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: Concrete sinks are ideal for those seeking a sleek and modern show-stopping bathroom feature. Offering more value than sinks made of marble and granite, a concrete sink is more affordable than you’d think while still reflecting a luxurious style. Because concrete is cast, it can be made 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: The downsides of concrete sinks is the level of maintenance the material requires. Just like granite, concrete will need 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.
Stainless Steel
Pros: One of the most popular material choices for the kitchen, stainless steel sinks are also very affordable, offering longevity and durability in the bathroom too. It is also one of the most sanitary materials, as bacteria cannot stick to its surface. Lastly, since stainless steel sinks are so common, there is a massive selection available to choose from that will fit with any style or size requirements.
Cons: Given the composition of stainless steel, this material can be quite loud when other materials come into contact with the sink. For this reason, many stainless steel sinks will come with a spray coating to reduce noise. Another drawback is that stainless steel is easily scratched and subject to dents. They also tend to show water spots, making it challenging to keep them immaculately clean.
Porcelain
Pros: Porcelain, or enamel, sinks are a strong option that will hold up well over time. Naturally non-porous, porcelain is low maintenance and very easy to clean. Porcelain sinks come in a variety of colors that can be tailored to your personal style (unlike uniform styles like stainless steel). Offering an elegant yet traditional look, porcelain sinks typically have a glossy or shiny finish that can be easily refinished if damaged.
Cons: One of the cons of porcelain sinks is that they are subject to chips and cracks, which can quickly lead to discoloration if not treated immediately. Moreover, because they are so strong, items that are accidentally dropped in the sink will likely break on impact. Compared to other materials, you have to be more cautious with the cleaners or chemicals you use on porcelain, as it can be more easily stained and lose its luster quite quickly.
Vitreous China
Vitreous China Sinks offer several advantages worth noting. They are akin to porcelain but are often perceived as more robust and resistant to stains. The glossy finish not only gives them an appealing aesthetic but also makes them easy to clean and maintain. Additionally, they come in a diverse range of styles and shapes, allowing for greater customization.
However, there are drawbacks to consider. Vitreous China Sinks can be vulnerable to chipping or cracking, particularly when subjected to forceful impacts. Furthermore, their enhanced durability and glossy finish might come at a slightly higher price point compared to basic porcelain sinks. These factors should be taken into account when deciding if vitreous china is the right choice for your bathroom sink.
Acrylic
Pros: Polycarbonate, or acrylic sinks are lightweight and are created with a mold so they can be custom designed. Scratches can be buffed out easily and the sink is reinforced with fiberglass and resin for noise reduction and stain resistance. They are easy to install due to their lightweight nature.
Cons: Acrylic is a plastic and doesn't have the durability of other sink materials. Though you can buff out scratches easily, it does scratch and gouge easily so no abrasive cleaners or tools should be used on it. It also burns so let hot pans cool before placing them in the sink. Avoid petroleum-based materials in the sink as well.
Lastly, if you have a disposal in your sink, there is a possibility the vibrations can loosen the plastic-on-metal joints and cause leaks.
Cast Iron
They are exceptionally durable and exhibit impressive resistance to chipping or scratching, making cast iron sinks well-suited for the rigors of daily use. Their ability to retain heat is another positive aspect, ensuring that hot water stays warm for longer periods. Additionally, cast iron sinks offer a classic and timeless appearance that can complement various bathroom styles and decor.
However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. These sinks are notably heavy, necessitating strong and sturdy support during installation. Also, they can be susceptible to rust if the enamel coating is damaged or compromised over time. Thus, while cast iron sinks offer durability and aesthetic appeal, the weight and potential rust concerns should be taken into account when deciding if they are the right fit for your bathroom.
Glass
Glass sinks offer a blend of style and modernity that can elevate the look of your bathroom. One of their primary advantages is the availability of a wide range of stylish and contemporary design options, allowing you to customize your bathroom to your liking. They are also easy to clean and maintain, simplifying your cleaning routine.
Moreover, their translucent properties can produce visually striking effects when paired with appropriate lighting, creating an elegant and eye-catching focal point.
Nevertheless, there are certain drawbacks to consider. Glass sinks are relatively fragile and susceptible to chipping or cracking, especially if heavy objects are accidentally dropped onto them. Additionally, they can be more prone to displaying water spots and soap residue, requiring frequent cleaning to maintain their pristine appearance. Therefore, while glass sinks offer undeniable aesthetic appeal, their fragility and potential for damage are something to consider.
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.