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Butler Sinks

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Butler Sinks Buying Guide

A butler sink is a deep sink with an exposed front panel that sits forward of the cabinet. It is also called a farmhouse, apron or Belfast sink. This collection includes fine fireclay sinks from Turner Hastings, such as the Novi, Cove, Chester and Belfast, plus Otti Hampshire and Boston sinks, the Bao ceramic farmhouse sink and the Seima Rhodes 900. They suit country, Hamptons and modern kitchens as well as laundries.

What is a butler sink?

A butler sink is a large, deep rectangular sink with a visible front panel, or apron, that replaces part of the cabinet front. The deep bowl handles big pots, trays and soaking. Most are fireclay or ceramic, with a hard glazed surface. A butler sink works in a kitchen or a laundry.

What sizes do butler sinks come in?

Sizes in this range run from compact to wide. The Otti Essentials is 530mm and the Turner Hastings Novi comes in 50, 51, 61, 75, 84 and 85cm widths, all 46cm deep. The Turner Hastings Cove comes in 60, 75 and 85, and the Otti Boston in 765mm and 845mm double. For two bowls, see the Turner Hastings Chester Double or the Novi 85 Double.

Do I need a special cabinet for a butler sink?

Yes. Because the front of the sink is exposed, the cabinet needs a cut-down front or a purpose-made sink cabinet. Fireclay sinks are heavy, especially when full, so the base must be built to carry the weight on a solid platform or frame. Plan the sink with your cabinet maker before the joinery is made, and have the sink on site so the cabinet can be built to its exact size.

How is a butler sink installed?

A butler sink is usually fitted undermount, with the benchtop sitting over or around the rim, or as a sit-on sink with the bench butting up to its sides. Fireclay is made by hand, so sizes can vary slightly; measure the sink itself before the benchtop is cut. Installation by a licensed plumber is recommended.

What is the difference between a flat and ribbed front?

A flat front gives a clean, modern look. A ribbed or fluted front suits country and Hamptons kitchens. Several Turner Hastings Novi sinks have a universal design, with a flat front on one side and a ribbed front on the other, so you can choose at installation.

How do I care for a fireclay butler sink?

Fireclay has a hard, non-porous glaze that resists stains and is easy to clean. Wipe with warm water and mild detergent, and avoid abrasive pads that can dull the surface. Use a sink grid to protect the base from heavy pots. Matte black and concrete-look finishes, such as the Turner Hastings Novi in matte black, may show marks differently to gloss white, so wipe them dry after use.

Completing the room

A butler sink often needs a waste for a thick sink base, so see sink wastes. Pair it with a gooseneck sink mixer or a bridge mixer, and browse the full range of kitchen sinks.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is a farmhouse sink?

A farmhouse (or butler) sink is defined by its exposed front apron panel, which sits proud of the cabinetry instead of being hidden behind a cupboard door like a standard undermount sink. It's typically a single, deep bowl, originally designed for washing large pots and produce by hand. The style dates back to traditional country kitchens, which is why it pairs naturally with Shaker cabinetry and timber benchtops, though plenty of contemporary kitchens use it too.

What is the drawback of a farmhouse sink?

The main one is installation. A butler sink needs a specific cabinet with the front panel cut away to expose the apron, so it isn't a straightforward swap into an existing undermount or top-mount cabinet without joinery work. The exposed front is also more likely to get knocked or splashed than a recessed sink, and because these sinks are usually made from fireclay ceramic, they're heavy and need the bench and cabinet base properly supported. Depth can also be a downside for shorter users, since a deep single bowl means more bending to reach the base.

Are farmhouse sinks a good idea?

For the right kitchen, yes. If you regularly wash large pots, trays or produce by hand, the deep single bowl is genuinely more functional than a shallower double bowl sink. The style also holds visual weight as a kitchen feature rather than disappearing under the counter. The trade-off is the cabinetry commitment: because the apron is exposed, you're generally locked into a cabinet built or modified specifically for it, which matters more if you think you'll want to change the layout down the track.

Are farmhouse sinks out in 2026?

No, the style remains a consistent choice in both traditional and contemporary Australian kitchens rather than a passing trend. What has shifted is finish and material variety, fireclay is still the most common, but you'll also see the apron style with different bowl configurations and updated cabinetry pairings that move it away from a strictly country look.

What size cabinet does a butler sink need?

The cabinet has to be built (or retrofitted) with the front face cut away to the sink's exact apron width and height, so measurements need to be confirmed against the specific sink before the cabinetry is made. This is different to a standard sink cutout, which only needs a benchtop hole. If you're renovating around an existing cabinet rather than building new, check with a kitchen joiner early, since retrofitting an apron opening into finished cabinetry is more involved than fitting a drop-in sink.

Does a butler sink need a special mixer tap?

Not necessarily special, but the tap does need enough clearance to swing over the sink's typically larger single bowl, and the reach needs to suit the bowl's depth and width. A tall or gooseneck mixer is common with butler sinks for this reason. For general guidance on choosing a kitchen mixer, see the kitchen taps hub.

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