Bathroom Sinks

Materials for Bathroom Sinks

If you remember when bathroom sinks were always made of white porcelain in a standard shape you will have your eyes opened when you go shopping for a brand new one! These days they are in a number of different materials offered by every seller and every brand and interior designers have been quick to seize on these and turn the humble sink into a focal point of the bathroom in many homes.

1. Ceramic Sinks

Ceramic sinks are the most most common type of sink. They look good (and stay looking smooth and glossy over a long period). They are easy to clean, durable and they don’t rust or discolor. To top it all they are usually modest in price too.

The two types of ceramic available are Fire Clay ceramic and Vitreous China Ceramic with fire clay being the most durable though either is just fine. These bathroom sinks are available in different colors with whit being the most popular. You can also buy hand painted and decorated sinks for County or French Country style interiors.

Take care not to drop heavy objects into your ceramic sink as this may damage it. Also with a white porcelain sink you must be sure to keep the grout looking good. If you need any help with this, here are some grout cleaning tips.

Stainless Steel Vessel Sink

Stainless Steel Vessel Sink

2. Stainless Steel Sinks

These are becoming more popular as mirror polished stainless steel goes with with chrome which has become the norm for contemporary bathroom faucets and other fittings. Stainless steel sinks are sturdy and are easy to clean however the surface scratches very easily. Instead of polished stainless steel and chrome fittings in your bathroom a brushed stainless steel/chrome look may stay looking good for longer.

3. Toughened Glass Sinks

Toughened glass sinks are very popular for wall-mounted basins and vessel sinks. The glass is tough and durable and does not break easily. To show off a glass sink effectively use discrete polished chrome brackets for wall hanging sinks or sit vessel sinks on a quality wood counter.

4. Polished Brass and Copper Sinks

Brass and copper sinks are highly polished and coated to prevent discoloration. They require gentle cleaning with non-abrasive cleaners and a soft cloth to avoid damaging the surface. Handled with care they can look great in the right bathroom.

5. Natural Stone Sinks

Stone is not a material you would normally associate with sinks but they are now being incorporated in some contemporary bathrooms in the form of vessel sinks. Of course stone is variable in nature and that gives it a unique appeal. Stone which is porous is not suited for bathroom sinks unless coated so be careful what you choose.

6. Composite or Reconstructed Marble and other stone Sinks

While pure marble is heavy and prone to discoloration, the marble look sinks are stronger and stain-resistant while remaining smooth to the touch. They are made with a mixture of powdered marble and resin and are available in many colors and finishes. There are similar composite materials available for granite, slate and other types of stone and once treated in this way they become useful for making durable non-scratch bathroom sinks too and are available in natural shades in many shapes.