Butler and Farmhouse Sinks

White kitchen with black and white appliances with a white Farmhouse twin sink. Designed and built by Gecko Kitchens in Kedron, Brisbane.

Butler & Farmhouse Sinks – Kitchen Classics

Butler sinks have been around since the 17th century and were originally designed for use in butlers’ kitchens for preparing food and cleaning up. A variation of this sink was the farmhouse sink, which was more common in rural homes. These sinks were slightly larger and designed for additional tasks, such as washing clothes, food preparation, and even bathing a small child.

Decades later, Butler and Farmhouse Sinks are still a sink of choice. Their timeless appeal makes them an ideal fit for traditional Queenslanders and spacious farmhouse-style kitchens. Typically made from fireclay or porcelain, these sinks often feature a reversible front, allowing you to choose between a fluted or a smooth finish.

White farmhouse twin sink features in this lovely white kitchen renovation kitchen with black appliances. Designed and built by Gecko Kitchens based in Kedron, Brisbane.


When planning to add a Butler or Farmhouse sink to your kitchen renovation, be sure to consider the overall size of your kitchen. To fit the size and depth of these sinks, you’ll need custom cabinetry on either side. Their height means you’ll typically install them as under-mount sinks.

For example, with an average benchtop height of 880mm, a 225 mm-high sink will fit seamlessly underneath. Standard sink heights may vary, but kitchens featuring a Butler or Farmhouse Sink require slight modifications to achieve the ideal working height.

Black farmhouse sink in this white kitchen renovation by Gecko Kitchens looks amazing .

Durability of the Butler / Farmhouse Sink

Whilst porcelain sinks are durable, they are not immune to chips or scratches. Protective silicon sink mats are a good choice to help protect your sink surface from scratches. Unfortunately, no sink material on the market is completely immune to chips or scratches. Even heavy-duty materials like cast iron can show wear over time.

Draining boards are another practical feature to consider. Some Butler sinks include draining boards, while others require a separate purchase.

A Butler or Farmhouse sink could be perfect for your new kitchen renovation. To start planning your dream kitchen give Nigel at Gecko Kitchens a call on 0415 451 592.