Shaws Fireclay Sinks in Canada: Lancaster vs Shaker vs Original, Bowland and Ribchester (2026)

Prices in CAD as of September 27, 2026, from plumbingmarket.ca. Where a sink comes in more than one design colour, the price is the same for each. Prices and stock can change, so the product page always has the current number.

Shaws sinks all look like classic white farmhouse sinks at first glance, but the lines behind the names are quite different. There's the Lancaster, which House of Rohl calls the original farmhouse, apron front sink. There's the squarer, thinner-walled Shaker, and there are the fluted Bowland and Ribchester. Sizes run from a 15" prep sink to 36" apron fronts, weights from 51 lb to 176 lb, and the minimum cabinet from 18" to 36". This guide compares the Shaws sinks and accessories we stock, with every size, weight, cabinet requirement and install note taken from House of Rohl's spec sheets and installation guide.

If you're still deciding between a farmhouse sink and another style, see drop-in sink vs farmhouse sink, and for how fireclay compares with stainless, granite and cast iron, our kitchen sink materials buying guide. Every product linked here is in stock on our site and current on houseofrohl.ca, House of Rohl's Canadian site for Shaws.

Jump to: Lancaster vs Shaker vs Original · Comparison table · Line by line · Apron front details · Bowls · Cabinets · Installation · Accessories · Care · Prices · Who should buy which · FAQ

Lancaster vs Shaker vs "Original": what the names mean

Shaws names can be confusing because retailers mix line names, badge names and model numbers. Here's how House of Rohl uses them.

So "Shaws Original" isn't a separate range from Lancaster: it's the badge and the name House of Rohl uses for the Lancaster sinks. When you compare quotes, go by the model number (RC3018-C, MS3318 and so on), not the marketing name.

All the lines share the same material and origin. House of Rohl says that "since 1897, Shaws of Darwen has been making fireclay sinks by hand using traditional methods, each one signed by the master craftsman who created it", and lists Great Britain as the country of origin. Its care guidance says fireclay is fired at 2,264°F, fusing an anti-acid glaze to the fireclay. For more on the House of Rohl brands, see Craftsmanship redefined: House of Rohl's finest fixtures.

Comparison table: 14 Shaws sinks side by side

Sorted by price. Outside dimensions are length x front-to-back x height, from House of Rohl's spec sheets.

"Not listed" means the spec sheet doesn't give a minimum cabinet size. The Bowland 24" sheet prints a 33" minimum cabinet, which is unusual for a sink under 24" long, so confirm it with us before you order the cabinet. Capacity is only given on the newer sheets (RC3018-C and MSUM3318).

Line by line

Lancaster: the original apron front

The Lancaster is the classic Shaws apron front: a plain front and the "Shaws Original" badge. We stock three apron front sizes and two small prep sinks.

• Shaws Lancaster 30" apron front RC3018-C ($1,706.60): 30" x 18" x 10", 143 lb (65 kg), 56 L (14.8 US gal), 33" minimum cabinet. The sheet lists ASME A112.19.2 / CSA B45.1 and says a basket strainer or extended disposal flange is required. The matching grid is the WSG3018-C.
• Shaws Lancaster 33" apron front, Gallery Patina RC3318 ($2,343.60): 33" x 18" x 10", inside 30 1/4" x 15 3/8" and 8 5/8" deep, central drain, 173 lb, 36" minimum cabinet. Our stock is the Gallery Patina design (blue/gold or blue/silver).
• Shaws Lancaster 36" apron front, Gallery Metallic RC3618 ($2,567.60): 36" x 18" x 10", inside 33" x 15 1/4" and 8 1/2" deep, offset drain, 1 1/4" drain thickness, no overflow, 165 lb. In stock in the Gallery Metallic design (gold or silver).
• Shaws Lancaster 15" bar/prep sink RC1515 ($999.60): 15" x 15", 7 1/2" overall and 6 1/2" inside depth, centre drain, no overflow, 51 lb, 18" minimum cabinet. "Designed as undermount, may be installed as drop-in."
• Shaws Lancaster 18" square bar/prep sink RC1818 ($1,148): 18 1/8" square, 14 7/8" square inside, 6 1/2" deep, 66 lb, 21" minimum cabinet, undermount or drop-in. House of Rohl lists it in the Lancaster collection; its spec sheet carries the "Shaws Original" badge.

