Everything you need to know about installing a kitchen farmhouse sink

As the name suggests, a farmhouse sink is reminiscent of the traditional wide, deep sinks that could be found in old farmhouses. Farmhouse sinks were originally designed to hold as much water as possible, to stop the poor person washing the dishes having to cart multiple buckets back and forth in the days before running taps.

They tend to be undermount, meaning they sit just below the work surface and do not 'hang' from it, like many modern basins. Classic farmhouse sinks are also called apron sinks because the front panel sticks out slightly from the surrounding cabinets

These days, most of us are lucky enough to enjoy modern plumbing and we don't have to worry about manually filling the sink. However, there are still many benefits to having a farmhouse sink in your kitchen:

• Lots of space for washing up
• Deep-set design allows for easy access
• Stylish aesthetic to suit many kitchen designs

Though traditionally made of either fireclay or porcelain, today's farmhouse sinks are also available in a variety of other materials, including ceramic, stainless steel and copper.

A farmhouse sink can be a beautiful statement feature, but its heavy-duty nature means there are a few things to keep in mind when installing one in your kitchen.

Because of the length and depth of a farmhouse sink, having one often requires very specific cabinets to accommodate the shape. They also tend to be quite heavy, and so the surrounding units need to be strong enough to support the material.

As most farmhouse sinks sit below the worktops, it's important the area between the sink and the worktop is sealed correctly, to prevent water damage.

You may prefer a professional to do it, rather than putting one in yourself. With our expert installation service, you'll have peace of mind that your farmhouse sink will be fitted perfectly.

If you opt for a fireclay or porcelain farmhouse sink, be extra careful when washing the dishes, as glasses and crockery are more likely to smash against the hard material.

Once you've decided if a farmhouse sink is right for your kitchen, there are a few other choices to make:

• 1How many bowls? Traditional farmhouse sinks are single bowl, but today you can choose between single, double or 1.5 bowl options. Double or 1.5 bowls can be useful if you need the added convenience of an extra drain and rinsing area, while single bowls allow more washing space for large items.
• 2What size sink do you need? Classic farmhouse sinks are wide and deep, perfect for medium and large kitchens. However, they can take away from the surrounding worktop area and storage capacity underneath the sink. If you have a limited layout but still want a farmhouse sink, choose a narrow, shallow design, which will allow you to get the desired aesthetic without sacrificing as much storage space.
• 3What sort of taps do you want? The taps you choose should suit the shape and size of your farmhouse sink. If you have a particularly large sink, a pull-out tap might be best, as it'll allow you to hose down the corners. A high, curved tap is also a great option, as it will provide coverage without getting in the way.

Once you've decided on the shape and size of your farmhouse sink, you can start to think about what features to pair it with in your kitchen to achieve the look you want.

Don't let the name put you off - farmhouse sinks can suit all sorts of kitchens, from the very traditional to the ultra-modern.

For a country-cottage kitchen
An effortless choice for a country kitchen, choose a white ceramic farmhouse sink in a traditional apron shape. Vintage, cross-head taps will match the style, especially in an antique metallic finish. Pair it with light wooden worktops and creamy toned cabinets, such as sage green or off-white, to complete the look.

For an ultra-modern kitchen
Update the traditional option by choosing a stainless-steel farmhouse sink. The industrial finish looks great against an all-white theme, to contribute to a bright and refreshing kitchen. Use a gloss finish on the cupboards and worktops and pale grey flooring to really embrace the minimalist feel.

For a shabby chic kitchen
To get a truly shabby chic look, look for a farmhouse sink with a vintage flair, in either a ceramic white or copper finish. Opt for an undermount design complemented by pastel colours and rustic wooden touches on the worktops, units and floor. A bright, copper tap is a great statement feature that will help show off the sink.

For a contemporary kitchen
If you want to promote a sophisticated atmosphere, consider using a stainless-steel farmhouse sink to brighten up dark cabinets and worktops. Sleek steel looks especially refined when contrasted with navy blue or burgundy units and offset by grey marble worktops. For a glamorous finish, pair the sink with matching chrome taps.

Whether you want to create a rustic feel or an urban atmosphere, a farmhouse sink can be a statement feature that adds both style and functionality to your kitchen. Browse our full range of sinks or check out our kitchen sink buyers guide for more inspiration.