Old farm sinks are only 5 to 6 inches deep, is this a problem?

14 years ago

I am looking at a sink that is an cast iron old farm sink. It is 30 inches wide and a single basin. The faucet holes come out of a backsplash that is 15 inches heigh. I love the sink but the basin is only 5 to 6 inches deep. The faucet holes are up hiegh and a 13 to 15 inch pot would fit under the faucet fine. Does anyone have one of these old shallow sinks that they can give me an opinion if this is practical or not. Was thinking it might be great for my back when washing pots and pans. The sink is only $150 and in ok condition. I would be getting it refinished. Thanks for ANY opinions. Amy

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Comments (13)

golddust
14 years ago
(Green with jealousy) I would love that sink! The thing you need to remember is that having the sink reglazed will look great but it won't be as strong as the oven baked original finish...

I would go for it but I have an old house...
golddust
14 years ago
I love this sink. I would put it in my kitchen in a heartbeat! I wish I knew how to post the photo but must settle for a link.

Here is a link that might be useful: My favorite farm sink!
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Ergonomics are an individual thing so It might be worth standing there to see how it works for you. I think there is more to it than just your height. I am 5'3". How long are your arms and how many dishes do you do? I do hand wash quite a few dishes and not a fan of a deep sink. If you are bending over at all to touch the bottom, it can be hard on your back. My sister and I are about the same height but built differently in that her arms are longer so depth doesn't bother her as much. I also like an apron sink that brings the sink as close as possible. This sounds counter intuitive but one display kitchen had a higher counter top which brought the sink up a little and that was more comfortable for me. My favorite sinks have been old farm sinks with a built in drainer. They are maybe 6 inches deep.
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lazy_gardens
14 years ago
I used one for a long time. Unless you wash dishes by totally immersing them in water, they work fine.

If you get a faucet with a pull-out spray head, it works even better.
both
Original Author
14 years ago
lazygardens that is a good idea I will check and see if I can get a faucet with a pull-out spray head for this sink that will not break the bank.
golddust, If I reglaze it will it be harder to clean with chemicals like soft scrub? It is in ok shape and considered not reglazing it, but the shine and whiteness of a reglazing would be nice.
Thanks for your thoughts!!! Amy
User
14 years ago
We had one like this in our cottage in Maine, and I have to say, it was difficult to use. The two holes are for separate hot and cold water faucets, we only had cold water for 60 years. Make sure a new faucet will fit in the faucet holes. We always used a dishpan for washing, the sink was just too shallow to be useful, otherwise. Unlike deep farm sinks now, in this shorter sink, the dishpan will always show over the edge of the sink.

Good luck.
ci_lantro
14 years ago
Chicago Faucets has mixer faucets that are adjustable to different 'center' measurements. Among the various offerings, there are faucets that will adapt from 4'' centers up to 13'' centers. So should be no need to get stuck with separate H & C taps.

We rented an apartment once that had a somewhat shallow sink w/ wall mount faucet. The faucet stays a lot cleaner because it's up & out of the way and doesn't tend to collect as much goo & grime as a deck mounted faucet. And, because you don't have a faucet deck taking up space, you have a larger sink (front to back depth). IMO, a 5-6'' deep sink is plenty adequate. It's actually easier to scrub something in a more shallow sink.
judydel
14 years ago
golddust I have that Kohler Harborview sink and it is wonderful to use. Very functional and I love the look. I got it on Craig's List for $600. including delivery into our house!
User
14 years ago
Here you go, almost exactly the measurements you are describing. I have soapstone and a Chicago faucet. I love the shallow sink and it hides everything I want to put in there as we are cooking. I sometimes use a dish pan or else one of my larger cooking pots. I wash up as I cook so it is not a problem . We have been using ours now almost 4 years and I would never go back to a double bay traditional depth sink. I hope you enjoy yours! If I can help with anything else please ask. c
sabjimata
14 years ago
sounds like a great sink. you may want to consider saving money by just sanding it and painting it with epoxy. will be super durable.
both
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks for all your advice. I am still pinching myself but in one hour I am leaving to go pick up the exact same sink in mint condition never reglazed for $20.00. No I did not forget a zero. Found it on craigslist. My husband is so happy with me and for not loving the sink now he likes it better due to the price!
forgottensong
14 years ago
We have an old American Standard farmhouse sink that is 58" long x 25" deep. It is in storage now but I think it is as shallow as yours. It doesn't have an integral backsplash but has the faucets on the back with a built up plate for hot and cold. Ours has 2 integral drain boards one on either side. We intend to use it in the mud room for my plant endeavors, etc. Although I think it would work OK in a kitchen, I'd prefer the deeper sink there.
User
14 years ago
yeah for you !! That will be a great prize in your kitchen ! please post pics . c
lazy_gardens
14 years ago
Wow ... now you can afford a spiffy faucet!

Old farm sinks are only 5 to 6 inches deep, is this a problem?

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Old farm sinks are only 5 to 6 inches deep, is this a problem?

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