You have a standard 33-inch or 36-inch sink base cabinet, and you want a farmhouse sink. Every farmhouse sink guide you have read so far assumes you are willing to cut into that cabinet, build a custom base, or hire a carpenter before the sink even ships. The Sink Boutique has helped more than 50,000 homeowners source kitchen sinks since 2018, and retrofit farmhouse sinks are one of the questions our team answers every single week.
A retrofit farmhouse sink solves the cabinet problem with a shorter apron and a drop-in or top-mount design built for the cabinet you already have. According to the 2026 U.S. Houzz Kitchen Trends Study, 85 percent of renovating homeowners are upgrading their kitchen sink this year, and 68 percent are keeping their kitchen's footprint the same size. That means most sink upgrades now have to work inside an existing cabinet layout, not a redesigned one. Retrofit farmhouse sinks exist for exactly that buyer.
This guide covers what a retrofit farmhouse sink actually is, the cabinet math you need before you order, and four confirmed picks across fireclay, stainless steel, quartz composite, and copper, so you are not stuck choosing between one brand's colorway.
Quick answer
A retrofit farmhouse sink has a shorter apron, usually 6.5 to 8 inches, designed to fit standard 30 or 36-inch sink base cabinets without cutting or rebuilding. The BOCCHI Nuova 34-inch is the most requested fireclay option; Nantucket's EZApron and Karran's quartz composite line cost less and come in more colors. Confirm your cabinet width before ordering. All four brands are authorized at The Sink Boutique.
Jump to: What Is a Retrofit Farmhouse Sink | Retrofit vs. Full Conversion | Cabinet Sizing | Materials | Our Picks | How to Choose | Mistakes to Avoid | Bottom Line
What Is a Retrofit Farmhouse Sink
Karran 34" Quartz Composite Retrofit Farmhouse Sink, 60/40 Double Bowl, White, QAR-760-WH
A retrofit farmhouse sink is not a standard farmhouse sink installed a different way. It is a different product. Standard apron-front sinks need a specialty base cabinet with the toe-kick and face frame removed, because the full-depth apron has to sit flush against an open cabinet front. A retrofit sink shortens that apron, typically to 6.5 or 8 inches, so it can rest over the existing false-drawer front on a standard cabinet instead of replacing it.
The mechanism varies slightly by brand. BOCCHI's Nuova uses a recessed faucet deck and a short face designed to hide rough cuts. Nantucket's EZApron uses an open channel that slides over the cabinet's face frame once the false drawer front is removed. Karran's quartz composite version works the same way with a 6.5-inch apron. All three are built for drop-in or top-mount installation, which means the rim sits on the countertop cutout rather than hanging below it.
Retrofit vs. a Full Farmhouse Cabinet Conversion
Retrofit is the right call when you are keeping your current cabinet layout and countertop, or replacing the countertop without moving cabinets. It is the wrong call if you are already gutting the kitchen, because a full-depth undermount farmhouse sink gives you a deeper basin and a cleaner sightline when the cabinet is built around it from the start.
If you want the full undermount farmhouse experience and your renovation includes new cabinetry, our fireclay farmhouse sink comprehensive guide covers sizing, support requirements, and material choice for that path. Retrofit exists specifically for the buyer who is not doing that.
Cabinet and Cutout Sizing: What to Check Before You Order
Every retrofit sink lists a minimum cabinet width, and it is almost always narrower than the sink itself. As a rule of thumb, the recommended base cabinet width is 3 inches more than the sink's outer width, so a 34-inch retrofit sink typically needs a 36-inch cabinet. The second number to check is the fascia height: the distance from the top of the cabinet box to the top of the cabinet doors has to clear the apron height, or the doors will not close.
This second measurement is where we see the most order mix-ups. Nantucket's EZApron33-5.5 needs 5.5 inches of fascia clearance; its EZApron33 needs 9 inches. Two sinks, same brand, same 33-inch width, different cabinets required. Pull the exact spec sheet for the specific model number before you buy, not the general product family.
Sizing note: Cabinet and cutout requirements are model-specific, not brand-specific. Confirm the exact apron height, fascia clearance, and countertop depth on the individual product page before ordering, or call us at (844) 470-1212 and we will confirm it with you.
Materials for Retrofit Farmhouse Sinks: Fireclay, Stainless, Quartz Composite, and Copper
Fireclay is the classic farmhouse material. BOCCHI's Nuova line is fired at up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit, which gives it a non-porous, chip-resistant glaze in nine finish options. It is heavier than the alternatives below and among the more expensive retrofit picks, but it is the material most people picture when they say "farmhouse sink."
Stainless steel, in Nantucket's Pro Series EZApron line, is the lowest-cost entry point and the lightest to handle during installation. It will not chip, but it will show water spots more than fireclay and dents more easily under a dropped cast iron pan. Karran's quartz composite retrofit line sits between the two: made from roughly 80 percent natural quartz and acrylic resin, it resists heat to 535 degrees Fahrenheit and comes in six colors, more finish variety than either fireclay or stainless offers in a retrofit format.
