Tips From Granite Grannies: Fabricating for an Apron Front Sink

BLANCO interviewed Lori Hethmon, Founder, Owner and Lead Designer for Granite Grannies on her best tips for fabricating for an apron front sink.

IKON Apron Front Sink
BLANCO makes apron front sinks in fireclay, stainless steel and now, for the first time in granite composite with their groundbreaking IKON™ apron front sink.

Q1: What are the different installation methods for apron front sinks?

There are basically two types of apron front sink. Some apron fronts offer a frontal piece that wraps around cabinetry – basically a rectangular sink with a false front that makes it look like an apron front. Actual apron-front sinks require precise measuring to fit within cabinetry. These features affect the way the counter top is cut.

An apron sink must be on site, and sitting in the exact location preferred by homeowner before we can template the project. The farm sink can typically sit farther out from the cabinet or sit farther to the back wall. Additionally, the shape of the sinks will vary considerably and must be templated on site.

Q2: Do you review the desired reveal with the customer? Or do you prefer a reveal and just go with that.

Reveal or no reveal that is the question. Sink companies like the reveal, fabricators do not.  If the sink is showing under the countertop it should be a perfect 1/8″ or a perfect 1/4″ all around. This is a challenge considering the walls and cabinets are not perfectly square in a real house new or old. It also means the silicone used to seal the sink in place is visible. Most fabricators will advocate for the countertop material to overhang the sink. It is a clean crisp look and any slight variation in the overhang is not apparent. Additionally, a sink reveal leaves a ledge for soap and grease to collect. If you have ever seen a sink with a reveal in the normal home after a few months it looks messy. It is one more area to keep clean and shiny. A homeowner would want to raise the issue of a reveal and express their desire for this type of installation.

Q3.  With apron front sinks coming in different materials, what is your opinion from a fabricator perspective?

The SILGRANIT apron front sinks have added a wonderful option to the marketplace. Many people love the homey feel of the farm sink, but do not love the modern feel of the stainless nor the concerns about a porcelain sink. The color options are also a big deal. A white porcelain farm sink makes a big statement whereas a SILGRANIT can integrate better with the environment. The Truffle color, which will be launched soon is a soft tie-in to stainless appliances. Café Brown looks fantastic with a wood cabinet and wood floors. Anthracite is warm with a contemporary feel.  It’s often hard to choose the SILGRANIT color.

Q4. What counter surfaces do you recommend work best with Apron Fronts in general?

For the most part natural stone or any quartz type man made slabs are going to function the same as far as installation. A sintered or ultra compact surface or porcelains tops can be used – but it’s best to work closely with the manufacturer on fabricating thin surface materials.

Most good fabricators are more than familiar with the particulars of a farm sink installation by now. The trend has been growing steadily for five or six years now. It doesn’t show any signs of waning and I believe the farm sink will have a lasting shelf life decor wise.

Q5: Do you think the faucet has to be traditional in style? Or the kitchen? 

As with any type of sink the faucet should be functional per the homeowner’s preferences. The decor styles are considerably more eclectic today and a contemporary faucet model can look wonderful with an old style farm sink. What’s old is new. The farm sink itself is an historic look but considered contemporary in today’s decor. One note is that the bridge faucet with two holes means that the counter top seam is showing more. If the faucet is a single hole mount the fabricator can often drill the faucet hole through the seam leaving only an inch or so visible.

About Granite Grannies

LoriHGraniteGranies

Granite Grannies is a boutique fabricator of unique and exotic natural stones. They are a woman-owned, family-run shop focused on one beautiful space at a time – located in the greater Washington, D.C. area. http://granitegrannies.com/

 

About BLANCO

For three generations, BLANCO has quietly and passionately elevated the standards for luxury sinks, faucets and decorative accessories. Proud of its European heritage and award-winning German engineering, BLANCO is steadfastly committed to their tradition of high quality, innovative design and unsurpassed service since 1925. Dedicated to quality without compromise, every sink is closely inspected many times before it receives the BLANCO name.  www.blancoamerica.com