Shop Lancaster 30" – $1,706.60 Shop Lancaster 33" Gallery – $2,343.60 Shop Lancaster 15" prep – $999.60

Shaker: squared and modern

The Shaker has sharper, squared corners and a thinner-looking apron. It's also the line with full-size undermount (no apron) options.

• Shaws Shaker 30" apron front, Gallery Patina MS3018 ($2,084.60): 30" x 18" x 10", centred drain, no overflow, 155 lb, 33" minimum cabinet. Our stock is the Gallery Patina design.
• Shaws Shaker 33" apron front, Gallery Lines MS3318 ($2,714.60): 33" x 18" x 10", centred drain, 170 lb, 36" minimum cabinet. The sheet says "hygienic due to antibacterial properties". In stock in the Gallery Lines design.
• Shaws Shaker 36" apron front, Gallery Eucalyptus MS3618 ($3,015.60): 36" x 18" x 10 3/4", offset drain, no overflow, 165 lb. The sheet lists white, parchment, matte black and matte gray for the base sink; ours is the Gallery Eucalyptus design.
• Shaws Shaker 31" low divide double bowl apron MS3118 ($1,629.60): 30 7/8" x 18 1/4", two equal bowls with a low divide, two 3 1/2" drains, 136 lb, 33" minimum cabinet. Grid: WSGMS3118.
• Shaws Shaker 30" undermount UM3018 ($1,629.60): 30" x 18 1/8" x 10 7/16", centred drain, 117 lb, 33" minimum cabinet, no apron.
• Shaws Shaker 33" undermount MSUM3318 ($1,671.60): 33 1/4" x 18 1/4" x 11 1/4", 73.7 L (19.5 US gal), 125 lb (57 kg), 36" minimum cabinet. "Can be installed as an undermount or drop-in."

Shop Shaker 30" – $2,084.60 Shop Shaker 31" double – $1,629.60 Shop Shaker 30" undermount – $1,629.60 Shop Shaker 33" undermount – $1,671.60

Bowland and Ribchester: fluted aprons

• Shaws Bowland 24" apron front BL2418 ($1,944.60): 23 5/8" x 18 1/2", 8 3/4" apron height, centred drain, 103 lb. The smallest apron front in our Shaws range.
• Shaws Bowland 31" apron front BL3121 ($2,028.60): 31 1/2" x 21", 8 3/4" apron height, centred drain, 176 lb, 33" minimum cabinet. At 21" front to back it's the deepest sink in this guide, so check your counter depth and the space behind for the faucet.
• Shaws Ribchester 31" double bowl apron front RB3118 ($2,098.60): 31 1/2" x 18 1/2", 9" apron height, double bowl, 154 lb, 33" minimum cabinet.

Shop Bowland 31" – $2,028.60 Shop Ribchester 31" – $2,098.60 Shop Bowland 24" – $1,944.60

Apron front details

The apron is the exposed front of the sink, and it's what makes each line look different.

Apron height matters for the cabinet: the face frame or door below the sink is cut down to the apron, so a taller apron means a shorter panel below. Your cabinet maker will need the actual apron height from the delivered sink, because of the ±2% tolerance.

Bowl configurations

Most Shaws sinks are a single large bowl. If you're not sure which you need, see single bowl or double bowl sink.

