Porcelain or Ceramic: Which Material is Best for Your Wash Basin?
01 June 2023
Introduction
Sinks are undoubtedly functional, but they have advanced well beyond being merely practical and useful. These days, sinks come in countless variations of sizes, colours, and shapes. The washbasin is frequently the decorative focal point of many bathrooms and kitchens.
For some people, it also represents a considerable financial commitment. In addition to picking a washbasin that enhances the aesthetic appeal of your design and environment, practicality and convenience must also be considered.
Along with stainless steel, copper, granite, fireclay, and other materials, ceramic and porcelain are the two most popular washbasin materials. They are quite similar to one another, which leaves individuals baffled when remodelling their bathrooms.
The argument between ceramic and porcelain sinks is influenced by a small number of variables, but those variables have a big impact on the product's look, quality, durability, and convenience. To assist you decide which one is better for your kitchen or bathroom, we've tried to bring up all the porcelain vs. ceramic sink characteristics in this post. So read on to learn more.
Porcelain
In essence, porcelain is ceramic that has undergone a high-temperature firing process to produce a smooth, impermeable surface. Kaolin, a type of fine clay mineral with a silicate base, makes up the majority of porcelain. A glaze is applied, and it is then fired at a very high temperature (between 1,200°C and 1,400°C) after being sculpted or moulded into the appropriate shape.
The texture of the washbasin is changed by the fire into the characteristic hard, polished glass finish, which is essentially the result of a physical response. Sinks made of porcelain offer a highly upscale appearance. The best thing about a porcelain washbasin is that it can be made into any shape because the material is dense and soft.
Sinks made of porcelain feel incredibly substantial and are resistant to both extremely hot and cold conditions. Porcelain, however, is essentially glass, which means that it can be scratched, smudged, or broken by hard or pointed items.
Ceramic
All across the world, ceramic sinks are a common sight in kitchens. If you prefer a traditional, cottage-style kitchen, ceramic sinks are perfect. a beautiful complement to wood counters and cabinetry in historical styles. Clays, fillers, and fluxes are mixed and welded together during the firing process to form ceramic sinks. Since natural materials are used in the firing process, no two ceramic sinks are ever exactly alike.
The fact that pottery is a natural substance created from readily available raw elements like clay, kaolin, quartz, and feldspar surprises a lot of people. This indicates that ceramic sinks are durable, long-lasting, and environmentally beneficial in both their manufacture and disposal.
Because they are so resistant to heat, scraping, and household acids, ceramic kitchen sinks are among the most long-lasting and simple to maintain sinks for your kitchen.
Comparing Porcelain and Ceramic
If you want a wash basin that is both aesthetically pleasing and durable, porcelain is the best choice. Porcelain is more resistant to dents and chips than ceramic because ceramic is more brittle. This means that, in comparison to ceramic, your washbasin will look brand new for a longer period of time.
Additionally, porcelain may be dyed in a variety of ways by adding pigments to the clay before firing; this allows for the use of a virtually unlimited number of colours and patterns on different furniture pieces as well as clothing!
Which is Better Porcelain or Ceramic Sink?
You are already familiar with the components used to create a porcelain or ceramic washbasin. We haven't yet discussed the benefits and drawbacks of each, though. We shall compare them rather than just list them one at a time. Let's get going.
1. Environment-Friendliness
Both have a low impact on the environment. The materials can be utilised to build roads or repurposed into tiles.
2. Durability
The two sinks are strong. A ceramic object, however, would break if something struck it with enough power. Ceramic sinks are still just as durable as ever. After all, what are the possibilities that something will hit the porcelain bathroom sink? But we'll be open about it. Because porcelain contains steel, porcelain sinks are substantially more durable than ceramic sinks.
Second, it is heated to extremely high temperatures and is put under a lot of pressure. As a result, porcelain is much stronger than ceramic. Therefore, porcelain prevails over ceramic in the washbasin comparison.
3. Cost
Porcelain is a little more affordable than ceramic in terms of price. A high-quality porcelain washbasin is available for a few hundred dollars. The cost of ceramic sinks varies substantially. The best porcelain sinks currently on the market can cost more if you choose high-end ceramic sinks.
4. Resale Value
Whether we like to admit it or not, whenever we remodel a home or create a new building, we consider the resale value. All too frequently, people wonder things like, "Will this help me get a better price for this place?" This method is also quite acceptable. Selling something and investing the proceeds in another project is a fantastic idea if you are getting a good price for it.
What about sinks made of porcelain or ceramic? Do they raise the value at resale? In this instance, porcelain triumphs. The cost and durability of porcelain sinks are the cause. They will therefore probably sell for more money if you decide to sell your home in the future.
5. Water Resistance
Without a doubt, there will be a lot of water in the washbasin. So you'll need the least permeable washbasin possible. It must not absorb water, in other words, or it will begin to break. Sinks made of ceramic must be glazed to reduce porosity. Even yet, they do still absorb some water, which lessens their robustness. Ceramic sinks are more porous than porcelain sinks. Therefore, porcelain is the preferable option when comparing the water resistance of sinks compared to ceramic sinks.
6. Scratch Resistance
The resistance to scratches increases with surface hardness. You're already aware that porcelain is more durable than ceramic. However, you may avoid scratches on your porcelain sink with the right maintenance and care.
7. Repair & Maintenance
It is difficult and expensive to fix a porcelain washbasin if it develops issues. On the other hand, ceramic sinks are less expensive and easier to fix than porcelain ones. To maintain their longevity and lustre, both things need to be maintained equally. Ceramic sinks, however, need regular deep cleaning.
8. Design & Colors
Ceramic sinks come in a variety of patterns and hues. Due of the abundance of possibilities, it can be difficult to decide which one to purchase. Porcelain is just as adaptable. However, you should be aware that porcelain sinks are often white. It could be difficult to locate if your favourite colour isn't available. It can be ordered specifically, but it will be very expensive.
Verdict | Porcelain or Ceramic: Which Material is Best for Your Wash Basin?
You should choose a porcelain sink if you want a simple, low-cost sink. Furthermore, they are tougher. Porcelain sinks, on the other hand, are often only offered in the most simple and basic designs, but ceramic sinks come in a far wider variety of forms and colours.
In the end, porcelain is stronger and more useful, whereas ceramic may have a somewhat nicer appearance. Additionally, it is challenging and expensive to fix a problem in a porcelain washbasin. Conversely, ceramic sinks are less expensive and simpler to fix than porcelain sinks. Your decision is up to you! Contact Bluecera LLP at https://bluecerallp.com/ or mail at export@bluecerallp.com or call +91 99747 40072 for details
