Apron sink and farmhouse sink name the same thing: a deep sink whose front face is exposed and replaces part of the cabinet front. Manufacturers use the terms together. The real differences are how it mounts, what it weighs, and the custom cabinet and support frame it needs, plus the drain and supply room.
Are apron and farmhouse sinks the same thing?
Yes, for buying purposes. The Vintage Tub guide is titled "Stainless Steel Farmhouse Apron Front Sink," the Eridanus guide is for a "Farmhouse Apron Front Kitchen Sink," and Kingsman's instructions are for a "Farmhouse Apron Sink." White Haus writes "Front Apron Kitchen Sinks." All four describe the same design, so shopping for one term or the other will show you the same product.
The features that do set sinks apart come from the material and the mounting:
- Material. White Haus's guide covers fireclay sinks, Vintage Tub's covers stainless steel, and Kingsman's farmhouse series is described as hand-crafted. The material changes the weight and the countertop choices.
- Mounting. Kingsman's guide gives three installation options, undermount, flush mount and above counter. Its undermount option calls for a 1/4 inch reveal, and for flush or above-counter installs the countertop is cut along the outside of the sink profile.
- Depth. Kingsman says its farmhouse sinks need a front cutout in the cabinet for a 10 inch deep sink.
What does a farmhouse sink need from the cabinet?
This is the part that surprises people. Kingsman says farmhouse sinks require custom order sink base cabinets with a front cutout. Vintage Tub says to make sure you purchase the correct cabinet for the sink, and that farmhouse base cabinets should be 3 inches larger than the actual size of the sink. Vintage Tub also says additional floor and wall preparation may be required to avoid damaging the product.
The sink cannot just sit on a normal cabinet. The guides describe the same fix:
- 1Build a support frame inside the cabinet. Eridanus says to construct a framework of two horizontal and four vertical wooden supports and to top it with a supporting board. That board has a drain outlet clearance hole cut into it. Vintage Tub's guide lists support options such as angle irons, 2 by 4 lumber and 3/4 inch plywood.
- 2Cut the cabinet front. Vintage Tub says to measure the actual height of the apron and add 1/16 inch to the dimension when you mark the cabinet front cutout. Eridanus adds that it is highly suggested the cabinet be cut after receiving the actual sink.
- 3Set the sink and make sure it is level. The guides say the weight of the sink should be carried by the built supports, not by the cabinet front or the countertop, and to level the sink front to back and side to side.
- 4Cut and set the countertop. Kingsman says to clean the bottom of the countertop and the sink flange with denatured alcohol, apply a bead of silicone around the top edge of the sink, and set the countertop on top.
The IPC has a rule that lines up with this. Section 405.3 says fixtures must be set level and in proper alignment with adjacent walls, and Section 405.6 says joints where fixtures meet walls or floors must be sealed.
How heavy is a farmhouse sink?
Heavy enough that the supports are the point of the job. White Haus says a filled sink weighs approximately 300 pounds, and that the base cabinet and the wood support frame must provide ample support to withstand that weight. Eridanus says to use securing hardware and techniques so the support frame bears a minimum of 300 pounds. Kingsman says the structural supports must bear the weight of the sink and any attachments such as garbage disposals.
Because of the weight, both White Haus and Eridanus recommend installation by professionals, and Eridanus says the sink should be installed by at least two people. White Haus adds that its sink is intended only for under-counter installations of solid-surface composite or natural stone countertops, and Vintage Tub says its sink is not recommended with a laminate countertop. So the sink you pick can limit the countertop you pick.
What does the plumbing need?
The plumbing is the same as any kitchen sink, but the tight cabinet and the frame change how it gets done.
Drain size. The 2024 IPC, in Section 422.2, says sinks must have a waste outlet not less than 1.5 inches in diameter, with a strainer or crossbar. In Chapter 7, Table 709.1 rates a domestic kitchen sink at 2 drainage fixture units with a 1.5 inch trap, and the rating stays the same with a food waste disposer, dishwasher or both. Section 416.2 says a domestic food waste disposer connects to a drain not less than 1.5 inches in diameter, and Section 416.4 says a disposer needs a supply of cold water protected against backflow.
Room for the lines. Every guide says to leave room. Kingsman says to allow room for the water supply line and drains or garbage disposal, and Eridanus says the support board needs a drain outlet clearance hole and adequate clearance for the water supply lines. Kingsman adds that every installation type needs room for the faucet, with enough space behind the sink for the faucet and backsplash and the full range of motion of the spout and handles. If your faucet is a tall one, tell the countertop fabricator before the cut.
Supply and drain hardware. Eridanus tells the installer to shut off the hot and cold water, inspect the drain and supply tubing, and replace it if necessary. Vintage Tub's last step is to connect the drain and trap and the water supply connections to the faucet, then run water into the sink and check for leaks.
Access. The IPC's Section 405.2 says plumbing fixtures must be installed so as to afford easy access for cleaning both the fixture and the area around it. Eridanus says to position securing hardware with easy removal in mind, in case the sink needs to be removed. Think about how a plumber will reach the trap and the disposer once the frame and the sink are in.
Should you choose one for a remodel?
Choose it for the look, and plan for the work. The sink is a decision that involves the cabinet maker, the countertop fabricator and the plumber at the same time, so make the choice before the cabinet order is placed. Kingsman and Eridanus both note that no template is provided, so the actual sink is used to mark the cuts. That means the sink has to be on site.
If the plan also changes the drain location or adds a new fixture, check whether you need a permit. Our page on what plumbing work needs a permit in Phoenix explains the like-for-like test, and how to pick a bathroom sink for a remodel covers the same kind of planning for the bathroom. If a slow drain is what started the remodel, see how to fix a slow-draining sink first.
HQ Plumbing and Air is licensed and insured, takes emergency calls 24/7, and gives free estimates with an upfront price before work starts. See our plumbing services.
Not sure which material to pick? See the best material for a kitchen sink. For the general steps, see how to install a kitchen sink.