Types of Sink Materials and How to Choose the Right One

Shopping for a new sink? This guide covers the most common sink materials and the considerations to make for each.

Sinks add style and functionality to any space, but with so many options available, searching for the right fit can be a confusing process. Choosing the type of sink can be hard enough, but then you’ll have to settle on a material, too. Each sink material has its own unique set of benefits (and potential drawbacks), so knowing what to look for can help you trim your browsing time and shop confidently.

Before you dive in, always consider your budget, the amount of maintenance or cleaning you’re willing to commit to, and your personal design style. To help you pick the best sink for your space and lifestyle, we’ve outlined the most common sink materials on the market today, along with the pros and cons of each.

Related: The 13 Best Kitchen Sinks for Your Home of 2024

Stainless Steel

One of the most common and affordable sink materials, stainless steel is known for its versatility and durability. You can also choose double or single basins in farmhouse or standard styles (both in modern and traditional forms), making stainless steel sinks suitable for many residential spaces. It typically only requires soap and water to clean, so stainless steel is fairly easy to maintain. However, its durability is not absolute, as stainless steel can still dent and scratch if you use any abrasive materials (like steel wool sponges), knives, or heavy pots. This material also shows more water spots and smudges more easily than other sink types.

Related: How to Remove Scratches from Stainless Steel

Fireclay

Crafted from clay and molded into shape by baking at temperatures of over 2,000°F, this sink material is glazed (usually done by hand with a porcelain enamel) and fired in a kiln. Mostly found in a white hue, fireclay sinks tend to be very heavy and need a custom installation, making them a more costly upgrade. However, fireclay sinks are resistant to fading and rust, which means this material will last you a long time and require minimal effort to maintain its appearance.

Porcelain

Sharing some similarities with fireclay, porcelain is also a non-porous and low-maintenance sink material. But, unlike fireclay, porcelain is constructed from a mixture of clay and other minerals and fired at a lower temperature. Porcelain can also be molded around a metal core, like steel or iron, for extra durability. However, porcelain sinks tend to be more prone to scratches and chips compared to fireclay, making them less durable and heat-resistant.

Related: How to Clean a Porcelain Sink with Pantry Staples

Stone

Natural stone sinks, like marble, require sealing and special maintenance to keep them in pristine condition. Stone sinks also tend to be among the most expensive to install compared to stainless steel or fireclay. But one of these sink material’s stand-out features is its sound-dampening effect, which compared to stainless steel can be a lot less noisy to use as you shuffle dishes and heavy pots. In addition, you can customize your sink to match your countertop stone, resulting in a sleek, seamless appearance. But you’ll also need to reseal your stone over time because it will stain, absorb liquids, crack, or chip over time.

Granite Composite

Unlike granite stone, granite composite comes from a concoction of the dust of hard granite stones and acrylic resins, resulting in a much more uniform color. These sinks also tend to be very durable, long-lasting, and resistant to chips, scratches, and stains. Although offered in a wide range of finishes, sizes, and colors (white, black, and brown are the most popular), these sinks are a bit harder to maintain and use. Due to the density of granite composite, any fragile dishes can shatter if dropped on the sink’s surface. Plus, you can’t just use any solution or chemical to clean granite composite sinks, so it’s best to follow your manufacturer’s instructions.

Cast Iron

Made entirely of cast iron and usually overlaid with porcelain enamel, this sink material is resilient and stain-resistant. Cast iron sinks can also come in custom colors so you can tap into a design style you love. But, since enamel coats the cast iron, it’s not chip-proof. So, if you do chip your cast iron sink, you risk exposing its underlying iron layer, which is susceptible to rust. Cast iron sinks are also cumbersome, which can drive up your labor and installation costs. Often considered timeless, cast iron sinks will add elegance to any space but tend to be a more costly and higher-maintenance upgrade to start with.

Enameled Steel

Enameled steel sinks are considered easier to install than cast iron because they are lighter in weight. They are also scratch-, heat-, and stain-resistant due to their steel core and porcelain enamel coating (which is also fired at high temperatures to seal the surface). These sinks feature a smooth appearance and adapt well to both traditional kitchens and modern spaces.

Copper

What sets copper apart from other sink materials is that it’s a naturally occurring earth material that is capable of eliminating bacteria and viruses, making it an idyllic choice for bathroom or kitchen spaces. Although copper can last you for generations, it does need specific maintenance to preserve its finish. Copper sinks also tend to be more expensive but can provide a warm, rustic metallic alternative to standard stainless steel or white farmhouse sinks.

Related: How to Clean a Copper Sink and Restore Its Patina

Acrylic 

Another practical choice for busy households, acrylic sinks are derived from plastic reinforced with fiberglass, making them resistant to scratches and stains. Because this material tends to be lightweight, it’s considered one of the easiest sinks to install on the market and also comes in a wide range of styles and colors. However, one of the primary drawbacks of acrylic is that it is prone to heat damage, so you can’t place hot pans or pots right into your sink.

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