| The third in this series of 10 articles | | | | and even modern kitchens in cutting edge colours |
| Based on traditional French farmhouse ceramic sinks, | | | | and finishes. French farmhouse sinks followed a short |
| the WD Double Bowl Sink is in the top five most | | | | time after the first ceramic Belfast and Butler sinks |
| popular sinks and has been developed specifically with | | | | started to be made at the end of the 1800s. Two |
| the UK market in mind. It is slightly smaller than the | | | | French brothers called Emile and André |
| Normandy French farmhouse sink, measuring 900 x | | | | Porcher started a fireclay sink business at a factory |
| 450 x 200mm, but benefits from having 90mm | | | | in northern France, using the local clay to make their |
| wastes in both bowls instead of 60mm, which is the | | | | ceramic sinks. The French clay was of a more refined |
| standard size on this type of classic fireclay | | | | nature than the slightly crude red Staffordshire clay |
| farmhouse sink. The 90mm basket strainer wastes | | | | used to make sink at the Potteries. This superior clay |
| are available in English bronze, non-tarnish brass or | | | | meant that the Porcher brothers were able to |
| Satin chrome finishes. Having larger wastes means | | | | manufacture top quality fireclay sinks. Some of their |
| that this traditional French farmhouse ceramic sink | | | | original designs are still in production today, showing |
| can take a waste disposal unit - the only sink of its | | | | that quality materials and good design stand the test |
| kind on the site that can accommodate this practical | | | | of time. Porcher sinks are still in production today at |
| feature. This vintage style sink can be drilled for a | | | | the company's factory in the Loire in France, and it |
| monobloc mixer tap at the back of the sink in | | | | remains one of the oldest and most respected |
| between the two bowls, but not for a two or three | | | | names in the business. |
| hole tap. Because of its size, it can also be fitted into | | | | Although fireclay sinks should last a lifetime, you can |
| a standard 600mm depth worksurface, giving the | | | | keep them looking in premium condition by following |
| option of installing taps in the worktop in the space | | | | some simple rules. Clean it daily with a non-abrasive |
| behind the double bowl sink. | | | | cleaner like washing up liquid, which will help to |
| The WD Double Bowl Sink is made from top quality | | | | prevent coffee and wine stains from building up on |
| fireclay ceramic, a superior material to the more | | | | the surface of the ceramic. For tougher stains, that |
| standard ball clay, which is sometimes used in the | | | | don't respond to this treatment, try using a specialist |
| manufacture of traditional ceramic sinks. Fireclay is a | | | | cleaning product recommended by the |
| very durable material and will last a lifetime if treated | | | | manufacturers, like Astonish, which is especially |
| with care. | | | | formulated for fireclay ceramic sinks. Never use a |
| Traditional French farmhouse sinks are suitable for all | | | | plastic washing up bowl in the sink as dirt can collect |
| kinds of kitchen schemes, as they sit comfortably in | | | | on the base of the bowl and scratch the ceramic |
| traditional wooden kitchens, classic painted designs | | | | glaze. |