Every country homeowner knows that no kitchen is complete without a farmhouse sink. They're both rustic and elegant, they provide plenty of room for washing dishes, and they're a Joanna Gaines must-have. But before you run off to install one, take note that they do come with a few complications.

Brittany Bailey, a North Carolina homeowner and the DIY guru behind the blog Pretty Handy Girl, is here to share the biggest problems she's experienced with her farmhouse sink, and her valid points are all factors to consider before getting one of your own. Here are both the problems (and the solutions!) you should know about.

1. You should expect some broken dishware. While accidents are bound to happen in any kitchen, you should anticipate a few more broken dishes than usual if you have a farmhouse sink, especially if it's made from cast iron, according to Brittany. They're designed to be extra durable and tough, which means they aren't very forgiving if you drop a glass or plate. The best solution for this is to invest in higher quality, "break-resist" dishes and glasses to avoid as many accidents as possible—or to simply be more cautious with your favorite pieces.

2. White sinks show much more dirt. While other sinks tend to mask grime and wear-and-tear, a white farmhouse sink is going to show it all. Be prepared to clean it more often, and opt for baking soda, which should make it look new again.

3. Scratches will be more noticeable too. If you love cooking with cast iron pans, then you should be even more cautious about this possible problem, Brittany writes. Over time, she's figured out the best way to clean up these scratch marks, which she shares onher blog. You can also opt for a sink grid to keep pots, pans, and other dirty items away from the bottom of your sink.

To see more of Brittany's best farmhouse sink tips head over to Pretty Handy Girl, and check out these other clever cleaning tips that will make your home sparkle.

Headshot of Jessica Leigh Mattern
Jessica Leigh Mattern
Web Editor
Jessica Leigh Mattern is a web editor and writer who covers home, holiday, DIY, crafts, travel, and more lifestyle topics. Prior to working for Country Living, she wrote for several lifestyle and women’s magazines including Woman’s Day, Cosmopolitan, and Redbook