The Timeless Appeal of Apron Front Sinks

Ryan M. Grambart
Founder & CEO - CopperSmith
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Ryan M. Grambart

Why should I have an Apron Front Sink in my Kitchen? 

While traditional in style, Apron Front sinks remain to be some of the most popular kitchen sink styles in the US - despite being one of the ‘older’ or more traditional models on the market. There are varying reasons for this. 

As outlined above, their classic design means they can blend seamlessly into any kitchen, whether you’re trying to create a chic, modern space or something a little more traditional. As a result, they’re a solid choice for just about every homeowner - as you can build the rest of your interior design visions around this fixture or introduce it into the space without having to rearrange your entire kitchen. 

Furthermore, as Apron Front Sinks are available in multiple different colors or finishes, you can choose a design that is bold and eye-catching or something a little more subtle, depending on your personal preferences. 

As such, this can be used to your advantage when working on your kitchen’s overall appearance. For example, this could be a great way to introduce a pop of color or texture into the space, which can drastically change how your kitchen looks or feels. Alternatively, you can create a focal point within the kitchen by installing a copper apron front sink. 

Beyond their stylistic value, Apron Front Sinks are also a convenient addition to your kitchen, which is great news for those who like to spend a lot of time cooking delicious meals or for staying on top of their chores. After all, the deep basins (often with multiple ‘sinks’) allow for plenty of multi-tasking while also making practical use of all of the space you have available to you. 

As such, they may be a particularly great fit for those working with limited kitchen space, whether they are living in a family home or apartment. After all, smaller kitchens do not necessarily mean you’re dealing with fewer dishes! 

Are Apron Front Sinks Easy to Maintain?

Many people feel as though there is simply not enough time in the day to complete every task on their to-do list, especially when dealing with a busy schedule. As a result of this, it's crucial that you find ways to free up some time in your day - and reducing the number of hours you have to spend on home maintenance is a great way to do just that. 

Thankfully, Apron Front Sinks are relatively easy to keep in pristine condition. For example, they can be cleaned using many of the cleaning products you already have lying around your home, such as regular kitchen cleaner or even just soap and water, and they are purpose-built to stand the test of time. This is because they are made from durable, long-lasting materials, such as copper, which do not rust easily and can deal with a great deal of wear and tear. 

Furthermore, if you do encounter any maintenance issues, the relevant parts can be replaced quickly and easily - mainly due to the fact that the water faucet is separately routed. This can save you a lot of money when it comes to repair or maintenance fees.

Are Apron Front Sinks Worth The Money?

Any investment that improves both the practicality and aesthetic value of your kitchen is worthwhile. However, as discussed above, the durability of this kitchen feature means that farmhouse sinks are always worth the price tag. After all, it means that you can use them for years to come (which is a lot of dirty dishes). Furthermore, their classic yet simple appearance means that, unlike other popular kitchen fixtures, they’re not going to fall out of fashion any time soon. This means that you aren’t wasting money on microtrends and fads that are popular one moment and all but forgotten about the next. 

Furthemore, the fact that they are super easy to maintain means that homeowners can cut down on typical maintenance costs, which, considering that the average person in the US spends approximately $2000 a year on home maintenance, is another sign that this kitchen feature can save you a great deal of money.

Apron Front Sinks are a great way to introduce a touch of class or luxury into a home - without the price tag that is usually associated with this venture. This is because they are often sold at a fair price, especially when you consider the fact that they can easily become a permanent feature within your home.

Why Are Apron Sinks So Popular These Days?

We all have that one friend, neighbor, or coworker who is the envy of all. They pull into the driveway with the latest sports car, walking through an immaculately groomed lawn onto a spacious porch. Their children and spouse boast cutting-edge technological devices, clad in trendy apparel fresh out of this month's fashion week issue. They have it all together, and their interior must be quite the spectacle. Rich smells crawl out of the chimney during dinner time -- sizzles, beeps, and dish noise fill the air. How does their kitchen stand up to mine?

One might ask. What separates it from an open kitchenette to a lavish, restaurant-like sanctuary? The answer lies in small details, namely in the run-of-the-mill appliances such as the sink. While the purpose of a sink is reasonably self-explanatory, there are a vast number of less conventional design and installation possibilities, taking an ordinary mainstay and transforming it into a kitchen focal point. In this article, we'll look into the popularity of apron (also referred to as farmhouse) sinks, investigating their features, usage, advantages, and disadvantages, as well as some of the reasons their popularity has surged in recent years.

Apron Sinks: A General Overview Of Their History, Features, And Function

Apron sinks are a unique aesthetic addition to the kitchen, as they incorporate an exposed front-facing side that juts out from the cabinets. This distinct sink model is not only a visual eye-catcher, but it was also initially designed for practicality purposes. Apron sinks have a deep, full basin, offering an ideal option for large families and individuals who frequently multitask in the kitchen.

For example, one basin could be used for defrosting a frozen chicken breast while the other could be used to wash, cut, and prepare vegetables. The term "farmhouse" is rooted in traditional American families where parents would often bathe their children in the sink's basin.

Furthermore, apron sinks can be replaced with ease if damaged; since the water faucet is separately routed, there are no holes or punctures in the body of the sink, which facilitates removal and replacement. Detach the drainpipe and switch out the basin -- a time and money-saving benefit to these truly versatile appliances. Even with today's progressive interior aesthetic demands, the old-fashioned look of apron sinks is highly desirable, and their practicality makes them difficult to pass up.

What Are Some Of The Advantages And Disadvantages Of An Apron Sink?

With all appliances, it's essential to consider the pros and cons of each model, determining whether or not it will be an appropriate fit for the kitchen needs. As previously stated, apron sinks are functionally one of the more competitive styles a homeowner can purchase due to their deep basin and easy installation/removal. However, the exposed front end of the sink can allow water to leak down, which will require more cleanup and could cause water damage to the cabinets below.

Since apron sinks are available in a wide variety of materials, the amount of maintenance required will largely depend on this factor. A stainless steel or black sink would arguably demand less upkeep than a copper or granite model, which leads us to the next point: cost. The average cost of an apron sink is around $400 but will fluctuate depending on which material is used. It's a middle-of-the-road investment--on the one hand, it isn't any cheaper than other popular sinks, and its durability and functionality make for a worthwhile purchase.

On the contrary, given the maintenance requirements and possible spike in cost due to material, an apron sink will present a hefty price tag. In conclusion, apron sinks are rising in popularity--their ergonomic design and easy installation make for a sustainable, convenient kitchen experience. Their resurgence in popular kitchen stores, copper home goods departments, and online manufacturers does not go unnoticed, and the traditional, rustic appeal of these copper farmhouse sinks is undoubtedly here to stay.

May 9, 2020