So, what are kitchen sinks made of? Most kitchen sinks are made of stainless steel, composite, fireclay, and ceramic. Others are made of glass, natural stone, Porcelain, and copper, depending on the design of the kitchen.
This article features the seven best types of kitchen sink materials. In addition, it also reviews the advantages and disadvantages of each material to help you select the best.
What Are Kitchen Sinks Made Of? – (7 Best Materials, Pros, And Cons)
Kitchen sinks are made of various materials to provide a unique touch to your kitchen outlook. Here are the top seven kitchen sink materials you can select from.
1. Stainless Steel
Stainless steel kitchen sinks are the most preferred due to their compatibility with almost every kitchen setup. The grade 316 or 304 is thick, providing a masculine surface that reduces the vibrations from water activities. It’s also considered the best material due to its corrosion and rust resistance.
300 series stainless steel contains chromium and nickel that are non-magnetic and can withstand high temperatures.
Pros
- Resistant to corrosion
- Strong and durable
- Relatively affordable
- Easy to clean
- Compatible with almost every kitchen appliance
Cons
- Prone to dents and scratches and gets stained easily
- It produces a lot of noise from running water
2. Ceramic
A ceramic kitchen sink is another prominent material used in modern-day sink work. Ceramics are made of clay and fiber raw materials that are blended and heated to form a compact structure.
They are relatively cheap and lighter than cast iron but slightly heavier than the stainless-steel sink, with a reduced noise effect.
It gives a traditional outlook with a modern touch giving your kitchen a perfect mix of old and contemporary feeling.
Pros
- Relatively affordable
- It gives a traditional yet modern outlook
- Durable and long-lasting
- Reduced noise
- Quick to dry clean
Cons
- Becomes porous with time
- Prone to dents and scratches
3. Fire Clay
Fire clay is among the most preferred material for kitchen sinks, with a touch of uniqueness in the design. These sinks are made of clay fired with glaze at high temperatures in an oven. The result is a strong, durable, smooth sink for easy and quick cleaning.
Most fire clay sinks are handcrafted to achieve a unique customized end product. Fire clay kitchen sinks are similar to ceramic and Porcelain but more compact and robust.
Pros
- Resistant to dents, stains, and scratches
- Quick and easy to clean
- Highly durable
- Strong and non-porous
Cons
- Expensive to install
- Quite expensive to buy
4. Composite
As the name suggests, composite materials combine more than one component to develop a more robust and more durable product. Composite sinks are categorized into granite and quartz composite.
Quartz composite is made of quartz in the form of crushed sand and acrylic resin. It forms a smooth, easy-to-clean sink that is less susceptible to dents and scratches.
Granite composite is preferred because feldspar, mica, and quartz are mixed with resin to make it non-porous. It is durable with a heat and stain-resistant capacity adding to its preference.
Pros
- Easy and quick to clean
- Comes in a variety of colors and designs
- Long lasting in good condition
- Resistant to scratches and dents
- Strong with reduced noise and vibration
Cons
- Expensive
- Heavy and hard to install
5. Porcelain
Have you ever come across a shiny attractive kitchen sink and wondered what are kitchen sinks made of? Porcelain is a crucial material used to create unique kitchen sinks.
It is another product of Kaolin, a clay element, feldspar, and quartz, giving a long-lasting end product. These materials are heated in a kiln under high temperatures to provide a solid compact material.
Unlike ceramic and fire clay, Porcelain is compact with zero chances or porosity. Their reflective finish gives your kitchen an attractive appearance.
Most clients prefer Porcelain due to its compatibility with undermount kitchen sinks with minimal noise from running water.
Pros
- Minimal noise from running water
- Attractive reflecting finish
- Strong and highly durable
- Easy and quick to clean and maintain
Cons
- Prone to cracking and chipping
- Susceptible to hard water stains
6. Wood
As much as it may seem uncommon, wood is another unique material used to make kitchen sinks.
Wooden kitchen sinks are long-lasting with a unique sense of handcrafting, giving a customized design. They also provide a traditional outlook and modern appearance in your kitchen setup.
Pros
- Readily available material
- Highly durable
- It gives a sense of handcrafting art
- Reduced noise and vibration
Cons
- Susceptible to dents and scratches
- Requires proper maintenance to keep it dry
7. Natural Stone
The use of natural stone, on the other hand, is gaining preference, especially in high-class hotels and kitchens.
A natural stone kitchen sink is preferred because it can withstand high temperatures and chemicals. Natural stone for kitchen sinks is softened in the interior to avoid breakage when cutlery drops in them.
Pros
- It gives a classy, unique finish to your kitchen
- Stain and oil resistant
- Easy to maintain and clean
- Can sustain high temperatures
Cons
- Prone to cracking
- Expensive and requires care to maintain
Other Materials Used To Make Kitchen Sinks
Other materials are used to make kitchen sinks, but their use is limited. Some of these materials are either too expensive or not likely preferred.
They include:
- Glass
- Acrylic
- Bamboo
- Brass
- Copper
- Cast iron
Their use is limited to specific kitchen sinks making them less preferred. Some of these materials are used in high-level-class hotels and residential houses.
Factors To Consider When Selecting Materials For Kitchen Sinks
Below are the factors you must consider when purchasing the best kitchen sink materials.
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Price
Different materials have different prices depending on their quality. Composite, fireclay, and stainless steel top the list as the most expensive materials for kitchen sinks.
Wood and copper are relatively cheap due to their availability and ease of access. Select a kitchen sink with a material that fits your budget.
- Compatibility With The Top Sink
You must select a kitchen sink with a material that resonates with the existing top sink surface for elegance and appearance.
Check the color and the texture for better compatibility that will give your kitchen an attractive appearance.
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Durability
A kitchen sink is a permanent utility with minimal chances of replacement. Therefore, you need to consider the quality of the material to have one that will last long.
Glass and Porcelain are prone to breakage compared to stainless steel and fireclay.
FAQs
Below are some of the frequently asked questions about materials for kitchen sinks.
Q: Which Is The Best Material For Making Kitchen Sinks?
Any material used to make kitchen sinks is okay. However, your preference and budget will guide you on which kitchen sink material to use.
However, from an analysis point of view, stainless steel kitchen sinks are the best, followed by composite, ceramic, Porcelain, and copper.
Q: What Are Porcelain Sinks Made Of?
Porcelain sinks are one of the most robust and durable kitchen sink materials. They are made from cast iron or steel and insulated with Porcelain for their attractive appearance.
Q: Are Kitchen Sinks Made Of Aluminum Durable?
Kitchen sinks made of aluminum are not strong and last for a short period. The main reason is that aluminum is light and prone to dents and scratches.
Aluminum metal is also hard to clean and prone to hard water stains.
Conclusion
Hope you have got the answer to your question about what are kitchen sinks made of reading this article. It has provided an analysis of the best materials you can select from for your kitchen. Stainless steel, composite, and fire clay kitchen sink are top for their durability and affordability.
However, any of the above materials can make kitchen sinks depending on your preference and budget. I hope this article has helped you unravel the mystery behind the materials used to make kitchen sinks.