Bathroom Basin materials
- Gabrielle Glasson
- Mar 15
- 5 min read
cERAMIC VS CONCRETE VS STAINLESS STEEL VS NATURAL STONE VS SOLID SURFACE BATHROOM BASINS:
WHICH ONE IS RIGHT FOR YOU?
We often have clients ask us what type of basin we recommend for their bathroom, and the truth is, it depends! There's no right or wrong, but there are things to keep in mind when choosing between undermount, overmount or inset basins, and whether to select concrete, ceramic, natural stone, or solid surface basins for your new bathroom renovation. So let's go through your bathroom basin options!
Ceramic basins - pros and cons
Ceramic basins can be over-mounted to serve as a feature of your bathroom, or undermounted for a discreet look where tapware, stone vanity top or tiles may be the feature.
By far the most popular choice for bathrooms, ceramic basins come in so many shapes and sizes, allowing you to have fun with your vanity design.
Pros:
They are extremely durable and resistant to scratches - particularly in a gloss finish.
Easy to maintain with supermarket cleaning products.
Perfect for undermount basins.
Cons:
The downside of ceramic basins is that when used in an overmount design, ceramic can crack or chip if hit very hard. That being said, bathrooms tend not to be a place where you're moving around with heavy objects, so we don't think it's too much to worry about!
concrete basins - pros and cons
A relatively recent entry to the market, concrete basins lend a beautiful natural, tactile feel to your bathroom aesthetic. Available in a wide variety of colours, and designs from modern to very natural and hand-made looking, they are a versatile option to create some wow in your bathroom.
For an earthier look to your bathroom, we love them in conjunction with other organic textures or natural materials such as microcement, natural stone, handmade zellige tiles or timber. As concrete is a porous material, bear in mind that you'll need to care for your sink well to ensure it stays beautiful for many years to come.
Maintenance: Not all concrete sinks are created equal, so you'll need to check the maintenance instructions with your manufacturer. Many concrete sinks will need to be sealed from time to time. One of our favourite brands @nood_co, bake the sealer into the concrete to avoid the need for ongoing sealing. They also provide a wax kit which can be easily applied every 3 months to keep your basin looking beautiful.
Clean your basin with a gentle, PH neutral cleaner and avoid abrasive scrubs. Never use with acidic, harsh, or citrus based cleaning products.
Pros:
A huge array of colour and design options to inject personality into your design.
A beautiful natural and tactile matt surface that suits both modern and earthy designs
Cons:
Can stain and etch if improperly cared for.
Need to be sealed / waxed to maintain.
NATURAL STONE basins - pros and cons
Not much can complete with the beauty of a natural stone basin. Tactile and unique, these can be the focal point of your design. Whether you opt for an organic shape, a smoothly honed finish, or a single slab that is handmade into your vanity and basin, a natural stone basin (for example in marble, limestone or travertine) is a perfect option to create a natural looking space with those opulent day spa vibes.
Maintenance: Like with natural stone bench surfaces or tiles, it is imperative to seal your natural stone basin to protect it. The frequency of sealing depends on the quality of sealer you use, so read the label for duration. A great sealer will last for up to 15 years, though we recommend resealing a bit more often given the high use of a basin.
Keep in mind that sealer is not an iron clad protection for your natural stone, which may still stain or etch if spills, marks or acidic materials are left to soak in for a long period of time. Some stones are more durable than others, so your manufacturer will let you know how to clean and protect your selected stone basin.
Pros:
Ultra luxurious and unique look for your bathroom.
Can select from ready-made top-mount basins or have a custom-made single vanity / basin unit.
You can match your basin and vanity to other elements of your bathroom for an opulent stone look. (See image below.)
Cons:
Can be expensive
Susceptible to staining and etching if improperly maintained.
Requires periodic sealing to maintain.
STainless Steel basins - pros and cons
Stainless steel basins are durable and easy to clean, providing a modern look available in a variety of metallic finishes. In bathrooms, they tend to be used as an overmount design with a brushed metallic finish such as brass or copper.
Pros:
Durable and easy to clean.
Cons:
You may find the edges are quite thin and sharp, which can make them susceptible to denting.
They are prone to scratching and difficult-to-remove water spots.
Some suppliers may have colours that are difficult to match to tapware (e.g. brass finish looks a bit orange)
Cheaper options may tarnish over time, particularly if coated.
Solid Surface basins - pros and cons
Solid Surface basins use a man-made, engineered material that combines acrylic, epoxy or polyester resins with Alumina Trihydrate (ATH) to provide a seamless, non-porous material. These are usually used for single-surface vanity tops with inset basin.
Pros:
Affordable
Easy-to-clean - no edges for dust or spills to build up.
Cons:
Usually don't look as premium as other options.
Prone to scratching as well as staining if spills are not promptly cleaned.
CONCLUSION
With so many basin options available today, it's easy to find a solution to create the exact look you're hoping to achieve.
If you're going for a premium, low maintenance look, then ceramic is your best bet.
If you don't mind a little bit of care and maintenance to create a real show-stopper, then concrete or natural stone basins are the way to go.
If you're looking for lowest cost, lowest maintenance, then a Solid Surface might be a great option.
If you're not sure where to start with your bathroom design, talk to us about our interior design service!
