Deciding Between a Ceramic or Porcelain Bathroom Sink

When choosing a new bathroom sink, one of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to go with a ceramic or porcelain model. Both sinks have their pros and cons in terms of durability, style, price, and ease of maintenance. Read on as we explore the key differences between ceramic and porcelain to help you determine the best option for your bathroom.

Key Differences Between Ceramic and Porcelain Sinks

Ceramic and porcelain sinks are both made primarily from clay, but porcelain contains other minerals that make it less porous and more durable. Here's an overview of how they compare:

• Porcelain is fired at higher kiln temperatures, making it denser and less porous.
• Ceramic comes in more color and design options since it's easier to glaze.
• Porcelain tends to be more expensive due to production costs.
• Ceramic is generally easier to cut and install. Porcelain is quite heavy.
• Porcelain resists staining, chipping, and burning better than ceramic.
• Ceramic scratches more easily but is often easier to clean.

Now let's explore those key differences in more detail...

Durability Comparison Between Ceramic and Porcelain Sinks

When evaluating bathroom sink materials, durability is often a top priority. After all, a sink sees heavy daily use and you don't want to have to replace it after just a few years. Here's how ceramic and porcelain sinks compare across various durability factors:

Impact Resistance

Due to its very dense composition, porcelain tends to be more impact-resistant than ceramic. It's less prone to chipping if a heavy object strikes it. Ceramic is easier to crack or shatter if subjected to blunt force.

Heat Tolerance

Porcelain's durability extends to high temperatures as well. You can spill a pot of boiling water into a porcelain sink without any issue. However, drastic temperature changes can cause ceramic sinks to crack over time. So porcelain may be the better choice if you expect a lot of hot items in the bathroom sink.

Scratch Resistance

The glazed surfaces on ceramic and porcelain sinks protect against scratches. However, porcelain's harder composition makes it even more scratch-resistant over decades of use. A ceramic sink may show light scratches more quickly.

Stain Resistance

When it comes to resisting stains, porcelain once again has the advantage. Its less porous material won't absorb pigments as readily through everyday use. Meanwhile, ceramic is more prone to staining from colorful cleaning products, makeup, hair dyes, and other washroom ingredients.

Ease of Cleaning

Ironically, while porcelain resists stains, ceramic sinks can actually be easier to clean. Ceramic has a smooth glazed surface that wipes down easily without needing specialized products. Porcelain may require more scrubbing with a non-abrasive cleaner to prevent scratching or damaging the denser material.

Style and Design Options

While porcelain prevails when it comes to durability, ceramic opens up more possibilities in terms of stylistic sink designs and colors. Let's compare the style factors between the two materials:

Colors and Patterns Available

With its lower kiln firing temperatures, ceramic clay is easier to glaze with colorful finishes. So ceramic sinks come in a vast array of glossy or matte colors. It's also easier to add painted patterns like flowers or geometric shapes. Porcelain can be glazed as well, but its durability limits the glaze formulations.

Shapes and Sizes

Ceramic's lower firing temperature also makes it simpler to produce sinks in a variety of shapes and sizes. An artisan can shape a raw ceramic basin by hand based on a custom design. Porcelain is usually poured into a pre-shaped mold due to the complexities of working with the material.

Coordinating with Other Fixtures

Thanks to the wide color and design choices for ceramic sinks, it's generally easier to find one that coordinates well with your other bathroom fixtures and hardware finishes. However, porcelain also comes in classic white and bisque tones that can blend with many decors if you prefer a clean, matching look.

Cost Considerations

In general, porcelain sinks will cost more upfront than ceramic models. But over decades of use, porcelain usually saves money in terms of durability and lack of repairs or replacements. Here are some of the factors affecting sink costs:

Porcelain Sinks Typically More Expensive

Porcelain sinks involve higher production costs--especially factoring in the electricity, supplies, and labor required for the high-heat kiln firing process. These costs are passed along to consumers. Simple white ceramic sink basins can retail for under $100, while similar porcelain sinks may start around $200 or more.

Factors Affecting Prices

With both materials, more ornate designs cost more. Vessel sinks, hammered finishes, multiple basin creations, exotic glazes, and hand-painting all increase prices for end users. Size is also a cost factor--larger double sink vanities are pricier than petite powder room basins in most cases.

Budgeting Tips

Set your sink budget before falling in love with a high-end designer look. Know that undermount installation costs more for any sink type too. And don't forget to factor in new drain fittings, faucets, counter tops, and labor expenses--the sink itself is only part of an overall bathroom remodeling budget.

Installation Process

While specific needs vary by home, there are some generalizations when it comes to installing ceramic vs. porcelain sinks. Being aware of these ahead of time can prevent unexpected hassles during your bathroom remodel.

Drop-In vs Undermount

Both ceramic and porcelain sinks come in drop-in and undermount variations. The undermount installation process takes more effort and precision. Since porcelain sinks are quite heavy (often over 50 pounds), properly supporting their weight is crucial during undermount installation.

Special Tools or Materials Needed

Glues and sealants used for sink installations must be compatible and non-reactive with ceramic or porcelain materials. A high-quality epoxy or adhesive specifically formulated for sinks is best. Silicone caulk around the rim adds leakage protection.

The complexity of an undermount install combined with a heavy porcelain sink makes professional installation strongly advised. However, a handy DIYer can usually manage a basic drop-in ceramic sink themselves following manufacturer directions.

As you can see, choosing between ceramic and porcelain sink materials involves many factors from aesthetics to cost to longevity in your unique home environment. Carefully weigh this guidance as you evaluate options to make the best decision for your upcoming bathroom updates.