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Material for the washbasin
What materials are available for washbasins?
If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, one of your first questions will be: What materials are actually available for washbasins? And which would work best for me and my bathroom? We present an overview of the most popular washbasin and washstand materials to help you quickly make the right choice.
Ceramic washbasins
The ceramic washbasin is a timeless classic. From traditional elegant looks to modern designs: a sanitary ceramic washbasin always conveys a sense of quality. Ceramic consists of natural materials such as quartz, porcelain clay, silicate minerals and clay. No harmful or environmentally damaging substances are used in its production. The ceramic mixture is simply moulded, glazed and fired at 1,200 degrees.
Advantages
A ceramic washbasin offers many benefits: it is very durable and, with proper care, will still look like new even many years later. Its smooth surface makes it resistant to scratches and very easy to clean. The material will not be damaged by everyday cleaning products containing acids or by pigments in cosmetic products. Ceramic washbasins come in a wide range of shapes to suit every style. The disadvantage: the washbasin is very heavy and can splinter if a heavy object happens to fall on an edge.
Mineral cast
A mineral cast washbasin consists of minerals which have been ground down into a fine powder and mixed with synthetic resins – i.e. plastics. After being moulded into the appropriate shape, the mixture is left to harden in the air. To create a resistant and easy-care finish, the mineral cast washbasin is varnished with a special gel which then hardens. The plastic content makes mineral cast washbasins easy to shape and they are also lighter than washbasins made entirely from ceramic.
These properties make them ideal as wash bowls for a vanity unit, for example. However, synthetic resins contain chemicals and mineral cast is therefore not a natural product. Mineral cast washbasins are more sensitive to heat. Water must be no hotter than 65 degrees. Mineral cast washbasins are also significantly more susceptible to scratches as, overall, the material is softer than real ceramic. The golden rule for low-priced mineral cast washbasins is: take care with sharp objects.
Enamelled steel
You have probably come across enamelled steel in older baths. However, in more recent times, enamelled steel has become increasingly popular for washbasins and washstands. The washbasin is made from steel and then finished with a special glass surface treatment and fired at just under 900 degrees. This makes the surface very hard and resistant to impacts and scratches. The material is also very easy-care and durable.
Enamel washbasins are rare items offered by just a few manufacturers. The steel body is difficult to mould which means there is a limited selection of designs. These washbasins are therefore not particularly versatile and work best in a modern industrial-style bathroom. Enamelled steel can easily be painted to add a splash of colour to your bathroom. The taps for an enamel washbasin are generally installed on the wall.
Washbasin material comparison:
Key benefits and drawbacks
The most suitable material for your washbasin depends above all on your requirements and preferences. If you prefer a very light washbasin or are looking for a specific shape, a mineral cast washbasin could be a good choice – provided you can manage without hot water and durability.
If you’re looking for durable, natural materials for a cool washstand design, consider an enamel washbasin. A steel washbasin looks particularly elegant in combination with wood. As well as the materials presented here, there are of course others such as glass or granite, however these are very special.
In most cases, a ceramic washbasin is the best choice. The wide selection makes it easy to find the perfect model for any bathroom, large or small. Wall installation means that weight is not usually an issue. Ceramic is also sustainable as it is produced without harmful or synthetic substances. Villeroy & Boch sanitary ceramic, for example, is extremely resistant to impacts and its hard surface avoids scratches.
The CeramicPlus finish brings a saving of 90 per cent in cleaning time and products. Reduced consumption of cleaning products is good news for the environment too. The AntiBac surface with silver ion technology inhibits microbial growth by over 99.9 per cent and thus ensures optimum hygiene.