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Your bathroom sink is more than just a functional sink — it's a main focal point in your bathroom. It helps proportion the room and bring it together in harmony, completing the look and feel of your design. The way you display it can make or break your room.

What is a bathroom sink made of?

December 07, 2022

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Your bathroom sink is more than just a functional sink — it's a main focal point in your bathroom. It helps proportion the room and bring it together in harmony, completing the look and feel of your design. The way you display it can make or break your room. 

That's why the sink you choose for your bathroom matters. There is a wide variety of bathroom sinks available, and they can be made from different materials. Let's look at some of these materials and how they can complement the style of your bathroom.

What Is My Bathroom Sink Made Of?

Your bathroom sink may be composed of various materials. Sinks are commonly made from porcelain or ceramics. These two materials are sturdy and able to withstand impact and hold up to the daily wear and tear and abuse that bathroom sinks often take, but they aren't the only materials that bathroom sinks can be made from

Porcelain

These sinks can portray an array of moods in your bathroom. They can be sophisticated, elegant, and classy, or fun and vibrant. Porcelain sinks can be mounted as either an under-mount or top-mount, or as a wall-mount, vessel sink, or even on a pedestal. 

These sinks are made two different ways: either as a cast iron sink coated with porcelain or as solid porcelain. They can cost anywhere between $80-$800 if you're looking for a high-end sink. These sinks are a sure bet when you want something sturdy that will last for a long time. 

Ceramics

Ceramic sinks are sturdy and popular, and like porcelain, they can be both sophisticated and stylish, or more contemporary. They can also be mounted in a variety of ways, but the two most common are as an under-mount or top-mount. 

Ceramic sinks are between $50-$300 for a normal sink but can run as much as $1,000 if you're looking for a designer style. These sinks are also built tough and can withstand the test of time, although, as with any ceramics, they can be chipped or cracked if something hard is dropped on them. 

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Fireclay

Fireclay sinks can be really pretty and elegant in your bathroom, but they come in a limited range of colors and sizes. They require regular maintenance to prevent staining but are very durable and resistant to chipping and cracking. Fireclay sinks resemble enamel-coated cast iron sinks in appearance and can run anywhere from $150 to $1,000 per sink. 

Stainless Steel

Used for years in commercial settings because of their ability to be easily sterilized and their utilitarian look, stainless steel sinks have more recently found their way into the bathroom. They are resilient and inexpensive and provide a trendy feel to the room but may be subject to dents if something heavy is dropped on them. Stainless steel sinks can run between $100 to $500 depending on the style. 

Cast Polymer

For a luxurious look at a less expensive price, consider a cast polymer sink. They look and feel similar to porcelain but will only set you back a couple of hundred dollars. They don't stain, and like porcelain, they are durable and resistant to chips. 

Cast Iron

Cast iron is one of the most durable materials on the planet. They make fantastic sinks and can give your room a rustic or outdoorsy feel. They are highly durable and don't chip or crack easily. They are heavy, however, so you'll need to have a sturdy vanity to hold the sink. You can spend anywhere from $300 to $3,000 for a high-quality cast iron sink.

Сast iron sinks with an enamel coating are easy to clean and maintain. They are not quite as chip-resistant, but in a bathroom setting, they work well.

Copper

Copper is a beautiful and elegant option for any bathroom. They are easy to maintain and have natural antibacterial properties. Copper sinks come in a wide variety of styles and can run anywhere from $150 for a lower-end option to $2,000 for a custom sink. It's worth the price for the visual beauty of the copper sink. 

Natural Stone

Natural stone is a beautiful addition to any bathroom. These sinks are chic and trendy in home bathrooms. Stone is long-lasting and easy to customize, so sinks can be made in a variety of shapes. Natural stone means that the color will vary from sink to sink depending on the stone that is used. Regular maintenance needs to be done on these sinks to reduce the chance of chipping or staining. These sinks can run from $3, 500 to $10,000 for a high-end stone sink.

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Tempered Glass

Glass can be made into a variety of sophisticated and sleek items, including bathroom sinks. These beautiful sinks are easy to clean but are susceptible to chips and cracks. The average price of these sinks is between $50-$150, and they are usually made into vessel-style sinks. Designer glass basins, however, may sell for up to $500. 

Composite

These sinks are durable and pleasantly attractive. They give you the look of luxury but don't have the big price tag of some of the other materials. Composite sinks are heat-resistant and chip resistant. They also hold their color and retain their appearance for a long time. Prices range from $350-$700 but can run up to $3000 for a luxury composite sink.

