Kitchen Fixtures: Pros and Cons of Apron Sinks

Apron sinks are new antiques. Also known as farmhouse sinks, they have an old-fashioned look but are rarely true antiques. They are mostly quite new, and quite trendy.

Apron sinks are kitchen and bathroom basins that protrude past the countertop and cabinets. They are mounted under the counter, and the front edge of the porcelain or other sink material is visible, rather than hidden behind a cabinet or false drawer. They have earned their cachet in some ways, but they also have several drawbacks. Here are some of the pluses and minuses of apron sinks for bathrooms and kitchens. 

The upsides of apron sinks:

Aesthetics: The obvious draw of an apron sink for most people is the unique look. The design makes your sink an artistic statement.

Versatility: Dozens of manufacturers are jumping on the apron sink bandwagon, so homeowners can find apron sinks in a wide variety of materials. The majority of apron sinks are made of enameled porcelain, but stainless steel, copper, cast iron and other materials are available.

Convenience: The front edge of an apron sink is sometimes narrower than other more standard styles. This may make them more accessible. The front edge is also easier to clean, as there is no gap between the countertop and the sink.  DIY Resource: http://www.hometalk.com

The downsides of apron sinks:

Cost: Apron sinks are typically more expensive than other undermount or top-mount sinks. For example, basic stainless steel top-mount sinks start at about $50, but similar stainless steel apron sinks cost more than $400. The trendier porcelain (also marketed as “fireclay”) and cast iron apron sinks cost more than $1,000.

Moreover, installation is also typically more expensive and complicated for apron sinks. Top-mount sinks are a fairly easy DIY installation. Undermount sinks tend to be a little more complicated, but they are mainly suspended from the counter. Apron sinks, on the other hand, require a support platform either from the sides or bottom of the cabinets. They may also require custom cabinets.

Aesthetics: While many people love the look of apron sinks, you can find as many people who complain about the unusual look. It’s a risky choice for boosting resale value. It’s always difficult to quantify the change in resale value based on a single relatively minor upgrade. However, it’s worth considering the risk of turning off potential buyers. DIY Resource: http://www.networx.com/article/kitchen-fixtures-pros-and-cons-of-apron

Depth: The standard sink is 7 to 8 inches deep. However, the front edge of an apron sink is lower than most sinks because there is no countertop. This could lead to more splashing, and may be less convenient for some users. Deeper apron sink basins are available, but they can be uncomfortable for some taller users.

Steve Graham is a Hometalk.com writer.  Read more articles like this one or get help with your home projects on Hometalk.com.