I don't like Corian. My sinks don't feel like plastic or corian. Yes, it is a composite material, but I'm not sure somebody would walk up to it and say "ooouuhhgg it's composite." They look metallically, silvery gray and wear like iron. If your mindset is that composite equals fake, then they aren't for you. Frankly, sometimes composite materials are better, IMHO, than natural. YMMV. And this is coming from someone who makes the huge majority of her food from scratch with organic and locally-sourced ingredients so natural matters to me. My cabinets were made by Cornerstone Cabinetry, a one-man shop in Buckley. His quote equaled or was better price wise and included much more than quotes I received elsewhere for semi-custom cabinets. My cabs were made without fillers and included end panels without extra charge. I received personal attention, hand holding, and patience with last minute changes as the cabs were being made that I doubt you'd receive from a big box store or many other places. After experiencing a custom shop and products, I can't believe I would have been happy with anything else.

I was able to see one at my local plumb supply shop. They have a showroom with many products in displays so people can get a feel for them. You also might find one at a kitchen and bath store with displays. Call your plumber to see if such a showroom exist in your area. The short apron allows for regular sized doors underneath. It is installed on a standard sink base cabinet and so is often used in a remodel / refresh in which the cabinets are not being changed. This is why I used the short apron style - I was able to use my old sink base. (Pics of my kitchen in my "my pics" idea book.) I have heard that a new laminate counter can be made to have an undermount sink. I have never seen it and haven't heard anything either positive or negative about how it works out. I do not think that an older laminate counter could be changed to handle an undermount - but I don't know for sure - maybe Joe will stop by with some advice on that. (http://www.houzz.com/pro/joseph-corlett/joseph-corlett-llc) There are some granites out now that are not much more than a laminate, so look into some other options. There are some decent quartz sold through Menards and Home Depot - LG and others. You might find that waiting a few months and saving a little extra will get you more of what you want - especially if you have a functioning kitchen. I was putting away $200-$300 away a month for my kitchen. I got my countertops on a 6mo same as cash deal and also on sale at Menard'sand with a rebate - paid for half and made payments for 6 mo without interest so was able to order and get started. I rarely do that, but knew the $ would be there. Wood is also often used with undermount sinks - probably takes some care, but another option. The only overmount farm sink that I know of is the Ikea which is fireclay.

Ikea Domsjo double or single bowl sink is ceramic, and a great look, at a great price. If it breaks, you won't cry copious tears of regret :) Had the single bowl Domsjo in my old house, looked fab and was the only sink I've ever used where I didn't get soaked while doing dishes (I am short, it was not undermount, no idea why this phenomenon happened). It seemed to wear very well with no scuffs or dings, but I moved about a year after installing it. Now I love my huge single bowl granite composite sink from Franke. Very quiet. And it actually is the size of a double bowl and fits in the same cutout. If you love the farmhouse sink and it works with your home, get it. I don't think they will ever be out of style if they are consistent with your particular home's style. Unfortunately I have zero experience with the fireclay, but my experience with the ceramic was very positive. And in the right setting, they look fabulous :) I have had stainless steel sinks. They are o.k. I understand why people like them. But they are totally not for me!

I had the Rohl Fireclay sink for more than a decade in my old house and no problems except for a few tiny chips on the bottom before I purchased the grids. i did feel that I had to baby it a little and was more cautious compared to the Kohler Whitehaven that I have used at my daughters house. The Whitehaven just feels tougher. Do not have to worry about it as much. the Rohl felt “prettier”. Prettier lines inside and out. Especially the apron front. with that I have the 33” Whitehaven is going into my new house. It is large, tough, and pretty. Don’t have to worry about the installer screwing up any scribing like with the Rohl since install is so simple. And just all around a great sink.