One of the bathroom’s main components is the hand basin, be it in décor or functionality. Whether they are part of the counter or a standalone fixture, knowing the proper design to go with the bathroom’s whole theme is essential. But the perfect design is not worth much without appropriate materials. Let’s discuss some of the most popular and time-tested materials used to construct bathroom hand basins.
The modern bathroom sinks have many features that do cleaning and washing easy. There are faucets for both hot and cold water, plugs for easy drainage, and some even feature a spray appendage to make your cleaning job faster. Nevertheless, it’s best to choose a hand basin made from reliable and robust materials. The old way had clay and enamel bathroom hand basins, which often included a bowl and a jug for easy cleaning. While modernization has made the washbasin an easy-to-use feature, burnt clay usage has passed the test of time and still finds its way into modern bathroom design.
The top 5 materials used for making hand basins are:
1. Ceramic
One of the most common material used for making bathroom hand basins, the ceramic material is not only long-lasting but also eco-friendly. The highlight of this material is its shine and the ability to retain its color for a long time. Making the ceramic is mixing different minerals or stones, baking them to create a firm product with a beautiful glaze resistant to bleaches.
2. Glass
This material is gaining traction, mostly due to its luxury status. The glass, or in many instances, tempered glass, still requires care when used, especially when cleaning. However, it is better to avoid such glass basins for your bathroom because these are fragile, and you need to spend a lot of time and money on their maintenance.
3. Resin
When looking for a lighter and low-maintenance washbasin, the resin ones are ideal because they are:
- Easy to install
- Durable
- Easy to clean
Traditionally, these are found in vans and caravans, but many homeowners opt for resin basins or resin-incorporated mineral basins for their homes, too. The latter is known to be warmer and resistant to shocks.
4. Acrylic
A much more affordable glass-lookalike is the acrylic hand basin. These are made of a heat-pliable acrylic layer that is reinforced with polyurethane or fiberglass. This lightweight and durable basin is gaining popularity because of the glossy finish. The acrylic material is resistant to scratches and allows for creative decorations of the sink. The only drawback is that anything containing acetone and lanolin mars the acrylic surface.
5. Stone
Whether natural or artificial, stone bathroom hand basins are popular due to the aesthetic appeal. These basins are often expensive and are found in high-end homes. Whether the basin is made of natural stones like marble or granite or is artificially created using cement and stones, these basins are heavy and durable, requiring less maintenance.
No matter the material, bathroom hand basins require periodic cleaning and proper maintenance to last for a long time. Each material comes with its pros and cons, along with a price tag. While making a choice, these factors should be kept in mind, and you must choose an expert to install the same.