The material influences the cost and appearance, which is why it’s important to choose the one that fits your budget. It needs to be best suited to your needs. Each type of material has its pros and cons.
For example, stainless steel may not blend well with your kitchen counter’s theme or style. Still, it is favorable to use for commercial uses. Here’s a quick list of great materials to consider:
| Materials | ||||||
| Stainless steel | Acrylic | Polypropylene | Enameled cast iron | Solid surfacing | Concrete | Soapstone |
Stainless steel
This is mainly used in commercial environments because it has excellent corrosion and oxidation resistance. Although it does not have a very stylish appearance, it still looks sleek and boasts high durability and practicality.
It is why it’s the perfect choice for garages and laundry rooms. They’re also very easy to maintain. It is sand able and can withstand steel wool and harsh cleaning agents.
PROS:
- corrosion
- oxidation
- heat
- stain resistant
- highly durable
- & easy to maintain
CONS:
- can dent upon sufficient force
- deep scratches cannot be fixed
- & pricey
Acrylic
This is a good choice if you want low-cost and aesthetically pleasing. It’s also a stain-resistant model. Acrylic is a type of polycarbonate plastic that can be molded into different shapes.
The variety of shapes and designs will be wide. Stains and scratches can be easily removed by buffing or polishing. If you’re a painter, steer clear from this because petroleum-based products will damage the acrylic.
Acrylic is not heat-resistant. A hot pan can easily burn and mark it permanently.
PROS:
- aesthetic designs and colors
- affordable
- stain-resistant
- durable
- lightweight
- scratches can be buffed out
- & easy to install
CONS:
- not as durable as stainless or cast-iron ones
- not recommended for petroleum-based products
- & vulnerable to heat
Polypropylene
This is the most commonly used material for the purpose. It is readily available and in-stock in many stores. Some models also boast mold and chemical resistant properties, making them preferable for laboratory applications. It’s also very lightweight, so it’s perfect for wall-mount installations.
PROS:
- durable
- mold- and mildew-resistant
- highly resistant to harsh and acidic/corrosive chemicals
- lightweight
- affordable
- & easy to maintain
CONS:
- staining and cracking may occur
- maybe reactive with some harsh chemicals
- & vulnerable to heat as it melts at 320°F and higher
Enameled cast iron
A porcelain enamel coating is added onto the durable iron alloy material to make an enameled cast iron. This coating gives it a glossy surface, making the underlying iron more stable even at high temperatures.
You should be careful with using abrasive tools because these may damage the porcelain enamel coating, leading to chipping. The core is generally a galvanized steel, which adds to the durability. It avoids rusting and oxidation.
An enameled cast-iron model is sturdy and stain-resistant, but the added weight may pose a problem. It should be installed in an equally durable counter or supported by high-quality legs or a cabinet.
PROS:
- highly durable
- smooth and glossy appearance
- stain and heat resistant
- easy to clean, & can be reglazed
CONS:
- heavy
- not as accessible as other materials
- & expensive
Solid surfacing
Solid surface ones are made by mixing a mineral compound with polyester or acrylic resins, offering various styles and designs. If you want a fully seamless look for your countertop, this is a perfect choice.
It can be molded from the same solid surface that makes up your countertop. There are a lot of new solid surfacing materials innovated by companies to have a longer lifespan.
It can withstand harsh environments. Examples are Formica Sinks and Corian ones that offer antibacterial properties and improved stain resistance.
Concrete
This is one of the most affordable choices for material, albeit pricier than the usual porcelain ones. You also have the freedom to personalize the look.
It is very sturdy and durable and can give a streamlined finish to your countertop if it’s incorporated into the countertop’s design.
Concrete is porous, so cracking may occur. It’s especially if it’s not properly sealed and maintained. When damaged, repairing and resealing are possible.
PROS:
- It can be personalized
- affordable
- heat resistant
- & can be resealed or patched up if damaged
CONS:
- porous
- can get cracks
- heavy
- & can stain if not properly sealed
Soapstone
This wonderful metamorphic rock is a great choice if you want something that does not readily react with acids or harsh chemicals. It can withstand high temperatures. Soapstone is very dense and impenetrable.
It doesn’t require sealants as concrete does. Furthermore, it’s stain-resistant and prevents the growth of bacteria and mold. This material also ages with grace, developing a vintage look throughout the years.
It is while retaining its functionality and durability if maintained properly. If you want to keep the vibrancy of soapstone, the application of mineral oil is a must.
PROS:
- durable, highly heat-resistant
- non-reactive/can withstand corrosive and acidic chemicals
- stain resistant
- dense and non-porous
- & easy to clean and maintain
CONS:
- expensive
- not scratch-resistant
- can be damaged and cracked by blunt force/heavy objects
- & needs mineral oil for upkeep
Cast iron, metal, thermoplastic, or fiberglass?
Some materials resemble each other and might confuse you. If these materials are coated with a smooth finish, they can be hard to tell apart. For example, fiberglass closely resembles enameled cast iron and porcelain basins.
Some coatings on metals can also mimic the appearance of stainless steel. Don’t rely on visuals. Read the description to get a better understanding of the materials. These materials may look the same, but their properties are completely different from each other.
Fiberglass on its own is not a great material for the purpose since it’s very brittle and porous. Acrylic ones reinforced with fiberglass become non-porous and much more durable.
Outdoor considerations
When it comes to outdoor models, you should opt for one that can withstand the harsh and ever-changing weather. Materials that would suit an outdoor environment are stainless steel and concrete. Suppose you live in an area that experiences winter. You can opt for a water-free option, so you won’t have to worry about winterizing the water lines.
Factors to consider
There are many things to consider when purchasing an utility sink, but we narrowed down the information in two main ones. Keep these in mind before you buy and make sure you’re getting exactly what you need.
Material
Most popular material is fiberglass because it’s lightweight and durable. Many people appreciate this option because it is also very easy to clean. Stainless steel sinks are ideal for any environment as they are rust resistand and have a higher durability.
Installation style
Sinks differentiate themselves by installation style too. Depending on where you need the sink installed, you will have to look between undermount and wall-mount utility sinks. There are also drop-in utility sinks, which are perfect for a laundry room.
Size
If you only have a limited space available, you will have to look for sinks that are small in size. There are many sizes on the market, and the price is often influenced by this factor. A large sink will allow you to be more flexible when you’re using it, but it also takes a lot of space.
How much do they cost?
Most utility sinks sell between $150 and $350. The price is heavily influenced by the material and the size of the sink. Strong and durable ones will last you a long time, so the investment is worth it because a replacement will not be necessary anytime soon.
They also work great as a garage sink to wash your hands in, including everything else in there. The kitchen sink and the bathroom sink are not places where you want to be cleaning paintbrushes or pipes. Kitchens and bathrooms are spaces where you don’t want construction materials & parts. You can even get them with a soap dispenser or cabinetry included.
