Shopping for a new sink?

This guide covers the most common sink materials and the considerations to make for each.

It typically only requires soap and water to clean, so stainless steel is fairly easy to maintain.

empty kitchen sink after deep cleaning

Credit:BHG/Adelyn Duchala

This material also shows more water spots and smudges more easily than other sink types.

Porcelain

Sharing some similarities with fireclay, porcelain is also a non-porous and low-maintenance sink material.

Porcelain can also be molded around a metal core, like steel or iron, for extra durability.

stainless steel kitchen sink

Credit:Jean Allsopp

Stone sinks also tend to be among the most expensive to install compared to stainless steel or fireclay.

But, since enamel coats the cast iron, it’s not chip-proof.

Cast iron sinks are also cumbersome, which can drive up your labor and installation costs.

tall faucet sink in kitchen island

Credit: Brie Williams

These sinks feature a smooth appearance and adapt well to bothtraditional kitchensandmodern spaces.

Although copper can last you for generations, it does need specific maintenance to preserve its finish.

white kitchen with copper sink

Credit:Ray Kachatorian