The Pros and Cons of Popular Bathroom Basin Materials

Are you about to embark on a bathroom reno? Exciting stuff! As a professional with decades of experience in the bathroom renovation industry, one of the most common things I see people anguish over is choosing bathroom basin material. Trust me, I’ve seen it all when it comes to bathroom basin materials. From classic porcelain to trendy concrete, there are so many options to choose from when it comes to selecting the perfect sink for your bathroom.

Each material has its own unique pros and cons, and in this blog, we will be diving deep into the most popular bathroom basin materials on the market today. I’ll be taking a look at the durability, maintenance, and aesthetic appeal of each material, so you can make an informed decision about which sink is right for you. So get comfy and let’s get started.

Ceramic Bathroom Basin Pros & Cons

Gloss White with Black Rim Circle Basin (Ceramic) - Buildmat

Ceramic bathroom basins are a classic and popular option for many homeowners looking to renovate their bathrooms. They come in a wide variety of styles, colours, and sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your bathroom's aesthetic.

Pros:

• Ceramic is generally less expensive than other materials like marble or glass.
• Ceramic surfaces are smooth and non-porous and easy to keep clean.
• Ceramic bathroom basins come in a wide variety of styles, colours, and sizes, making it easy to find one that fits your bathroom's aesthetic.

Cons:

• Ceramic can chip or crack if it's hit with a hard object. So, it's important to handle it with care during installation.
• Ceramic is a dense material, so it can be heavy to transport and install.
• While there are many different styles of ceramic bathroom basins available, the design options are still limited compared to other materials like glass or concrete.

Porcelain Bathroom Basin Pros & Cons

Above counter porcelain basin - Amazon

Porcelain bathroom basins are a classic and timeless choice for many homeowners looking to renovate their bathroom. They're made from a type of ceramic that's fired at a higher temperature, making them denser and harder than regular ceramic.

Pros:

• Porcelain is a very hard and dense material, making it less likely to chip or crack compared to regular ceramic.
• Porcelain surfaces are smooth and non-porous, making them easy to wipe down and keep clean.
• Porcelain bathroom basins have a classic, timeless look that will never go out of style.

Cons:

• Porcelain bathroom basins can be more expensive than regular ceramic or other materials.
• Porcelain is a dense material, so it can be heavy to transport and install.
• Although it is stronger than regular ceramic, porcelain can still chip or crack if it's hit with a hard object

Concrete Bathroom Basin Pros & Cons

Round concrete bathroom basin - Stone & Rock

Concrete bathroom basins can be a stylish and unique addition to your bathroom. The pros include:

• Concrete is a very durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
• Concrete can be shaped, moulded and dyed into almost any form, allowing for a lot of creative freedom in design.
• Concrete is a good insulator and can withstand high temperatures.

However, there are also some cons to consider:

• Concrete is a heavy material, so installing a concrete basin may require additional support.
• Concrete is porous which means it can absorb liquids and stains, if not sealed properly it can be difficult to clean.
• Concrete basins can be expensive to purchase and install.

Natural Stone (Terrazzo) Bathroom Basin Pros & Cons

Nevali Terrazzo Basin - Buildmat

Natural stone bathroom basins – especially terrazzo stone) can add a touch of luxury and elegance to your bathroom. The pros include:

• Natural stone is a very hard and durable material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear.
• Each piece of natural stone is unique and has its own pattern and colour variations, adding a touch of individuality to your bathroom.
• Like concrete, natural stone is a good insulator and can withstand high temperatures.

However, there are also some cons to consider:

• Natural stone can be expensive to purchase and install.
• Some natural stones like granite or marble can be heavy, so installing a basin may require additional support.
• Some natural stone materials like limestone are porous, which means it can absorb liquids and stains. This isn’t a problem if it’s properly sealed.

Marble Bathroom Basin Pros & Cons

Sanceramica Oasis Vessel Marble Above Counter Basin - Harvey Norman

Marble bathroom basins can be a luxurious and elegant addition to your bathroom. The pros include:

• Marble is a hard and durable natural stone.
• Each piece of marble is unique so it can really create a stand-out feature in your bathroom.
• Marble is another bathroom basin material that’s a good insulator and can withstand high temperatures.

However, there are also some cons to consider:

• Marble can be expensive to purchase and install.
• Marble is a relatively soft stone and can be prone to chipping, cracking or scratching.
• Marble needs to be polished and sealed regularly to maintain its shine.

Best Bathroom Basin Material Overall - Durability, Aesthetics & Budget 

Is durability most important to you when it comes to a bathroom basin? Or do you care about aesthetics the most? Or perhaps you’re on a tight budget? Here are my top picks for each.

Best Material for Durability - Porcelain  

When it comes to durability, porcelain is a great option for bathroom basins.  It's a type of ceramic that is fired at a higher temperature, making it harder and more durable than regular ceramic. It's also resistant to scratches and dings, so it will keep its shiny new look for a long time. Plus, it's easy to clean and maintain. One of the downsides is that it can chip if something heavy is dropped on it, but overall porcelain basins are a great choice if you want something that will last a long time.

Best Material for Aesthetics - Natural Stone (Terrazzo)

If you're looking for a bathroom basin that will make a statement and add some serious style to your space, terrazzo is a great option. It's a composite material made of marble, granite, quartz, or glass chips set in concrete or epoxy. It's a highly customizable and versatile material that can be shaped and coloured in countless ways, making it possible to create unique, one-of-a-kind designs. Plus, it's hard, durable and easy to clean. The downside is that it's not as heat-resistant as some other materials and it can be a bit expensive. But if you want a basin that is both beautiful and functional, terrazzo is definitely worth considering.

Best Material for Budget - Ceramic 

When it comes to bathroom basins, ceramic is a great option if you're on a budget. It's a strong and sturdy material that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It's affordable, easy to clean and maintain. Plus, it comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, and can mimic the look of more expensive materials like marble or granite, making it a great budget-friendly alternative. The downside is that it can chip if something heavy is dropped on it, but overall ceramic basins are a great choice if you want something that is both budget-friendly and durable

Bathroom Basin Buying Considerations

When it comes to buying a bathroom basin, there are a few things to consider. One of the first decisions you'll need to make is whether to go for an above-counter or an under-counter basin. 

An above-counter basin sits on top of the counter and is often used to make a statement in the bathroom. They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials, such as glass, ceramic, or stone, and can be a great way to add a touch of luxury to your bathroom. 

On the other hand, an under-counter basin, also known as a drop-in basin, sits inside the counter, giving a more seamless look. These basins are usually made of ceramic or porcelain and are a popular choice for a more traditional or classic look.

Here are some other buying considerations: 

• Size: Consider the size of your bathroom and the space you have available for the basin. Make sure to measure the space before making a purchase.
• Style: Think about the overall style of your bathroom and choose a basin that complements it. Whether you want a modern or traditional look, there are many styles of basins to choose from.
• Functionality: Consider the type of faucet and drain you need, as well as the number of holes required. Also, think about if you need an overflow or not.
• Installation: Some basins require more complex installation than others, so make sure to choose one that can be easily installed by you or a professional.
• Price: Set a budget for your basin purchase and stick to it.
• Brand reputation and warranty: Only buy from reputable brands, and make sure there’s a decent warranty before making a purchase.

Wrapping Up 

As you can see, there are plenty of bathroom basin materials on the market, and each comes with its own pros and cons. Finding the right bathroom basin material really comes down to your style, budget and needs, so take some time to weigh up the pros and cons of each material before making a decision. When in doubt, speak with a professional like a plumber or a reputable bathroom basin retailer to help you make the right choice.