What Farmhouse Sink Does Joanna Gaines Use? An Expert Guide

The farmhouse sink has become a mainstay of modern interior design, driving a major resurgence of vintage rural style. Interior designer Joanna Gaines has helped fuel the craze, integrating gorgeous farmhouse sinks into many of her popular Fixer Upper designs. But what exactly is Joanna‘s sink model of choice? Let‘s explore the world of farmhouse sinks to find out.

A Brief History of the Farmhouse Sink

While kitchen sinks have been around since ancient times, the farmhouse style sink didn‘t emerge until the late 19th century. As more rural homes got indoor plumbing, deep, wide sinks were created to aid with laundry, washing, and food preparation.

These early farmhouse sinks were made from materials like stone and zinc. By the 1920s, enameled cast iron and stainless steel became popular sink materials, allowing for more durability and custom shapes.

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Vintage farmhouse sinks from the 1920s-1950s featured legs or a cabinet base to provide the signature exposed apron look. This enduring style has seen a major comeback in the past decade.

Interior designer Joanna Gaines has helped drive the renewed popularity by featuring farmhouse sinks on her hit HGTV show Fixer Upper. Gaines brilliantly pairs these vintage sinks with modern updates for a perfect blend of new and old.

An Introduction to the Styles of Farmhouse Sinks

Today, farmhouse sinks come in a range of styles and materials. Some key options include:

Enameled Cast Iron

This material involves casting the sink from iron and then coating it with a smooth enamel glaze. Cast iron is extremely durable, lending itself perfectly to a busy kitchen. The enamel creates a glossy, attractive finish.

Fireclay

Fireclay is a type of ceramic clay that can be molded into a range of shapes. It‘s kiln-fired at intense temperatures to create a hard, dense material. Fireclay is smooth, glossy, and resistant to staining.

Stainless Steel

Stainless steel has become popular for modern farmhouse sink interpretations. It has a sleek, contemporary look. Stainless steel is also extremely durable and easy to clean.

Copper

Copper farmhouse sinks have an artisan, old-world feel. This reactive metal develops a unique patina over time. Copper provides both beauty and antimicrobial properties.

Composite

For a budget option, sinks can be made from a mixture of materials like acrylic or stone particles in a resin binder. Composite is lightweight and easy to install.

Dimensions Guide – Sizing Your Farmhouse Sink

Farmhouse sinks come in a range of possible dimensions. Common sizes include:

• 33 inches wide
• 36 inches wide
• 39 inches wide
• 42 inches wide

36 inches is the most popular for fitting well into typical cabinet bases. Narrower sinks can feel cramped, while larger sinks may exceed standard cabinet widths.

For depth, the most common options are:

• 8 inches deep
• 9 inches deep
• 10 inches deep

The deeper the sink basin, the more room for washing large pots and pans. But you also sacrifice counter space adjacent to the sink.

Many DIYers recommend a 9 inch depth as the best compromise. Professional kitchen designers can help assess your space and preferences to determine the optimal sink size.

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The Kohler Whitehaven Sink

Now that we‘ve covered the farmhouse sink basics, let‘s look at the specific model favored by Joanna Gaines – the Kohler Whitehaven.

Dimensions

This popular fireclay sink has dimensions of:

• Width – 36 inches
• Depth – 9 inches
• Height – 10 inches
• Basin corners – Slight radius

At 36" wide by 9" deep, the Whitehaven provides a generous amount of washing space without dominating the kitchen.

Material

The Whitehaven is made from high quality fireclay, which is kiln-fired at over 2000°F. This makes it incredibly durable and resistant to chips and cracks.

Fireclay is also less prone to staining and water spots than porous materials like concrete or natural stone. Its non-porous nature makes it compliant with food service sanitation codes.

Design

The Whitehaven is designed in classic farmhouse style, with:

• A gently curved apron front
• A slightly rounded basin
• An offset drain placement

This gives it a softer, more organic look than rectangular sinks. The Whitehaven‘s aesthetic is elegant yet pastoral – perfect for a modern farmhouse kitchen.

Performance

With its deep 9" basin, the Whitehaven provides ample room for washing large pots and baking sheets. The fireclay material also stays remarkably quiet, with no annoying echoes.

Reviewers praise the Whitehaven‘s durability, ease of cleaning, and timeless style that pairs beautifully with any kitchen design.

The Pros and Cons of Farmhouse Sinks

Now that we‘ve covered the basics of Joanna‘s go-to Whitehaven sink, let‘s examine the broader pros and cons of farmhouse sinks.

Pros

• Unique exposed apron – Distinctive vintage styling you can‘t get with undermount sinks. Creates an artistic focal point.

• Roomy basin – More interior room than average sinks to handle large pots and platters. Also great for filling vases or dog bowls.

• Durability – Made from rock-solid materials like enameled cast iron that withstand heavy daily use. With proper care, can last decades or even lifetimes.