Copper is the outlier. Premier Copper Products' Terra Firma line brings a hand-hammered, living-patina finish that develops richer color with use, and copper's surface naturally helps inhibit bacteria growth between cleanings. It is also the one material here that is not built around the same short-apron, cabinet-sliding mechanism as the other three. Confirm the exact apron depth and countertop depth requirement on the product page before you order one for a true retrofit situation.
Important: "Retrofit" does not always mean identical installation mechanics across every product in a retrofit-labeled collection. Fireclay, stainless, and quartz composite picks here use a short-apron slide-over design. Confirm each product's specific apron and countertop depth before assuming it matches that mechanism.
Our Retrofit Farmhouse Sink Picks
Four picks, four materials, four price points. Each is confirmed available at The Sink Boutique as an authorized dealer.
Best Overall
BOCCHI Nuova 34-inch Fireclay Retrofit Farmhouse Sink
| Price | $831.60 - $1,330 |
| Material | Fireclay |
| Bowl config | Single bowl or 50/50 double bowl |
| Cabinet needed | 36-inch base cabinet minimum, 8-inch apron height |
| Finishes | White, Matte White, Biscuit, Matte Gray, Matte Dark Gray, Sapphire Blue, Matte Brown, Matte Black, Black |
The Nuova is BOCCHI's dedicated retrofit fireclay line, built with a short 8-inch apron and a recessed faucet deck that hides marks left by your old sink. It installs as a drop-in or top-mount, meaning the rim rests on the countertop cutout rather than requiring an undermount lip.
"The sink arrived in great shape and very well packaged. The instructions were easy to follow and pretty simple to install with minimal knowledge of similar projects. The cutout in our cabinet top was a little deeper than the instructions called for, so we simply recessed the sink deeper toward the backsplash. Overall pleased with the look and finished product."
— Scott Greenwalt, verified customer
One thing to know before buying: Fireclay dimensions can vary slightly due to the firing process. Use the spec sheet for your exact model and finish to confirm cutout size, not a general fireclay measurement.
Buy the BOCCHI Nuova 34-inch, White →
Browse all retrofit farmhouse sinks
Best Budget
Nantucket Sinks Pro Series EZApron Stainless Retrofit Farmhouse Sink
| Price | $749.99 - $1,109.99 |
| Material | 16-gauge 304 stainless steel |
| Bowl config | Single bowl |
| Cabinet needed | 30 or 33-inch base cabinet, 5.5 to 9-inch fascia clearance depending on model |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime, per manufacturer product page |
The EZApron line is Nantucket's patented retrofit design, and it is the lowest entry price of the four picks here. Rubber dampening pads reduce noise, and the satin finish is easy to maintain with a simple rinse. It comes in 30-inch and 33-inch widths, with several fascia-clearance variants of the 33-inch model, so match the exact model number to your cabinet.
"I so wanted a Farm Sink but was not aware that in most cases the cabinet must be modified to accommodate. Not with our EZApron Nantucket Sink. It is a shorter apron and therefore does not interfere with the doors below. The sink is so well made compared to local big box store models. You get what you pay for."
— Cheryl Miner, verified customer
One thing to know before buying: Stainless will not chip like fireclay, but it will show water spots more visibly and can dent under a heavy dropped pan. If you want the classic white farmhouse look, this is not that pick.
Buy the Nantucket EZApron33-5.5 →
Browse all retrofit farmhouse sinks
Best Color Selection
Karran Quartz Composite Retrofit Farmhouse Sink
| Price | $549.95 - $749.95 |
| Material | 80% natural quartz and acrylic resin composite |
| Bowl config | Single bowl or 50/50 or 60/40 double bowl |
| Cabinet needed | 36-inch base cabinet, 6.5-inch apron height |
| Finishes | White, Bisque, Grey, Concrete, Brown, Black |
| Warranty | 25-year limited, per manufacturer product page |
Karran's retrofit line has the widest color range of any pick here, six finishes against fireclay's white-forward palette. The quartz composite material is non-porous, heat safe up to 535 degrees Fahrenheit, and compatible with most garbage disposals. It is designed for installation under granite, quartz, or solid surface countertops.
"We had a new Karran farmhouse sink installed during our kitchen renovations. It installed without any issues and it has worked out great! We love the large double sink compared to our old standard stainless steel sink. It gives us a lot more options and it looks incredible next to our new white quartz countertops."
— John R., verified customer
One thing to know before buying: Quartz composite color can vary slightly from what is shown online. Request a sample color chip before ordering if the exact shade matters to your countertop pairing.
Buy the Karran 34-inch, White →
Buy the Karran 34-inch double bowl, Grey →
Browse all retrofit farmhouse sinks
Best Design Statement
Premier Copper Products Hammered Apron Farmhouse Sink
| Price | $1,842 - $3,635 |
| Material | 10-gauge or 14-gauge hand-hammered copper |
| Bowl config | Single basin or double basin or triple basin |
| Cabinet needed | 27-inch or 44-inch cabinet: confirm cabinet size before ordering |
| Finishes | Nickel, Dark Brown |
| Warranty | Limited lifetime, per manufacturer product page |
Terra Firma is Premier Copper's newer textured finish, hand-hammered with earthy, matte detailing rather than a polished shine. Copper develops a living patina that darkens with use, and no two sinks look identical because of the handcrafted process. This is the pick for a buyer who wants the retrofit collection's price accessibility but a completely different visual statement than white fireclay.
