A farmhouse apron sink is a beautiful and classic alternative to the in-counter sinks masked by false cabinet or drawer doors. This masking has been de rigueur since the ‘70s, but it’s becoming less and less popular. Instead of these fake doors, people are choosing one of two options.
They’re either using vessel sinks that sit on top of the counter and don’t take away as much storage space, or they’re using farmhouse apron sinks. Otherwise called farmhouse sinks or apron sinks, the fronts of these in-counter sinks are exposed and usually jut out past the front of the cabinets beneath them.
If you have a classic, rustic looking kitchen, a farmhouse apron sink is a great choice. You can choose your farmhouse kitchen sink in copper, stainless steel, or white porcelain, depending on which material best suits your décor and appliances.
If you’re considering installing a farmhouse apron sink, you must take a few measurements. Let’s go through the basics you’ll have to do to choose and install an apron sink in your kitchen.
Taking the First Measurements
You don’t have to have a ton of counter space to install a farmhouse apron sink, as they are made in various sizes. If you’re not doing a massive remodeling job, including a new counter, drawers, and cabinets, you’re going to have to make sure that the sink will fit not only into the counter but also that it will be shallow enough to allow space for the cabinet doors under it to open and close freely.
How to Measure the Length of Your Counter for a Farmhouse Sink?
Take a measuring tape and measure from the back of the counter, against the wall, to the edge closest to you. This will be the longest that the sink can be and still fit properly. Remember, though, it’s okay for a farmhouse apron sink to jut out a little bit from the front face of the counter. If it’s too big, it won’t line up with your pipes and won’t work.
How to Measure the Width of Your Counter for a Farmhouse Sink?
Now that you have the length measurement for the sink, it’s time to measure the width. You might think that the sink can be as wide as you like. After all, look at all of that wide open counter space. If you’re thinking this, you’ve forgotten something: the drawers to either side of your sink.
Place the tip of your tape measure against the outside right edge of the drawer to the left of your sink and measure to the nearest (left) edge of the drawer to the right of your sink. Subtract two inches from this measurement.
This will give you a buffer between the drawers and the new sink. It would be impractical and unattractive if your new sink butted right up against the drawers next to it. Leaving an inch of space on either side is enough to look aesthetically appealing. This will be the widest your sink can be.
How to Measure the Depth of Your Counter for a Farmhouse Sink?
As a warning, this is the point at which you may have to decide between your cabinet doors. Measure from the top of the countertop to the top of the cabinet beneath it. Subtract one to two inches from this measurement, depending on how much buffer space you want to leave, and this will be as deep as your sink can be.
If you are unhappy with this measurement, you must look at more remodeling than just cutting your countertop and removing your false drawers. You’re going to have to remove your cabinet drawers and replace them. Keep this in mind as you move forward and start shopping for a farmhouse kitchen sink that appeals to your style.
If you’re uncertain about these steps, don’t hesitate to call a professional to measure and install your sink. There’s no shame in getting the job done right if you’re unsure of your carpentry and plumbing skills.