Cabinet requirements

The minimum cabinet size from each spec sheet:

What else the cabinet needs:

• A sink base built for an apron front. The front of the cabinet is cut down or built lower so the apron shows. Order the cabinet as a farmhouse or apron front sink base, or have your cabinet maker modify it.
• Wait for the sink. Every sheet says: "Due to ±2% dimensions, it is recommended that the cabinet maker wait until your sink is delivered to make the cabinet." Most also say "no template available".
• A base board strong enough for the weight. See the installation notes below. The heaviest sinks here are 173 lb (Lancaster 33") and 176 lb (Bowland 31") before water.
• Room for the drain. Plan the disposal or strainer and trap around the drain position (centred or offset).

Installation notes

These notes come from Shaws' installation guide for apron fronted sinks (INS12378) and the spec sheets. Have a qualified installer do the work, and follow your local plumbing code. For general tips on undermount sinks, see undermount kitchen sink installation tips.

Choose the installation method first

The guide shows three methods, and the one you choose "determines the base board height":

1. Undermount with apron front: the countertop overlaps the sink rim and the apron shows at the front.
2. Inset with apron front: the sink rim sits level with or above the counter, and the apron shows.
3. Undermount: no apron showing.

For undermounts, the guide shows three countertop reveals: zero reveal (counter edge flush with the sink edge), positive reveal (some of the sink rim shows) and negative reveal (the counter overhangs the bowl), each sealed with silicone. If you plan to use a wire grid, note the WSG3018-C sheet: "If undermount installation method is chosen, the sink bowl must be completely exposed for the grid to fit properly."

Support and base board

• The sink sits on a base board inside the cabinet. "Your sink location determines the required base board height. Always use the dimensions from the sink."
• "Prior to drilling, ensure the base is of sufficient construction and will support the sinks weight." Remember the water too: the Lancaster 30" holds 56 L (about 56 kg) on top of its 65 kg.
• "Shaws recommends a 2" (50mm) overhang for apron front style sinks." Discuss with your cabinet maker how the apron sits relative to the cabinet face.
• Check the sink with a level. "If your sink is not secure, the use of silicone and packout (not included) on the base board will be required."
• For the Lancaster 18" prep sink, "clips not available"; for undermount, the sheet says two QN25UM can be used for improved support.

Template and countertop

There's no paper template for most Shaws sinks, and the dimensions vary by up to ±2%. Have the countertop fabricator template from the actual sink once it's installed on its base, not from the spec sheet.

Drain, disposal and strainer

• All the sinks here have a standard 3 1/2" drain opening.
• Most sheets: "Due to sink thickness, ISE-type Disposal with Extended Flange #ISE10082 or ROHL 733 Basket Strainer is recommended." The Lancaster 33" sheet says required.
• The newer Lancaster 30" (RC3018-C) and Shaker 33" undermount sheets: "Basket strainer or extended disposal flange required for installation."
• The Lancaster 36" and Shaker 36" sheets list a 1 1/4" drain thickness.

Drains, grids and accessories

Grids are specific to each model, so order the grid made for your sink. The spec sheets name other grids for sinks we don't list here (for example WSGMS3018 for the Shaker 30"); ask us if you need one. The SW734 strainer isn't the ROHL 733 named on most sink sheets, so check with us that it suits your sink's thickness before ordering it as your only drain.

Shop SW734 strainer – $191.10 Shop WSG3018-C grid – $299.60 Shop WSGMS3118 grid – $284.20

Care and cleaning

From House of Rohl's Shaws care guidance:

• Everyday cleaning: "a soft sponge or cloth and a mild abrasive. Daily cleaning with abrasives or abrasive pads will not harm the surface."
• Water spots: House of Rohl notes that because of the handmade design the sink tends to be flat with little drainage, so "to avoid water spotting, wipe down the sink bottom after use. Waxing the sink will encourage drainage."
• Metal marks: "Astonish cleaner may be used should a mark or scuff need to be removed."
• Chips: fireclay "resists chips, scratches, and stains better than other materials", but it isn't chip-proof, so don't drop heavy pans into it. "Color-matched repair kits are available through your local House of Rohl dealer."
• Gallery designs: "a soft sponge or cloth and a non-abrasive soap solution" on the apron artwork, and wax "the interior only". Astonish only on the inner surfaces: abrasive cleaner on the apron "will void the 2-year exterior decorative artwork warranty".
• Outdoors: "Not recommended for outside use."

