was going to have several different options. Because this tends to be the most popular spot in the kitchen, I knew this was a decision I was not going to make lightly. I had to research what material was best for me, Fire Clay or Porcelain.
Fire Clay definitely holds itself out to be the most durable. It’s made of clay that when heated to an extremely high temperature, causes the clay and glaze to fuze together. The cost is usually more expensive than Porcelain but it claims to be resistant to scratches and dings.
Porcelain is made from black cast iron that is, then, sprayed with a shiny white coating to give it that glossy finish. It is much heavier and requires extra mounting and support under the sink to hold the extra weight. It is cheaper than Fire Clay, but tends to be more prone to scratching and chipping so this is something I had to consider.
Making My Decision
In the end I chose to go with Cast Iron. You can see the specs of the one I ordered right here. After plenty of reading and research, I decided that Cast Iron really does stand the test of time. With the cost of an entire kitchen remodel, this is the one that best fit our budget and the lifespan of cast iron could quite possibly outlive the rest of our kitchen. With the proper care and maintenance, and a little TLC, I shouldn’t have to worry about scratches and dents. I’ve had the sink installed for almost a year now, and I am 100% satisfied with it. Mounting kits for cast-iron sinks are available to purchase to give it that extra support underneath, but Mark made one out of 2 x 4s that was easy to build and works great. Here’s a peek.
I also chose one large bowl over two separate. Our space was limited to 33 inches so I wanted to maximize the sink as much as possible and for me, that was one bowl. I love it!
When all is said and done, the apron sink gives my new farmhouse-style kitchen the character I was looking for. My best advice is to do your research and choose the product that works best for you. And a cute little white dog doesn’t hurt.
Happy Kitchening!