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Bathroom Sink Materials Pros And Cons

Every type of material has pros and cons, and those must be weighed when looking to purchase a sink with a certain material. You may have to weigh the options of durability versus price versus trend and style. Here is a look at some of the biggest pros and cons of each sink material.

Sink Material Material Pros Material Cons
Porcelain Affordable and durable; low maintenance; chip resistant; chips are less noticeable than on other materials. Very heavy material; stains easily
Ceramics Affordable and durable; has a glossy coating; low maintenance; chip resistant; largest selection available Very heavy material; stains easily
Fireclay Variety of colors; durable and affordable Fewer sizes and styles to choose from; some maintenance
Stainless Steel Durable and affordable; lightweight; easy to install; huge variety to choose from May develop scratches and can dent; harder to keep clean
Cast Polymer Affordable and durable, lightweight, easy to install Can be scratched
Cast Iron Solid construction; heavy duty More expensive than other options, porcelain coating may chip; heavy
Copper Unique designs and patterns; naturally antibacterial Expensive; high maintenance
Stone Durable, unique, beautiful and trendy Expensive; high maintenance; can be heavy
Tempered Glass Affordable; provides a unique look; trendy; low maintenance Breaks easily; not good for heavy-use bathrooms
Composite Unique; durable and affordable Unlimited style options; may stain

How To Know What Material My Sink Is Made Of

Sometimes it's hard to determine exactly what material your bathroom sink is made from. You may see white and assume porcelain, and that isn't always the case. Popular choices of materials for a sink include not only porcelain and ceramics but also fireclay, cast iron, and composites. The best way to know for sure is to check the packaging. If that is unavailable, see if you can find the model number on your sink and do some research. 

Some sinks, like tempered glass, are obvious of course just by looking at them, but for some of the others, it isn't as easy. White sinks come in a variety of materials, but there are a few key things you can look at to help you determine what they are made from.

Look at the finish, to start with. If it is a glossy finish, the sink is normally made from fireclay or cast iron that has been enamel-coated. Fireclay sinks are scratch, chip, and heat resistant and don't stain easily.

Cast iron, on the other hand, is not as resistant to chips or scratches. They do resist stains and heat well, but overall they are more high maintenance and need to be taken care of to keep their coating intact. 

If you see a matte finish, the sink could be fireclay (these sinks come with both finishes) or composite. Composite sinks are very scratch and chip resistant and don't stain easily. They are extremely low maintenance and very affordable.

These clues won't always get you the exact answer, like the packaging will, but can get you started down the right path toward learning what your sink is made of. 

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The Most Popular Material For Bathroom Sinks

Ceramics are the most popular material for bathroom sinks. They are usually white and come with a high-gloss finish. They are durable, affordable, and come in a variety of sizes and different shapes. These sinks are extremely chip resistant and easy to keep clean. There is no maintenance or upkeep with the sink. 

While often white, these sinks can come in a variety of colors if you look for them, so you can match the sink to the bathroom decòr. Ceramics are timeless classics and will never disappoint as far as a sink goes. 

A close second is a composite material. These are also very easy to clean and maintain. Any minor signs of wear and accidental scratches can be easily removed using an ordinary abrasive sponge, which will remove a tiny layer of the material surface, followed by surface polishing. Composite stone material is hypoallergenic, non-toxic, 100% recyclable, and fire-resistant. It has a strong resistance to UV radiation, is dense/non-porous, hygienic, durable, and pleasant to touch due to its velvety texture.

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What Is A Bathroom Sink Made Of? Final Thoughts

Bathroom sinks come in a variety of materials, shapes, sizes, and mounting methods. The sink can be used to create a statement in your bathroom and help you bring the style together and proportion out your room. 

Choosing the right sink takes time and focus. You'll want to determine what kind of style you are going for in your bathroom, and also how busy your room with be. Who will be using your bathroom the most? Is this a room guests will use often? Will you need a sturdier sink because of guests and kids ? Or is this a private bathroom in your master suite? 

Once you've thought through the basics of your bathroom, you can then turn to focus on materials. By using the pros and cons listed above, you can determine which material may be the best fit for your room. There are so many unique and beautiful options that while ceramics are popular, they aren't necessarily the go-to choice for everyone. 

Your sink can make your room sleek and sophisticated, or modern and trendy. Choose it well, and you will love walking into your bathroom every time you use it. 

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We hope you have found this article helpful to make your bathroom your own little haven
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