Warranty

House of Rohl's Shaws pages list a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the sink, and a 2-year warranty on Gallery exterior decorative artwork. The spec sheets aren't consistent: older sheets (for example UM3018, RC3318, MS3118, Bowland and Ribchester) print "1 year on manufacturing defects, 10 years on fading/staining", the MS3318 and MS3618 sheets say "Limited Lifetime", and the newest sheets direct Canadian customers to houseofrohl.ca/support for the complete warranty. Check that page for your model, and keep your receipt and model number.

CAD price table

Our prices on September 27, 2026.

Sample totals:

• Lancaster 30" + WSG3018-C grid: $2,006.20
• Shaker 31" double + WSGMS3118 grid: $1,913.80
• Bowland 31" + WSGBL3121 grid: $2,314.20

Every Shaws sink in this guide is over $900 on its own, so shipping is free anywhere we deliver in Canada.

Who should buy which

Between two sinks, decide in this order: apron or undermount, cabinet width, single or double bowl, then the apron style.

Shop Lancaster 30" – $1,706.60 Shop Shaker 30" – $2,084.60 Shop Shaker undermount – $1,629.60 Shop Ribchester 31" – $2,098.60

Before you order: a checklist

1. Choose apron front or undermount, and the installation method (undermount with apron, inset with apron, or undermount).
2. Check the minimum cabinet size on the spec sheet, and order a sink base built for an apron front.
3. Tell your cabinet maker and counter fabricator to wait for the sink (±2%, no template).
4. Plan a base board strong enough for the sink's weight plus water.
5. Choose a strainer or disposal flange that suits the sink's thickness.
6. Add the matching grid if you want one.
7. Plan where the faucet goes: on the countertop behind the sink or on the wall.

Our recommendation

• Most kitchens: the Lancaster 30" RC3018-C ($1,706.60) for the classic look, or the Shaker 30" ($2,084.60) for a modern one.
• Undermount under stone: the Shaker 30" UM3018 ($1,629.60).
• Double bowl: the Shaker 31" MS3118 ($1,629.60).
• Something different: the fluted Bowland 31" ($2,028.60).

Want to see the sinks before you commit? Visit our Vaughan showroom, call 289-236-2378 or email sales@plumbingmarket.ca with your cabinet width and counter plan, and we'll help you pick the model and accessories.

Related: Drop-in sink vs farmhouse sink · Kitchen sink materials buying guide · Single or double bowl · Undermount sink installation tips · All Shaws · All farmhouse sinks

FAQ

What is the difference between Shaws Lancaster and Shaker sinks?

Lancaster is Shaws' original farmhouse, apron front sink. House of Rohl says it is named for the House of Lancaster and "has set the standard for all farmhouse, apron front sinks", and its spec sheets carry the "Shaws Original" badge. Shaker is described as "a contemporary take on the traditional apron front, farmhouse form", with sharper, squared lines; the MS3018 sheet calls it a "unique thin walled, squared, modern" apron front sink. Both are handmade fireclay from Great Britain. In our range, Lancaster comes in 30", 33" and 36" apron fronts plus 15" and 18" prep sinks, and Shaker in 30", 33" and 36" apron fronts, a 31" double bowl and 30" and 33" undermounts.

What does "Shaws Original" mean?

It's the Lancaster line. House of Rohl calls it the "Shaws Original Lancaster" sink, and the Lancaster spec sheets (RC1515, RC1818, RC3318, RC3618) list a "Shaws Original" badge. Shaker, Bowland and Ribchester sheets list a "Shaws Classic" badge instead, and some newer Shaker sheets list a "Shaws" badge.

