Stone Farmhouse Sinks

Everything old is new again, including a love for stone farmhouse sinks. Stone was one of the first materials ever used for sinks, dating back centuries. Today’s stone farmhouse sinks are more stylish than ever, using a range of materials, colors, and decorative flourishes to create an elegant Old World-inspired focal point for your kitchen design.

Natural stone farmhouse sinks walk the line between an earthy vibe and a modern aesthetic, making them suitable for use in both rustic and contemporary kitchens. Stone farmhouse sinks may be made from a single solid slab of stone, such as onyx, marble, limestone, slate, soapstone, travertine, sandstone, or granite. Alternatively, they may be made from several slabs that have been combined and formed into a sink. A popular – and more budget-friendly – option is a composite granite farmhouse sink. These sinks mix granite stone dust with acrylic resin to create a durable, affordable sink that has the look of stone without the hefty price tag (or weight!)

Although composite granite sinks weigh less than a sink made from pure stone, they can still be quite heavy and may have slight size variations from the manufacturer’s stated specs. When adding a pure or composite stone farmhouse sink to your kitchen, you may need to add in some custom cabinetry that can support the sink’s added weight.

Beauty Of Stone Farmhouse Sinks

One beautiful aspect of stone farmhouse sinks is how every sink is truly unique, whether made from a single slab, multiple slabs, or a composite. Stone is a naturally occurring material, resulting in different veining or flecks per slab. If you’re adding a pure stone sink, you may want to view different slabs or finished sinks to choose the exact pattern that catches your eye. You’ll also want to look for reversible stone farmhouse sinks so you can pick which side of the sink you’d like to have facing out.

From a customization standpoint, different stone sink manufacturers are experimenting with their offerings to provide more options than ever for homeowners. The stone you choose will ultimately impact the color, although one benefit of a composite sink is acrylic resin can be customized to a wide range of hues to suit your décor.

Another neat consideration for your stone sink is how it will coordinate with other elements in your kitchen design. Stone is not just for sinks – many homeowners also use it for their countertops, giving you the potential to actually coordinate your countertop and sink for a seamless, minimalist look. If you’re wondering how a sink made of the same material as your countertop will perform, note that granite is known to get darker with time, while quartz can be vulnerable to scratches and scuffs.

Because there are so many varieties of stone, it’s important to recognize that different types of stone will indeed perform differently. For example, soapstone is the densest stone used for making sinks. It’s a softer stone that happens to be quite stain and heat resistant, but it is also more fragile, requires regular re-oiling, and is prone to showing chips or cracks.

Marble is a favorite finish for high-end kitchen and bathroom designs – and contrary to popular belief, it can actually be quite durable. Many marble sinks are actually denser than many of the granites used for kitchen countertops – and granite gained popularity for being an incredibly durable material to begin with! Keep in mind that stone sinks with a glossier finish will show wear and tear much more easily than sinks with a honed finish, so you may want to look for a more matte stone farmhouse sink to help disguise scratches.

Limestone is a unique choice that will create a stunning accent for your kitchen. When burnished to shine, it can actually resemble petrified wood, which is fossilized wood that’s turned to stone (and fossilized wood can also be used as a sink material).

Choosing Your Stone Farm Sink

No matter what type of stone material you choose for your stone sink, one benefit of using natural materials is less noise pollution in the kitchen. Stone is naturally quieter than other materials such as stainless steel.

To help protect your stone apron front sink, you will likely have to reseal it every one or two years, typically with a wax sealant. Different stone sink materials are more porous or dense than others – for example, limestone is one of the most porous stones around and will require regular resealing. A properly sealed stone sink is relatively dent, stain, and heat-resistant, although again, keep in mind each stone material may require slightly different handling.

Apart from regular resealing, you’ll want to avoid abrasive or citrus cleaners, as well as ammonia, as they may damage the luster of your natural stone farmhouse sink or even corrode it. Simply rinsing and wiping down the sink after use will prevent build-up or watermarks. Stone is also naturally rust-proof, giving you peace of mind that your investment will last for a lifetime with proper care and maintenance.

The labor-intensive process of mining, cutting, and fabricating stone sinks makes this one of the more expensive farmhouse sink materials to choose. The specific type of stone you choose will also have an impact on the price. Granite tends to be the most affordable type of stone sink available, while travertine and marble stone sinks are generally the most expensive. Composite stone farmhouse sinks are by far the cheapest type of stone sink available.

At Annie & Oak, we carry Allstone stone farmhouse sinks, in sizes from 17” all the way up to 36”. Allstone sells single and double bowl stone farmhouse sinks with either flat, curved, or carved fronts. Virtually all of their sinks are made from a single slab that has been handcrafted with precision. Each sink is also available in several different stones, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect size or style, as well as the actual color and material.

Stone may be classic material, but it offers plenty of exciting design possibilities for homeowners. If you want to add a dramatic, opulent glow to your kitchen, stone is one of the best choices available for its durability, attractiveness, and unique array of finishes and features.