To a great extent, it's a matter of aesthetics.

Stainless or copper would be more impervious to damage than cast iron or fireclay. Fireclay is I believe the most prone to damage but many people have had them for years without issues as have people with cast iron sinks. I have also read some threads on drainage issues with Fireclay because they are individual made and may have deviations.

I opted for a copper farm house sink based on aesthetics but also researched care and maintenance as functionality was important to me.

SS is probably the most popular finish of all sinks but isn't that common in farm house sinks since it somewhat negates the retro feel of a farmhouse style but it's a currently on trend look. You should google pictures of it to see whether it appeals as well as googling pictures of all options since, in the end, it comes down to a personal choice.

thank you...i do like the copper alot and that is the look I'm going for but would have to research care and cleaning.

Do a search on the Kitchen thread as there have been extensive threads written on how to select a copper sink. You can search copper sink or Havens or Rachiele and a lot of threads will come up.

Run away from any sink that suggests that you wax and dry after use. Also avoid a factory finish which will wear off and a hammer interior is also problematic as it will hold water and be more difficult to clean.

You should be comfortable with the reality that a quality copper sink has a living patina which will change as you use it.

I went with a Havens Metal Sink but Rachiele is also high quality. I believe Copper Sinks Online also makes a copper sink with a "living patina" - i.e. one that doesn't have some kind of fake finish put on at the factory which can come off.

I opted for a sink with a left rear drain which will free up a lot of space under the sink so I can fit a trash rollout.

Havens Metal

Copper Sinks Online

Rachiel

The copper sinks we have from Rachiele don’t require any special care. Here are some photos after a year of not so careful daily use.

I really like my SS apron sink. One of my daughters dropped a cast iron skillet in it, which made a small dent, but I think if the sink had been fireclay it would have cracked (or at least chipped), and cast iron/porcelain would have chipped.

I will just add that I really like my white cast iron Kohler Whitehaven. It has a self facing apron so is easier to install. They make a short apron style too if you are using a standard sink base cabinet. I did drop a skillet in it and no chip - heavy skillet, but not cast iron as mama-goose mentioned. After that, I got the grills to protect the bottom just in case. I also like the off-set drain. I have the single bowl, but it comes in a low divide also.

I decided against fireclay because I had heard of cracking, chipping and crazing issues - not frequent, but enough to move me to cast iron. Some do not like the look of cast iron, so see a Whitehaven in person before making the decision.

Have whitehavens as well, durability is good although not absolutely impossible to damage its pretty tough. To my understanding, the keys to longevity of (enameled) cast iron are no bleach or abrasive cleaners and using the sink grids on the bottom.

I've always had SS sinks- our last SS sink was 20 yrs old and still looked great. When we replaced it we went with a 30" SS apron front. We thought about a cast iron Kohler, but decided that since all of our cookware is enameled cast iron, it would be safer to stay with SS. I didn't want to run the risk of chipping or scratching the white coating of the Kohler.
Brand new SS will be shiny but it won't stay that way. It will get scratched eventually but after some time all the scratches will become uniform and you won't notice them any more. We have always used Bar Keeper's Friend to clean and polish our SS sink.

I had a Shaw’s fireclay sink for 13 years and it held up well, with only a few very minor chips on the bottom. When we remodeled 18 months ago, I went with a 36” stainless apron front from Rachiele. I highly recommend Rachiele sinks, whether stainless or copper. My sink still looks brand new and we are not careful at all, especially my dh who bangs up everything in the kitchen.

cheryl1612:

Are you getting new tops or retrofitting? Elkay makes a new short apron in quartz that can be installed in existing tops.

From a blog i was working on

STAINLESS STEEL:

PROS:

• Provides a consistent look with stainless steel appliances
• Excellent resistance to heat & stains
• Budget friendly option
• Modern & trendy
• Goes with every kitchen style

CONS:

• Can scratch
• Can be loud
• Shows water spots & requires almost daily cleaning
• Can form a “cloudy” appearance overtime due to hard water

Opinion: Best budget friendly option for hard water.

FIRECLAY:

PROS:

• Timeless & Traditional look
• Adds a “Statement Piece” to any kitchen
• Practically resistant to hard water damage

CONS:

• Can chip
• Expensive
• Prone to cracking if drain or garbage disposal is over-tightened
• Heavy & requires additional support under sink base cabinet

Opinion: Perfect for those who have hard water and want the traditional farmhouse look.

COMPOSITE:

PROS:

• Can be made up of Granite or Quartz
• “Some manufacturers claim that granite composite sinks are the most durable and long-lasting sinks available”
• Comes in a variety of colors
• Naturally Resistant to bacterial growth

CONS:

• Lighter colors are recommended if you have hard water
• Does not handle high heat well
• Harsh chemicals can alter the color

Opinion: If a white sink is ideal but the cost and the weight of Fireclay is not, go with composite.

ENAMELED CAST IRON:

PROS:

• Resistant to light & fading
• Resistant to stains
• Resistant to scratches
• Beautiful & Timeless
• Available in different colors & styles

CONS:

• Very prone to rusting
• Expensive
• Heavy & requires additional support under sink base cabinet
• Cannot use abrasive cleaners - can dull the shiny finish

Opinion: Great choice for people who do not have hard water. We all know, iron can and will rust away

COPPER:

PROS:

• “Higher End Look”
• Naturally resistant to bacterial growth
• Non-Rusting Material - Great for hard water areas
• Has a strong patina that will change over time

CONS:

• Durability depends on thickness - thinner copper can dent
• Has a strong patina that will change over time
• Expensive

Opinion: Perfect sink for the person looking for a bold and unique statement, however, the better the quality the higher the price.

SOAPSTONE:

PROS:

• “One-of-a-kind” Treasure
• Quiet
• Resistant to staining
• Naturally resistant to bacterial growth
• Has a patina that will change over time

CONS:

• Can scratch
• Heavy & requires additional support under sink base cabinet
• Expensive
• Has a patina that will change over time

Opinion: Love the idea and look of soapstone, along with its durability! The natural stone is resilient to rusting and will last a lifetime.

thanks so much for all your feedback...i have alot of research to do. We are getting new cabinets and countertops. I want to get good quality but don't want to break the bank doing so. I love the pictures and the recommendations. I did a little research but have so much more to do. I don't make decisions quickly so this is going to be a long process. Our goal is for the fall to begin the project.

Catt Combs-- so where do you buy a soapstone sink? Is it fabricated for you by your countertop fabricator? I've also seen marble sinks in pictures lately and they look amazing but I've certainly wondered how they hold up.

Melis918- How is it chopping on your work station sink? I've had a Kohler stages for years and loved it! But the chopping area is flush with the countertop. I've been researching the Rachiele sinks, but feel somewhat concerned about this. The drainboard function looks great though. I've always found the platform in my sink somewhat lacking.

Marci,

I am a fabricator and I have about 70 pre-made ones in my shop at all times. We cannot ship them but they can be picked up. Where are you located.

Not every fabricator can make them.

I'm in the southeast.

Try finding a shop that carries soapstone slabs and go from there.