Deciding Between Ceramic or Porcelain Sinks? Compare Pros and Cons

When renovating a bathroom, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right sink material. Ceramic and porcelain sinks are both popular options, but they have some key differences.

An Overview of Ceramic Bathroom Sinks

Ceramic sinks have been used in bathrooms for over a century. They are made from natural clay that is molded and then fired at high temperatures to harden and set the shape. The firing process makes the clay vitrified, which reduces porosity and makes it hold up well to frequent use and exposure to water.

Many ceramic sinks are made with a glazing applied to the surface. This waterproof coating makes the sink even more resistant to moisture and daily wear-and-tear. Without a glazed surface, ceramic can stain and show signs of use over time.

Ceramic comes in a wide array of colors, patterns, and artistic designs. It's a great choice for adding a decorative focal point to your bathroom. You can find ceramic sinks shaped like seashells, flower petals, or forest leaves for a unique style.

The Pros of Ceramic Sinks

• Wide range of artistic and decorative styles available
• Durable when fired and glazed properly
• Porous nature allows for creative coloring techniques
• Stains and scratches can often be removed with proper care
• Small damages can be repaired fairly easily

The Cons of Ceramic Sinks

• Prone to chipping if hit with a heavy or sharp object
• Can develop cracks over time, especially around drain
• More prone to showing stains if not cared for diligently
• Glazing may need to be reapplied over time

What to Know About Porcelain Sinks

Like ceramic, porcelain sinks have been popular choices for bathrooms for many years. But porcelain actually has a different makeup than ceramic.

Porcelain starts with a thicker cast iron or steel base that is then covered with a glass-like coating and fired at extremely high temperatures. This makes porcelain denser and more durable than ceramic.

The nonporous porcelain surface is highly resistant to stains, scratches, and heat. Porcelain enameling creates a smooth, shiny, and waterproof surface. It can last for decades with proper care.

While porcelain comes in fewer artistic design options than ceramic, you can still find styles with color variations and integrated sink bowls. Undermount porcelain sinks are also popular choices.

The Pros of Porcelain Sinks

• Extremely durable and scratch resistant surface
• Nonporous so highly water resistant
• Stains have difficulty penetrating the glass-like enamel
• Maintains a like-new shine for years
• Resists damage from impacts and dropped objects

The Cons of Porcelain Sinks

• Limited in artistic and decorative styles
• Chips and cracks are hard to repair
• Can show mineral deposits if not cleaned regularly
• Higher price for some premium models

Comparing Durability of Ceramic vs Porcelain

Many homeowners want to know: is porcelain or ceramic more durable? Porcelain sinks are generally regarded as more durable overall.

The glass-like enamel coating makes porcelain highly scratch and stain resistant. The dense nonporous surface also makes it unlikely to chip or crack. Porcelain can maintain its durability and luster for decades.

That said, high-quality ceramic that is properly fired, glazed, and cared for can also be quite durable. It may be more prone to surface stains and scratches over time. Any chips and cracks in ceramic are usually minor and can often be repaired.

One thing affecting durability is heat resistance. Porcelain can withstand very high temperatures, while sudden temperature changes can crack ceramic. Bottom line - porcelain is tougher, but ceramic holds up well when properly made.

Assessing Water Resistance

For a bathroom sink material, being waterproof is clearly an important factor. Here porcelain also has an advantage over ceramic.

The nonporous glass enamel surface of porcelain completely prevents water absorption. Ceramic is naturally more porous, so it requires a glaze coating to reduce water penetration. Over time, this glaze may need to be reapplied.

Porcelain's waterproof nature also prevents mineral deposits from building up. Ceramic is more likely to develop limescale rings if not cleaned vigilantly.

Of course, ceramic can also be highly water resistant when properly glazed. But porcelain generally has the edge for households concerned about moisture damage.

Porcelain vs Ceramic Sink Costs

In general, porcelain sinks tend to be more affordable than premium designer ceramic sinks. However, both materials have models at varying price points.

