Undermount vs. Farmhouse Sinks: Which Is Right for Your Kitchen?

An undermount sink mounts beneath the countertop, while a farmhouse (apron-front) sink shows its front panel at the face of the cabinet. Which one suits your kitchen depends on your cabinet, your countertop, the installation work involved, the look you want, how much you're remodeling, and how you use your kitchen.

What Is an Undermount Sink?

An undermount sink is installed beneath the countertop, so the edge of the countertop is exposed all the way around the sink opening. That opening has to be fabricated to fit the specific sink.

Because the sink hangs below the counter, how it's supported and mounted matters, and the countertop material needs to be suitable for an undermount installation. Check both the sink manufacturer's and your countertop fabricator's requirements. Homeowners often choose undermount sinks for their clean, integrated appearance.

What Is a Farmhouse Sink?

Farmhouse sinks are also called apron-front sinks. Instead of being hidden behind the cabinet front, the front of the sink is visible and becomes part of the cabinet face.

Installing one takes coordination between the sink, the cabinet, the countertop, and the structure that supports the sink. Some installations use a cabinet built for farmhouse sinks, while others involve modifying an existing cabinet. The work required depends on the sink and the cabinet. Farmhouse sinks come in different materials, including stainless steel, fireclay, and granite composite, depending on the product.

Undermount vs. Farmhouse Sinks

These are general differences. Installation requirements vary by sink model, cabinet, and countertop.

Which Sink Should I Choose?

Choose an Undermount Sink If...

• You want a clean transition from countertop to sink.
• You have a compatible sink base cabinet.
• You have, or are planning, a countertop suited to undermount installation.
• You prefer the sink to sit below the counter.
• You're comfortable coordinating countertop fabrication and cabinet support.

Choose a Farmhouse Sink If...

• You want a visible apron-front look.
• You're building or remodeling around a farmhouse sink.
• You have a compatible farmhouse (apron-front) cabinet.
• You're willing to coordinate cabinet and countertop dimensions.
• You want the sink to be a visible part of your kitchen's design.

What Should I Measure Before Ordering?

• Cabinet outside width
• Cabinet interior/usable width
• Sink dimensions
• Manufacturer's minimum cabinet size
• Front-to-back cabinet clearance
• Sink depth
• Countertop thickness
• Existing countertop cutout, if replacing a sink
• Cabinet support
• Apron dimensions, if applicable
• Plumbing and garbage-disposal clearance
• Faucet configuration
• Drain location
• Countertop material and fabrication requirements

Always check the manufacturer's installation requirements for the exact sink model you're considering. Requirements can differ even between sinks of the same size and style.

Farmhouse and Undermount Sinks from RTAKB

The installation type, dimensions, and minimum cabinet size on each card come from that product's specifications. Always confirm the full specifications and installation requirements on the product page before ordering.

Farmhouse / Apron-Front Sinks

Undermount Sinks

What About Countertop and Cabinet Compatibility?

Choose your sink before the countertop is fabricated or the cabinet is installed. The sink affects nearly every other measurement, and requirements vary by sink model.

• Countertop cutout: the opening must be cut to match the specific sink and installation type.
• Countertop material: confirm with your fabricator that the material suits the installation you're planning.
• Cabinet width: compare your cabinet to the sink's minimum cabinet size.
• Cabinet interior clearance: walls, framing, and drawers can reduce the usable space.
• Sink support: follow the manufacturer's guidance on how the sink should be supported.
• Apron-front cabinet requirements: farmhouse sinks may need a cabinet designed for them or a modified cabinet front.
• Existing cutout: when replacing a sink, the new sink has to work with the current opening, or the opening has to be changed.
• Plumbing clearance: check the drain location, supply lines, and any disposal or filter under the sink.

FAQ

Is an undermount sink better than a farmhouse sink?

Neither is universally better. The appropriate choice depends on cabinet compatibility, countertop, installation requirements, desired appearance, and the scope of the project.

Are farmhouse sinks harder to install?

Installation requirements vary by sink and project. Farmhouse sinks often require coordination of the apron, cabinet, support, and countertop, but the exact work depends on the cabinet and sink model.

Can I install a farmhouse sink in an existing cabinet?

It may be possible, but the cabinet may require modification or reinforcement depending on the sink dimensions, apron, support requirements, and cabinet construction.

Can an undermount sink be installed in an existing countertop?

It depends on the existing countertop, cutout, sink dimensions, and installation requirements. A new or modified cutout may be required.

Which is easier to clean: undermount or farmhouse?

Cleaning depends on the specific sink, countertop, installation, and kitchen setup. An undermount installation can make it possible to sweep countertop debris directly into the sink, while a farmhouse sink has a visible apron that may need its own cleaning.

Can farmhouse sinks be stainless steel?

Yes. Farmhouse (apron-front) sinks are available in multiple materials, including stainless steel, depending on the manufacturer and model.

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Specifications on this page come from manufacturer product data. Cabinet construction, countertop fabrication, and installation requirements vary, so confirm measurements and installation requirements for the specific sink before ordering. Questions? Email sales@rtakb.com.