What size cabinet do I need for a Shaws sink?

Use the minimum cabinet size on the sink's spec sheet. For the sinks in this guide: 18" for the Lancaster 15" prep sink, 21" for the Lancaster 18" prep sink, 33" for the 30" and 31" sinks, and 36" for the 33" sinks. The Lancaster 36" and Shaker 36" sheets we checked don't list a minimum, so ask us before ordering the cabinet. Apron front sinks also need a cabinet built for an exposed front.

Why should the cabinet maker wait for the sink?

Shaws sinks are handmade, and every spec sheet says that "due to ±2% dimensions, it is recommended that the cabinet maker wait until your sink is delivered to make the cabinet." Most sheets also say no template is available. On a 36" sink, 2% is about 3/4", so measure the actual sink before cutting the cabinet or the countertop.

Can a Shaws apron front sink be undermounted?

Yes. Shaws' installation guide for apron fronted sinks shows three methods: undermount with apron front, inset with apron front, and undermount. The method you choose sets the height of the base board the sink sits on. For a sink without an apron, choose one designed for it, such as the Shaker UM3018 or MSUM3318 undermounts or the Lancaster 15" and 18" prep sinks.

What supports a heavy fireclay farmhouse sink?

The sink sits on a base board inside the cabinet, not on the countertop. Shaws' guide says: "Prior to drilling, ensure the base is of sufficient construction and will support the sinks weight." The sinks in this guide weigh 51 to 176 lb empty, and a Lancaster 30" holds 56 L of water (about 56 kg), so plan the support for the full weight. Check the sink is level and secure; the guide says to use silicone and packout on the base board if it isn't.

Which drain or disposal works with a Shaws sink?

Shaws sinks have a standard 3 1/2" drain opening, but they are thick. Most of the spec sheets say that, due to sink thickness, an ISE-type disposal with extended flange #ISE10082 or a ROHL 733 basket strainer is recommended (the Lancaster 33" sheet says required). The newer Lancaster 30" and Shaker 33" undermount sheets say a basket strainer or extended disposal flange is required. Confirm your strainer or disposal flange suits the sink before installation.

How do I clean a Shaws fireclay sink?

House of Rohl recommends a soft sponge or cloth and a mild abrasive, and says daily cleaning with abrasives or abrasive pads will not harm the surface. Wipe the bottom after use to avoid water spotting; waxing encourages drainage. Astonish cleaner can remove marks from pots and pans. Gallery by Shaws decorative fronts are softer: clean the front with a non-abrasive soap solution only, because abrasives on the apron void the 2-year exterior artwork warranty.

Do Shaws sinks chip?

House of Rohl says fireclay resists chips, scratches and stains better than other materials, but that no coloured sink is impervious to damage, and it advises not to drop heavy pans or utensils into the sink. If a chip happens, colour-matched repair kits are available through House of Rohl dealers.

What warranty do Shaws sinks have?

House of Rohl's Shaws pages list a Limited Lifetime Warranty on the sink, with a 2-year warranty on Gallery exterior decorative artwork. Some older spec sheets print different wording (1 year on manufacturing defects and 10 years on fading and staining), and the newest sheets refer Canadian customers to houseofrohl.ca/support for the full terms. Check that page for your model.

What are Gallery by Shaws sinks?

They're Lancaster and Shaker apron front sinks with a decorative design on the apron, such as Patina, Metallic, Lines and Eucalyptus. House of Rohl says the metallic finishes are real platinum or gold, that the artwork is softer than the glaze on solid colour sinks, and that the exterior artwork has a 2-year warranty.

Do you ship Shaws sinks across Canada?

Yes. Plumbing Market ships across Canada, with free shipping on orders over $900, so every Shaws sink in this guide ships free. They are heavy and ship by freight, so tell us about stairs or delivery restrictions. You can also see Shaws at our Vaughan, Ontario showroom, call 289-236-2378 or email sales@plumbingmarket.ca.