Although one of the smallest areas in the house, bathrooms are an important part of you home’s style scheme. Thanks to the many Instagram bathroom ideas, even those without innate sense for design can get instantly inspired. And to turn an idea into an actual project, all it takes is choosing bathroom products that meet both your taste and quality expectations. How quality your bathroom products will be mainly depends on their material. This goes especially when choosing the basin.
Ceramic Sinks
These basins for bathrooms are the most commonly chosen type. This material is a type of pottery and is made of water, clay and powder which enables it to be shaped into various forms. Ceramic basins for bathrooms are extremely durable, resistant to scratches and chipping. They are also easy to clean and resistant to stains and bacteria build-up. Ceramic basins are also non-porous, smooth and resistant to discolouration. They are extremely affordable and are available in a vast array of shapes and sizes in order to meet the different bathroom design demands. The one and the only downside is that they can be chipped and cracked, however, this cannot occur that easily.
Porcelain Sinks
Similar to ceramic, porcelain is also a pottery-based product. Although made of one of the hardest clay, porcelain sinks still manage to have that smooth and soft-looking appearance. These sinks are also affordable and easy to clean, however, the main downside is that they usually come in plain and simple designs.
Natural Stone Sinks
As the name implies, these sinks are made of a natural material which can certainly affect the price. Bathroom sinks made of natural stone are quite expensive, however, nothing can beat the quality and the unique appearance they offer. Carved from marble, granite, sandstone, travertine, green jade stone or onyx, stone sinks are a work of art. Since they are handcrafted, these sinks can be easily adapted to any type of bathroom space. An important thing you need to have in mind is that stone sinks are porous and need special care like regular sealing. Soap or lime residue can certainly affect the stone sink’s surface which is why regular maintenance and cleaning is required. Although stunning, these sinks are not recommended for a bathroom that sees a high volume of traffic.
Stainless Steel Sinks
Stainless steel is another commonly used material for bathroom sinks. Except in the bathroom, stainless steel sinks can also be seen in kitchens as well. The reasons why these sinks are so popular is that this material is resistant to germs, bacteria, rust and stains. Depending on the quality and final coat, some stainless steel sinks can be easily scratched. However, this can be prevented by not using harsh cleansers and by choosing extremely quality stainless steel sink. One of the greatest benefits of having such a sink is that it’s extremely durable and it can suit every pocket.
Besides this, it’s impossible to chip a stainless steel wash basin which is another reason why so many people prefer it for bathrooms that are used on a daily basis by many people. A general rule to follow related to these sinks is choosing 18 and 16 gauge stainless steel sinks. You should avoid 22 gauge stainless steel sinks as they are flimsy and can easily dent.
Wooden Sinks
Although unusual, wood (teak, in particular), can also be used for designing sinks. The reason why teak is used for bathroom sinks is that it has oils which makes it water-resistant. These oils are also what makes this material resilient and resistant to wrapping. This type of wood is also resistant to mildew, mould and fungi build up which makes it an excellent choice for bathrooms. When cleaning a wooden sink, it’s recommended to use non-scouring cleaning solutions. Mild soap and a clean cloth is enough to clean the surface. The main downside of wooden sinks is that you can never rely on the chosen colour as the wood will start developing a darker shade over time.
Resin Sinks
Resin bathroom sinks are made of poly-resin blend and quite often they look like stone sinks. The main advantages of these sinks is that they are extremely durable, easy to clean and maintain. Unlike some other types of sinks, the resin ones come in unique designs and vibrant colours, thus adding a dash of freshness to any bathroom.
How to Install Bathroom Basin?
Although there is a possibility for you to install a bathroom sink on your own, consulting with a professional is the smart way to go about it. This is because there are different types of sinks available on the market that require a different installation approach. If not sure how to do it, it’s best to use the services of a professional plumber.