I think you're looking for either a short apron or self-trimming.

and the Kohler Whitehaven offers that sink, but it's not cheap!

I have the Kohler Whitehaven single basin for 36 inch sink base and I love it. It does come in an uneven divided basin. It does have the self trimming apron front which makes it easier to install. It comes in a "short apron" style which can be installed on a standard sink base or a "tall apron" style for a farmhouse sink base. Both sinks are the same interior depth.

I initially wanted an evenly divided basin because that was what I was used to. I did not really want the uneven divide. I ended up adapting to the single basin and like it very much. Some keep a plastic washbasin under the sink for hand washing. I keep a dish drainer with sides on it on one side of the sink which in some ways converts the sink to a divided sink. The dish drainer is for my rinsed recyclables to drip dry before I put them in the recycling bins. If I did not have four kids at home, the side dish drainer would not be necessary:)

I have the short apron style because I kept my original sink base. Pics are in my "my pics" idea book.

Yes the short apron style is an undermount. The only difference between the short apron and tall apron styles of the Whitehaven is the length of the front apron. "Farmhouse" and "apron front" are often used interchangeably though there may be some technical differences. Often the "farmhouse sink" is a modern term for the "butler's sink" in the UK. It is a large tub like sink that sits between the counters. The front of the sink is visible - the apron. The sink front has to be cut nearly perfect around the sink to get a good fit, which an experienced installer can do:

Shaw Farmhouse fireclay sink:

The Whitehaven is has an apron that slips over the face frame of the cabinet which eliminates the need for a perfect cut - it is easier to install. This is the single basin.

I liked my old two basin for keeping the dish drainer in one basin rather than on the counter. Switching to a one basin sink meant deciding where to put a dish drainer or similar. There are many Houzz discussions on this. You may have your own reason for preferring a two basin. I managed to find a way to work with my one basin and adapt. I do really like being able to set my frying pans, cookie sheets etc all the way into the sink. However, I was able to wash them well in my two basin sink too.

Dishwashing tub in a single basin sink:

I keep a dish drainer with sides primarily for recyclables in mine - I have 4 kids at home and lots of recyclables. I have some antique and decorative dishes I prefer to hand wash - they go on the wood rack:

That ^ is bad ass.

Gotta pay the costs to be the boss. Quality costs. Or else accept questionable cheepchinesecrap that you always have to wonder about SO many things.

So, the sink sides have to be routed out to accept the sink flange in order for the stone to sit flush?

Jen,

Regarding your inquiry about a 36 inch double bowl:

I hate to say it, but it's highly unlikely that you will find a quality made copper sink with custom bowl sizes for under $2,000. However, we have a price match guarantee that ensures the lowest possible cost on the market for this type of build.

I'm not saying we're the cheapest, but our sinks are far superior to import competitors in terms of quality, longevity, and functionality.

We build our copper sinks in the USA from non-recycled, American copper and back them with a lifetime warranty. (14-gauge, cold rolled, 48 oz copper)

We would love to discuss with you the potential of investing in one of our copper sinks!

Please do let us know if we can answer any questions for you!

By the way, I've attached a photo of a sink we built with similar features.

Custom Installed Kitchen Projects · More Info

- Havens Metal

(407)-456-8698

Can someone walk me through what I should look for? I came across this sink from Signature Hardware. It is closer to my *ideal* price point and I want to know what I'd be sacrificing in terms of quality.

It is 16 gauge, which I think is good? I can't find any info on "cold pressed" or if it is recycled. Or where it is made.

http://www.signaturehardware.com/36-tegan-70-30-offset-double-bowl-copper-farmhouse-sink.html?utm_source=criteo&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign=criteo_retarget&c3ch=Display&c3nid=Criteo

And finally, if I want just a white front apron sink, what should I look for in those sinks? I believe there are different material options?

Thank you everyone!

Before you go with copper, read some post about copper sinks - I think there are some on Houzz - do a search under "copper sinks" in the area of advice and even do some other internet searches on what people think of copper sinks. Copper takes on a patina that some people love, and others dislike. It will not look like it does new without a lot of upkeep - or be comfortable with copper patina.

The two major materials for white farmhouse sinks are fireclay and cast iron. I had a cast iron sink previously and was very happy with it. It still looked good after 18 years so I put it in my basement kitchenette. No surprise I went with cast iron for my farmhouse sink. Also, I found I did not have to get a new sink base or do a major overhaul on my sink base with the "short apron" Whitehaven. I did consider the Ikea Domsjo but it does seem to get chipped as noted in the last post of this thread: http://ths.gardenweb.com/discussions/2468250/ikea-farmhouse-sink-pics-and-opinions-please?n=50

I believe there are some acrylic farmhouse sinks - they are inexpensive but will scratch easily IMO - I really do not know much about them.

If you are getting new cabinets and are getting a farmhouse sink base - you have a lot to choose from. The Whitehaven would be the easiest to install, but an experienced installer should be able to do a good job with any farmhouse sink. Rohl and Shaw make popular fireclay sinks but they are just as expensive or more so than the Whitehaven. Kohler does make other cast iron farmhouse sinks, but they are all more expensive than the Whitehaven.

If you want to keep your original sink base, the Kohler is your best deal for durability and ease of installation. The Ikea Domsjo is a possibility, but even though much less $$, you could go through 2 or three in the lifespan of a Whitehaven - so in the end, not a savings.

Here is a funny article which I found after I had decided on the Whitehaven and speaks to many of the same concerns I had.

http://victoriaelizabethbarnes.com/apron-front-farmhouse-sink-options-decided-against-fireclay/

Just a piece of advice to add here: If a copper sink seller doesn't mention what quality of metal (recycled or non-recycled) (USA made or imported), you can always assume the latter.

It's unfortunate that some sellers in our industry can't be honest about where there products are made or from what quality of materials.

Good luck Jen, hope you find a sink that you like!

- Havens Metal