Pros and Cons of Best Materials for the Bathroom Sink

Today’s homeowners have more choices than ever when designing a bathroom. From the color of your vanity to the finish of your hardware, you can let your personality shine through the furnishings and features – and this includes the look and style of your bathroom sink.

That’s right – there is a surprisingly wide range of options for bathroom sink materials! From natural stone to classic porcelain, weighing the pros and cons of each material will help you choose the right sink for your lifestyle and aesthetic.

Different materials come with different responsibilities in daily cleaning and upkeep. For instance, if your sink gets a lot of hand and even dog-washing traffic, you’ll need to go with a durable material that can withstand heavy usage. On the contrary, if the main reason you use your sink is to merely wash hands, you can choose a material that is more decorative and nice to look at, rather than high maintenance.

As you begin to consider a bathroom remodel, let’s review the best materials for the sink and take a deep dive into the pros and cons.

 

Concrete

Pros:

• ideal for those seeking a sleek and modern show-stopping bathroom feature
• offers more value than sinks made of marble and granite
• more affordable than you’d think while still reflecting a luxurious style
• can be cast into any size, shape, or color

As long as it is maintained properly and regularly sealed to keep its shine, a concrete sink is sturdy, strong, and will last for decades. It’s also a great choice for busy families in need of a durable sink, as it can be easily repaired.

Cons:

• needs to be resealed every few years to protect from discoloration and etching

We offer both repair kits and sealing materials so you can easily take care of that maintenance yourself.

 

Porcelain

Pros:

• strong option that will hold up well over time
• naturally non-porous, porcelain is low maintenance
• easy to clean
• comes in a variety of colors that can be tailored to your personal style
• elegant yet traditional look with a glossy finish that can be easily refinished if damaged

Cons:

• subject to chips and cracks, which can quickly lead to discoloration if not treated immediately
• items that are accidentally dropped in the sink will likely break on impact
• must be more cautious with the cleaners or chemicals as it can be more easily stained and lose its luster quite quickly

 

Vitreous China

Pros: 

• like porcelain but are often perceived as more robust
• resistant to stains
• glossy finish for an appealing aesthetic
• easy to clean and maintain
• come in a diverse range of styles and shapes, allowing for greater customization.

Cons: 

• vulnerable to chipping or cracking, particularly when subjected to forceful impacts
• slightly higher price point compared to basic porcelain sinks

 

Acrylic

Pros:

• lightweight
• created with a mold so they can be custom designed
• scratches can be buffed out easily
• reinforced with fiberglass and resin for noise reduction
• stain resistant
• easy to install due to their lightweight nature 

Cons:

• plastic and doesn't have the durability of other sink materials
• scratch and gouge easily so no abrasive cleaners or tools should be used
• avoid petroleum-based materials in the sink

 

Cast Iron

Pros: 

• exceptionally durable
• impressive resistance to chipping or scratching
• retains heat, ensuring that hot water stays warm for longer periods
• classic and timeless appearance

Cons: 

•  notably heavy, necessitating strong and sturdy support during installation
• susceptible to rust if the enamel coating is damaged or compromised

 

Glass

Pros: 

• wide range of stylish and contemporary design options
• easy to clean and maintain, simplifying your cleaning routine
• visually striking effects when paired with appropriate lighting

Cons: 

• fragile and susceptible to chipping or cracking, especially if heavy objects are accidentally dropped onto them
• more prone to displaying water spots and soap residue, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance

 

Now that you’ve weighed your options in terms of sink materials, you may be wondering which sink will match best with the overall style of your bathroom. Here are our top picks for traditional, unique, and modern sinks.

Top Pick Sinks