• Easy to clean – Materials like fireclay resist staining and create an ultra smooth surface that‘s easy to wipe down after use.

Cons

• Higher cost – The average farmhouse sink costs $700 – $1,200. More than a basic stainless steel sink which averages $200 – $500.

• Limited adjacent space – The apron front overlaps your base cabinetry, reducing the counter area next to the sink.

• Custom cabinetry – Requires higher end custom cabinets to accommodate the apron. Not compatible with standard modular cabinets.

• Special installation – Professional installation recommended to prevent leaks between the sink and cabinet. Improper installation can lead to water damage.

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While farmhouse sinks come at a higher upfront cost, their stunning appearance and everyday utility can make it worth the investment.

Are Farmhouse Sinks Going Out of Style?

The farmhouse sink trend continues to surge in popularity, with no signs of slowing down. In fact, sales have steadily risen over the past decade. According to kitchen industry data:

• Farmhouse/apron sink sales increased 17% from 2014-2019.
• They account for over 20% of all sink sales as of 2022.
• The farmhouse sink made Houzz‘s list of most popular kitchen trends for 2022.

Interior designers attribute the growing farmhouse craze to a number of factors:

• "The exposed apron has an incredibly artistic look.” – Sarah B., Bella Kitchen Designs
• "They‘re functional and huge for washing large pots." – Mark R., Modern Kitchens
• "Farmhouse style remains one of the hottest interior design themes.” – Lauren G., LG Interiors

With many viewing farmhouse sinks as a timeless classic rather than a fleeting trend, it‘s unlikely this staple of vintage Americana will fade from popularity any time soon. Their nostalgic charm and utility continue making them a much desired kitchen feature.

Farmhouse Sink Color Options

While a bright white finish is the most common farmhouse sink color, today‘s options go far beyond basic white. Here are some of the most popular hues:

Black

A black sink makes a bold statement and adds striking contrast against light cabinetry. The dark color disguises water spots and grime extremely well.

Navy Blue

From soft pastel to deep ocean hues, blue adds a fun pop of color. It pairs perfectly with white, gray, or stainless steel appliances.

Earth Tones

Warm, organic shades like almond, gray, and brown complement natural wood cabinetry. They provide a more subtle statement than stark black or white.

Metallics

Copper, brass, bronze, gunmetal, and stainless steel provide glamorous metallic shine. Their patinas develop character over time.

Don‘t limit yourself to basic white – have fun and make your dream sink a vibrant focal point!

Expert Tips for Installing Your Farmhouse Sink

Once you‘ve selected the perfect farmhouse sink, proper installation is critical. Here are tips from kitchen remodeling professionals.

Hire a Pro

Farmhouse sink installation has nuances that DIYers may overlook, potentially leading to leaks, cracks, or other issues down the road. The small upfront cost of a pro installation can save major headaches later.

Reinforce Undermounting

Extra brackets, boards, or supports should be added under the sink basin for maximum durability and leak prevention. This keeps the heavy sink base firmly anchored.

Seal Periphery

Use silicone caulk rated for kitchen use around the sink periphery. This seals any gaps between the sink edge and counter, preventing moisture penetration.

Protect Apron

During install, pad the sink apron to prevent chips and cracks. Any damage to the exposed apron will always be visible.

Hiring a professional ensures your sink gets installed correctly to last for years of heavy duty use.

Maintaining and Protecting Your Investment

Farmhouse sinks are built to stand the test of time. Here are tips to keep yours in tip top shape:

• Use soft cleaning – Avoid abrasive pads or cleaners that could scratch surfaces. Use soft sponges and liquid detergents.

• Rinse thoroughly – Food residue or cleaning chemicals left on surfaces can lead to etching or dulling over time.

• Seal annually – Resealing porcelain, enamel, or fireclay surfaces prevents staining and damage.

• Use grids – Sink grids protect surfaces from pots and pans that could scratch or chip the sink base.

• Handle with care – Never dump heavy pots or objects directly into a farmhouse sink. Lower them gently to prevent cracks.

With proper care and maintenance, your beloved farmhouse sink can stay beautiful for generations!

The Bottom Line

It‘s clear why Joanna Gaines frequently selects the Kohler Whitehaven as her farmhouse sink of choice. With its spacious 36" width, deep 9” basin, gentle curves, and fireclay durability, this sink provides both beauty and brawn.

While farmhouse sinks come at a premium price, their vintage-chic style and everyday utility make them a dream option for many homeowners. If you adore Joanna‘s trademark farmhouse aesthetic, implementing a similar sink can help you achieve her signature look.

From gleaming whites to bold pops of color, farmhouse sinks are a timeless classic. They can imbue any kitchen with cozy pastoral charm and functionality. Just ask Joanna Gaines – she wouldn‘t design a kitchen without one!