One thing to know before buying: Small variances in size and color are normal on a handcrafted copper sink. This model's installation type is listed as under-counter or surface-mount, not the same short-apron slide mechanism as the fireclay, stainless, and quartz picks above. Confirm the exact apron depth against your cabinet with our team before ordering.
Buy the Premier Copper Terra Firma, Nickel →
Browse all copper farmhouse sinks
Compare the Four Picks
| Product | Material | Cabinet needed | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| BOCCHI Nuova 34"Top pick | Fireclay | 36-inch, 8-inch apron | $831.60 - $1,330 |
| Nantucket EZApron33-5.5 | Stainless steel & Glacierstone | 33-inch, 5.5-inch fascia clearance | $749.99 - $1,109.99 |
| Karran QAR-740 | Quartz composite | 36-inch, 6.5-inch apron | $549.95 - $749.95 |
| Premier Copper Products Hammered Apron Farmhouse Sink | Copper & Nickel | 27-inch or 44-inch cabinet: confirm cabinet size before ordering | $1,842 - $3,635 |
Ready to order? Browse the full retrofit collection or call us at the retrofit farmhouse sink collection or call (844) 470-1212, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET, to confirm cabinet fit before anything ships.
How to Choose the Right Retrofit Sink for Your Kitchen
1. What is your cabinet width and fascia clearance?
Measure your existing cabinet width and the distance from the top of the cabinet box to the top of the doors. This second number rules out more retrofit sinks than width does, since two sinks of the same width can require completely different fascia clearance.
2. Is budget or material character the deciding factor?
If price is the primary constraint, Nantucket's EZApron stainless line is the lowest cost of the four. If you want the classic white farmhouse look regardless of price, BOCCHI's Nuova fireclay is the closest to a traditional apron-front sink in this format.
3. Do you need a specific counter or cabinet color match?
Karran's six-color quartz composite range gives you more flexibility than fireclay's white-forward palette if your countertop or cabinetry is a specific gray, brown, or concrete tone.
4. Do you want a design statement rather than a classic look?
Premier Copper's Terra Firma is the pick for a kitchen where the sink is meant to be a focal point rather than blend in. Confirm the apron and countertop depth with our team first, since it does not use the same short-apron mechanism as the other three.
Ready to order? Start with the BOCCHI Nuova 34-inch, the retrofit sink most of our cabinet-fit calls are about, or call (844) 470-1212, Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM EST.
"My husband said it was easy to install and we love the new look. We also like the grid on the bottom of the sink. I wanted a regular fireclay sink, but absolutely nothing out there fit and our appliances, so stainless was the right answer."
— Jodi H., verified customer
Retrofit Mistakes We See
The most common mistake is ordering by sink width alone and skipping the fascia clearance check. A customer measures a 33-inch cabinet, orders a 33-inch retrofit sink, and finds the cabinet doors will not close because the model needed 9 inches of clearance and their cabinet only had 5.5. The fix is a return and reorder, which is avoidable with one measurement before checkout.
The second mistake is assuming every product in a retrofit-labeled collection uses the same installation mechanism. Fireclay, stainless, and quartz composite retrofit sinks in this guide share a short-apron, slide-over design. Some copper and stone options in the same collection are built differently. Read the specific installation type on the product page, not the collection description.
Authorized dealer note: Buying from an authorized dealer helps protect warranty eligibility and brand accountability. If a retrofit sink arrives with a fit issue, an authorized dealer can work directly with the manufacturer on a resolution. A marketplace reseller often cannot.
Bottom Line
For most buyers replacing an existing sink without a full renovation, the BOCCHI Nuova 34-inch is the strongest starting point: fireclay durability, the widest finish range of the four picks, and the retrofit mechanism most cabinets are built to accept. Nantucket's EZApron line is the better call on a tighter budget, Karran's quartz composite line wins on color selection, and Premier Copper's Terra Firma is the pick when the sink itself should be the design statement.
Here is what we have seen happen when a retrofit sink is ordered from an unauthorized seller instead: the sink arrives with a hairline crack in the glaze that is not visible until the plumber sets it, the manufacturer refuses the warranty claim because the serial number does not match an authorized sale, and the homeowner is left paying out of pocket for a replacement mid-renovation, with a hole already cut in the countertop. Buying from an authorized dealer does not guarantee a flawless sink. It guarantees someone stands behind it if it is not.
The Sink Boutique also donates a portion of net profits to environmental charities, because we believe the homes we help build should leave the world a little better than they found it. It is not something we lead with, but it is part of how this business operates.
The Sink Boutique is rated 4.88 stars across 1,628 customer reviews.
Phone: (844) 470-1212 | Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM ET
30-day return policy | Browse retrofit farmhouse sinks
Replacing a drop-in sink specifically? Read how to replace a drop-in sink with a farmhouse sink before you order, and check our farmhouse sink cabinet size guide if you are unsure your cabinet qualifies.
