Compared to jewelry, perhaps, the sink serves as the ‘diamond’ on your bathroom space. That gleaming effect of the bathroom leaves that awe effect among your guests’ eyes. Since it’s one of the best highlights for your area, it’s just right that it has that stunning lux to add flavor and comfort to whoever shall use it which is better guided by a professional bathroom remodeler. But why does having an iconic sink becomes a trend for most homeowners nowadays?
76% of U.S. homeowners who want to have their master bathroom renovated chose to sink to be on their list. The sink is their top seventh priority in their checklist on bathroom feature upgrade. Nearly one in ten of them chose to place the sink after removing the bathtub. Within that 76% mentioned, 65% of them decided on a double-sink setup followed by the under-mount sink style. Finally, 14% of those homeowners only prefer one sink for their master bathroom.
Being a gem in the bathroom, the sink deserves a grand makeover also. Of course, sinks have different variations to choose from. But there are two types of sinks that give a hard time for homeowners to decide from. Which one is really better, an acrylic sink or a porcelain sink? This blog will tackle the sinks mentioned above, their advantages and disadvantages, and the differences between the two.
WHAT IS AN ACRYLIC SINK?
The acrylic sink is made up of polymethyl methacrylate, or commonly known as Perspex or Plexiglass. The sink is mainly composed of fine powder filler, fibers, or glass fibers for enhanced durability and then molded into a sink figure applying vacuum and intense heat.
The acrylic sink comes in different shapes, sizes, and colors. It does not chip easily like those on enamel-made ones. Still, it is weak on hot materials as it mostly has plastic components. It can endure stains except for those with oil-based and acidic substances as they leave tougher stains.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF ACRYLIC SINKS?
An acrylic sink is the best way to go for homeowners working on a budget but don’t want to compromise style. Aside from being cost-effective, it is not porous as long as you consistently wipe and rinse it on a regular basis. When there are scratches or chips, no need to worry, for they are repairable.
Just take utmost care when handling sharp objects near the sinks, as the more scratches it receives, the more reason you’ll have to get a new acrylic sink instead. In terms of cleaning, better settle on mild cleaners. If you clean it using potent and flammable chemical substances such as drain and petroleum-based products, except for severe damages.
As mentioned above, refrain from exposing it to hot temperatures such as hot pans (which rarely happens since the sink is located in the bathroom), hairdryers, flat and curling irons as they leave burns that become a pet peeve for the sink’s aesthetics.
WHAT IS A PORCELAIN SINK?
Nonporous, easy-to-clean, aesthetic—- those are the best three things you can describe to a porcelain sink. No wonder it is still popular with most homeowners. It is heavy-duty and stainless steel.
It is made up of refined clay, also called fireclay, heated from 1,200 to 1,4000 degrees Fahrenheit. Such outcome after heating results in low moisture absorbency and soft-to-look-at white color. With further innovations today, the sink is now infused with cast iron or metal.
WHAT ARE THE GOOD AND BAD SIDES OF PORCELAIN SINKS?
If durability is what you’re up to, then a porcelain sink is the best option. It holds well over time for years, especially when taken with proper maintenance protocols. Regardless of the types you choose, they still offer long-lasting characteristic that makes them a good investment for your bathroom remodeling plan. Plus, you have a wide array of color options to select that definitely suit your tastes.
However, if you drop heavy objects on it, it might have chip marks, but who even brings heavy objects in your bathroom anyway? Aside from chips, you might as well consider those acidic and high-staining substances to stay away from the sink, such as bleach and strong-colored food.
If such stains stay for an extended period of time and you did not wipe them away, the stain will be tougher to remove. Take note that most porcelain sinks are lighter or whiter in color, making dirt and stain much more visible.
Finally, the porcelain sink is quite heavy compared to other sinks and requires more effort to install. If you prefer having the sink undermount, it is much more challenging to do. Nevertheless, this is just a very minimal case to consider since you know you’ll still end up having that elegant sink after the installation job.
WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN ACRYLIC SINK AND PORCELAIN SINK?
Now that you know the essential information and the potential drawbacks and essential benefits of the two sinks above. It’s time to give them their differences. You might have a glimpse already. A simple table of comparison will provide you with a better view of the two sinks. Refer to the table below.
CATEGORY | ACRYLIC SINK | PORCELAIN SINK |
Material | Plastic | Clay |
Weight | Lighter in weight | Quite heavy |
Cost | More affordable and budget-friendly | Expensive |
Durability | Harder to chip but is still prone to scratches; weak on hot materials | Easily chips only if dropped with heavy objects; can take the heat; lasts for 25-30 years |
Ease of Cleaning | Nonporous; germ-fighting properties | Can easily remove the stain |
Style | Both have double and single-sink styles; can be drop-in, under-mount or self-rimming sink | |
Always consider a few factors before deciding between an acrylic sink and a porcelain sink for a bathroom. Acrylic comes in a wide range of hues and shapes, making it a cost-effective option that may add a unique touch to your space. At the same time, the porcelain sink offers a timeless life span with more touch of lux to your bathroom. Whichever sink you choose for your area, it’s way better to seek advice from a reputable bathroom remodeling company.
If you’re looking for that perfect sink, Fort Worth Bath Remodeling is here to assist you. With different acrylic and porcelain sink style, colors, and design to choose from, you’ll definitely bring out the best for your bathroom. Make a reservation right now by calling us at 817-383-8093 or thru our website at www.bathremodelfortworth.com. Achieving the dream bathroom has never got this close.