A basic porcelain sink can be purchased for $100-300. More complex shapes and undermount styles may cost anywhere from $300-1,000. Very high-end porcelain with special colors or details can be $1,000-2,000.

While ceramic sinks start around the same $100-300 range, prices quickly skyrocket for artisan designs. Intricately shaped ceramic vessels often run $600-1,200. You can even find hand-sculpted ceramic sinks priced at $2,000-4,000.

The material is just one cost factor. You also have to account for the complexity of shape, size, colors, branding, and other details that impact price. Be sure to comparison shop for the features you want.

Maintenance and Repair Considerations

No sink will last forever without some basic care. But porcelain and ceramic differ in how much maintenance they need and how easy they are to repair when damaged.

Porcelain's sturdy enamel surface is unlikely to chip or crack. But any nicks or scratches that do occur are difficult to restore. Repairing porcelain often requires calling a pro, and replacement may be the only option.

Ceramic's softer material allows for more minor repairs. Small chips can be smoothed over with a ceramic epoxy filler. Resurfacing kits are also available to renew ceramic sinks. However, large cracks usually mean a total replacement is needed.

For maintenance, both materials need occasional sealing to prevent stains. Porcelain's slick surface can also show hard water or soap scum buildup if not cleaned frequently. Regular maintenance is key for both to stay looking their best.

Unique Characteristics of Ceramic and Porcelain Styles

Beyond the technical comparisons, these two materials offer very different aesthetics. Ceramic provides creative freedom that porcelain cannot match.

Ceramic artisans sculpt sinks into botanical shapes, serene landscapes, geometric patterns, and other artistic designs. Every ceramic sink is a functional piece of pottery art. The variety of colors and textures is vast as well.

Porcelain is better suited to modern, minimalist, or traditional decoration styles. Simple oval, round, or square shapes dominate porcelain sinks. That said, matte finishes and integration of two sink bowls provide artistic flair.

Those seeking a unique focal point typically gravitate towards ceramic. But porcelain offers beauty through subtle variations of shape, color, and surface texture.

Considering Resale Value

While a new sink improves a home's value, porcelain generally holds its value better than ceramic over time. This is true for a couple reasons.

First, porcelain's extreme durability means it maintains its like-new appearance and functionality through years of use. Any chips or discoloration in ceramic can diminish value.

Additionally, porcelain sinks typically have a higher original purchase price. This means they don't depreciate as quickly as cheaper ceramic models.

However, very high-end ceramic artisan sinks may also retain their value well as functional works of art. Overall, porcelain offers a slight edge in long-term resale value.

Key Factors When Choosing Between Ceramic and Porcelain

When deciding between ceramic vs porcelain sinks, the choice often comes down to priorities.

Homeowners who want maximum durability and water resistance are best served by porcelain. The hardness and nonporous nature provide unparalleled longevity and resistance to damage.

For those seeking beautiful, decorative statement pieces, ceramic offers endless artistic options you just can't find with porcelain. The allure of a handcrafted ceramic sink may outweigh practical factors.

There are also those who want the best of both worlds. This may mean choosing a durable porcelain sink in a unique color or shape. With the variety available, you can find a model matching your needs.

Be sure to inspect sink samples in person when possible. And think about your lifestyle. A porcelain enameled cast iron sink makes sense for a busy family prone to scratching and staining surfaces. Empty nesters may embrace a sculptural garden-themed ceramic sink requiring a bit more care.

The right choice ultimately comes down to your priorities, needs and personal taste.

With the variety of sinks available today in both ceramic and porcelain, you can find the perfect choice to both enhance your bathroom's function and reflect your style.

While porcelain leads in durability and water resistance, ceramic should not be counted out. Its vast design possibilities and repairable nature make ceramic sinks enticing options.

Carefully compare the pros and cons outlined here. Think about your lifestyle, priorities and tastes. And don't underestimate the power of seeing sinks in person before deciding. With these steps, you'll end up with the ideal new bathroom sink in either porcelain or ceramic.