➤ Best Bathroom sink material ➤ Types of Bathroom Sink Materials

February 07, 2023

Your Guide to Choosing the Best Bathroom Sink Material

Deciding on the bathroom sink material for your space can be a complicated process. This is especially true if the bathroom sink is the visual center or focal point of your private grooming space.

A sink is not only there as a convenient and functional element of your bathroom — but it can also have an impact on the design of the space and on what interior décor is appropriate. This is why zeroing in on the best bathroom sink material that satisfies your requirements and budget is essential. Your choice of bathroom sink material should also suit your personality, taste, and lifestyle.

The sink you choose for your bathroom should not only be durable and useful but also blend seamlessly with the décor of your home. Remember: a high-quality sink can add a touch of luxury and elegance to the look of a simple bathroom.

There are several types of bathroom sink materials available on the market, with each one giving off a distinctive vibe or aesthetic. Different bathroom sink material types also come with their advantages.

Here, we present a rundown of the best bathroom sink material options that can last for years and help make your space look attractive. Hopefully, after reading this article, it’ll be easier for you to choose the best sink material for your bathroom.

Ceramic Sinks

Ceramics is one of the most widely utilized materials for bathroom sinks. It’s available in a wide range of sizes, colors, and shapes designed to match any interior design theme.

Sinks made of ceramic have smooth surfaces that can resist scratching, chipping, and stains. They have a very slow water absorption rate and are durable enough for everyday use. They are also resistant to fading, so you won’t have to worry about your ceramic sink losing its color over time.

In general, ceramic is considered one of the best materials for a bathroom sink because it is sturdy, long-lasting, watertight, and perfect for heavy usage. Ceramic sinks are also quite simple to maintain and clean. However, under intense pressure, even a durable ceramic sink may chip or break. This, of course, implies to all types of sinks. However, ceramic ones have more durability than the rest. It also won’t be able to withstand the impact of being toppled over.

There are reasonably priced ceramic sinks, but some can also be quite pricey, depending on the design, special features, and brand.

Acrylic Sinks

Some bathroom sinks are constructed out of the same molded acrylic plastic used in making all-in-one bathtub shower shells.

Acrylic sinks are reinforced with fiberglass, making them lightweight and durable. There are drop-in acrylic sink models, as well as ones that can be molded straight into countertops. Their ability to suit just about any design or theme makes them a popular sink material choice.

Abrasive cleaners can damage acrylic sinks, and the material is prone to scratching. However, minor scratches can be repaired easily with a car-buffing compound. While durable, acrylic sinks don’t have the longevity of ceramic or stainless-steel sinks.

Sinks Made Of Natural Or Artificial Stone

There are natural stone and artificial stone sinks, and it helps to distinguish one from the other. Each option comes with some pros and cons.

Natural Stone Sinks

Natural stone has been used to make some of the most expensive and ornate bathroom sinks on the market. These bathroom sinks are carved from big, solid pieces of stone, exuding luxury. Since no two blocks of natural stone are exactly alike, every sink made with this material is distinct in appearance.

The most widely used natural stones for bathroom sinks include marble, granite, onyx, sandstone, travertine, and green jade. To get the finished look, some of these stones are carved and covered with a tough silicone and oil-based sealer to reduce their water absorption rate and give their surface a gloss.

Bathroom sinks made of natural stone can weigh a lot and can be cumbersome to transport and install. Since they are handcrafted and often customized, sinks made of natural stones are usually pricey.

Natural stone sinks are extremely resilient and hard-wearing. They can handle heavy weight and are heat resistant. To keep them resistant to water, stain, and discoloration, natural stone sinks must be properly sealed at least once a year.

Using harsh cleaning agents and brushes with rough bristles on natural stone sinks is not recommended, as these can damage the surface.

Artificial Stone Sinks

Artificial stone sinks have exquisite texture, which allows you to get a matte and polished finish. These kinds of sinks are created for bathroom use, making them durable as well. The materials that are used for such sinks allow them to keep their texture and color for a very long time . Some of them are also made with eco-friendly and recyclable materials.

Thanks to their fire and heat resistance, such sinks keep their high quality and properties. Additionally, the artificial stone sinks are made with safe and nontoxic materials, allowing them to be used with food. They are also very easy to clean and bring to their initial state.

Wood Sinks

If you want the elegance, eco-friendliness, and natural appearance of wood, there are bathroom sinks made of this material.

Wood sinks will surely bring a luxurious appearance to your bathroom. Such sinks should be made with premium-quality materials and craftsmanship to elevate your bathroom design. Wood sinks have a special wood preparation and manufacturing system that allows the sinks to be of high quality. Wood sinks can be made from different species of natural wood, including maple, ash, walnut, padouk, oak, etc. Depending on the style of your home and bathroom, you can choose a corresponding material. Additionally, wood sinks bring natural aesthetics to your bathroom as they are made from real wood . This allows us to show the rich tones of the wood and combine it with a cozy and warm captivation. And lastly, wood sinks can also provide durability, as they are made for everyday use. Such sinks are entirely waterproof and completely protect the sinks from water damage. Wood bathroom sinks require regular cleaning and drying after every use. Avoid using scouring cleaning products and harsh chemicals, as these can damage the material.

Glass Sinks

Highly elaborate vessel sinks elevated on a vanity countertop are typically made of ornamental glass.

If you want to make a design statement or bring a modern look into your bathroom, using one of these sinks makes perfect sense.

Glass sinks are light, low-maintenance, and easy to install. They can be under-mounted, top-mounted, wall-mounted, or built-in. You can also put a glass sink directly on the counter. But since glass sinks can be very expensive and prone to thermal shock (they can break when subjected to high temperatures), they are not a family-friendly bathroom element.

Stainless Steel Sinks

A lot of bathroom sinks on the market are made out of stainless steel.

Sinks made of stainless steel have a contemporary appearance suitable for certain designs, such as rustic or farmhouse, classic, zen, and modern bathrooms.

Stainless steel sinks are very hygienic and long-lasting, being resistant to corrosion, heat, and chemicals. Because of their lightweight, stainless steel sinks are preferred for under-mount applications. They also come in a range of styles, including single-bowl, lavatory, and vessel sinks. They are also relatively easy to install.

On the downside, stainless steel sinks are susceptible to developing scratches over time. Cleaning metal is also challenging, especially when there’s a buildup of mineral deposits from water droplets. Therefore, it’s crucial to keep stainless steel sinks dry or free from moisture when not in use.

Other Sink Materials

Aside from ceramic, acrylic, stone, wood, glass, and stainless steel, there are many other bathroom sink materials to choose from. These include:

Vitreous china bathroom sinks
Porcelain bathroom sinks
Enameled cast iron bathroom sinks
Enameled steel bathroom sinks
Copper bathroom sinks
Poured concrete bathroom sinks
Fireclay bathroom sinks

These alternative materials also have their price points, as well as pros and cons.

Questions To Help You Find The Best Bathroom Sink Material

So, what is the best material for bathroom sinks?

Perhaps, even with the information shared here, you may still feel uncertain about choosing from these bathroom sink material options. The following questions can help you figure out which one is the right choice:

What is your budget for your bathroom sink?
What design aesthetic or look do you want for your bathroom?
How many people will be using the bathroom sink?
How much time can you allocate to cleaning and maintaining your bathroom sink?

Based on your answers, you can start comparing each bathroom sink material objectively and weigh the pros and cons. You can also expand your research or speak to a specialist in or supplier of bathroom materials to get all your questions answered.

Of course, rather than focusing on the price of each material, it’s essential to prioritize durability, functionality, and its impact on the overall appearance of your bathroom.

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