The sink in your bathroom could be composed of a wide array of different materials. Whether your bathroom sink lends an abstract art piece to your bathroom or it is a practical sink designed for functionality, materials vary in composition, price, and appearance.
Types Of Bathroom Sink Materials
Bathroom sinks are commonly made from china and enameled cast iron. They are durable and sturdy sinks that withstand the test of time. Other bathroom sinks may be enameled steel, stone, acrylic, tempered glass, solid surface, or wood.
Most of these materials come in different color options. If your sink is composed of china and enameled material, colors range and can be purchased to coincide with your bathroom decor. Tempered glass may feature colors swirled throughout the sink, and metal options may come in stainless steel, bronze, or copper sinks.
How Can I Tell What My Sink Is Made Of?
Many bathroom sinks are composed of porcelain or ceramic, but some may be composed of metal, stone, tempered glass, and the like.
Metal sinks are usually easy to decipher, given the bronze, stainless steel, or copper material used. Natural stone sinks may be made up of marble, granite, onyx, or other forms of natural stone.
Tempered glass sinks are usually identifiable, but it may be challenging to decipher if the glass is swirled with darker tones that almost make it look like metal.
If you are not sure what your sink is made of, check the original package or use the model number to research to determine the material used to make it. If you are unsure of where to start, there may be an identification helper on the manufacturer’s website, depending on the manufacturer.
Ceramic Versus Porcelain
Ceramic and porcelain sinks appear almost identical in appearance. Ceramic is a form of pottery that is created using clay powder and water. It may be shaped by hand then treated with extreme heat that makes it great at withstanding chips or scratches.
Porcelain is also a form of pottery. It is created using a fine mixture of clay that is compressed at high pressure and baked in a kiln at extreme temperatures.
How Do I Know If My Bathroom Sink Is Porcelain Or Ceramic?
These two are incredibly difficult to differentiate. When it comes to appearance, porcelain and ceramic are almost impossible to tell apart. The best way to determine what your bathroom sink is made of is to locate the model number and do some digging on the internet.
What Is The Most Popular Sink Material?
Porcelain and ceramic sinks have been a trendy choice in the past due to their durability. They are relatively inexpensive, with even higher-end models being reasonably affordable.
Vitreous china, which is essentially porcelain with a glaze, is also one of the most popular bathroom sink materials. Both porcelain and vitreous china seamlessly combine durability, ease of cleaning, and affordability.
Stainless steel sinks are gaining in popularity. They are great at warding off stains, can resist heat, dings, and dents. Although stainless steel is more often seen in kitchens, it is an excellent option for the bathroom as well.
Bathroom Sink Materials Pros And Cons
Each type of bathroom sink material has its benefits. Before investing in a new sink, weigh the pros and cons of each material to determine what fits best with you and your needs.
| Material | Pros | Cons |
| Vitreous china | Durable, affordable, glossy coating improves the appearance | Chips are very noticeable, may crack during installation |
| Porcelain | Durable, affordable, chips are less noticeable than on vitreous china | Heavy, prone to stains |
| Acrylic | Lightweight, strong due to fiberglass fiber reinforcements, easy to install | Can easily be scratched, typically won’t last as long as ceramic |
| Stainless steel | Extremely durable, lightweight, easy to install | May develop scratches, challenging to keep clean |
| Enameled steel | Affordable, lightweight, great in undermount sinks | Can be flimsy, enamel may chip and crack |
| Solid surface | Available in many colors, easy to install, solid construction | More expensive than other options, may scratch easily |
| Tempered glass | Adds a decorative note to the bathroom | Brittle, breaks easily, expensive |
| Stone | Durable, resistant to stain | Hefty, may need several people for installation, expensive |
Use this chart to help determine if it is an acrylic bathroom sink that best fits your needs or if it perhaps is a stone sink that suits your home.
Styles Of Bathroom Sinks
Bathroom sinks are designed to suit a variety of different aesthetics, color palettes, and tastes. They are a vital part of every bathroom and can help elevate your bathroom’s elegance and tie everything together.
The basin portion of the sink may be mounted in a variety of different ways, including:
- Wall-mounted sinks: These sinks are a common choice in many bathrooms. They take up very little space due to their attachment to the wall and lack of contact with the floor. The plumbing is exposed beneath the sink.
- Pedestal sinks: In these sinks, the basin is mounted on a pedestal. The pedestal hides the plumbing, and it does not require attachment to a wall as the pedestal supports it.
- Drop-In sinks: Situated within your bathroom vanity countertop, drop-in sinks have a lip that acts as a support to keep the sink in place.
- Vessel sinks: Usually in the form of a deep bowl, vessel sinks rest atop your bathroom counter.
- Corner sinks: Corner basins are a great space saver. Nestled into the bathroom corner, they do not require any counter space, just a wall mount or a pedestal.
- Trough sink: These sinks are common in public and private restrooms. They mimic the appearance of a trough with a wide basin that can facilitate several people simultaneously. They can be wall-mounted or as drop-in designs.
- Undermount sink: These sinks are mounted beneath your countertop and suspended in place by special adhesive or caulk. It saves counter space, and all fittings are hidden within the counter.
- Console sink: Console sinks seamlessly combine the style of wall-mounted sinks and pedestal sinks. The basin is mounted on the wall, but two or four legs offer additional support.
What Is My White Kitchen Sink Made Of?
The white sink in your kitchen may be composed of several different materials. If you are unsure what material it is made of, the best way is to check the package or use the model number to do research. Popular choices include materials such as fireclay, solid surface, enamel-coated cast iron, and composites.
White kitchen sinks that are made up of fireclay usually come in two finish options: glossy and matte. They are relatively scratch and chip resistant but perform well at resisting heat and stains. These sinks can lean towards the expensive end.
Enamel-coated cast iron sinks usually come in a glossy finish that is not particularly resistant to chips or scratches. They do resist stains and heat well but are high maintenance and expensive.
Composite kitchen sinks are typically in a matte finish. They do well in resisting scratches, chips, heat, and stains. They are low maintenance and tend to be affordable.
Solid surface sinks come in a variety of colors and finishes. They are not scratch-resistant, but scratches can easily be sanded out. Solid surface sinks tend to be middle of the road when it comes to the price points.