3 Nontraditional Sink Materials That Will Make A Statement
Whether it's for your bathroom, kitchen, or laundry room, a beautiful sink can transform your space and have a huge impact on the overall design. It's typical to focus on different style options, such as farmhouse or pedestal, but choosing an interesting and unconventional material could be the way to create a unique look in your home. That means straying away from more common options, such as stainless steel and ceramic, and going for something more eye-catching, like glass, soapstone, or copper.
Choosing a material that's typically not the norm can be nerve-wracking when remodeling a space, but stepping out of your comfort zone is sometimes the best way to create a stunning design. We've gathered all the details you need to know about these different unique options, such as styling methods, durability, and cost, as well as some pros and cons to be aware of in order to make the best decision for your home.
Glass
Incorporating a glass sink into your home can be a fun experience due to the various colors and shapes available. Also, as a result of having access to different design options, it's easier to select something that best suits your design aesthetic. For example, a frosted glass vessel sink would be a stunning option for a contemporary space. There are textured options to accommodate vintage décor. And, if you're hoping to achieve an eclectic design, you could purchase a glass sink featuring a unique color, such as crimson red.
The price for a glass sink differs depending on where you make your purchase. Some start as low as $42, (via MR Direct), while others cost well over $200. So it will take some searching to find something that fits your budget and style. Glass sinks are sturdier than you may think; they can handle temperatures changes of up to 70 degrees, as well as small items dropping from above. However, a major con to this design option is that, if the sink does crack, you won't be able to repair it and will need to replace the entire thing.
Soapstone
If glass seems too fragile of an option for your home, then we suggest taking a look at soapstone options. Not only is this material very durable, it requires minimal maintenance and is stain-resistant. You don't even have to seal it, which is a definite bonus! Additionally, since soapstone sinks can be carved from a large slab of stone, they can be customized to create whichever shape and size best suits your space, down to the quarter inch.
Soapstone contains minimal to no veining, so we find that it complements a variety of aesthetics, from modern to rustic to minimalist. There's also no need to install a soapstone countertop to match the sink because it's capable of coordinating with different materials, such as wood and concrete. The average price range for a soapstone sink is between $400 to $1,000 (via Remodelista), which is generally more affordable than a high-quality porcelain farmhouse sink. However, one con we do want to mention is that soapstone sinks will typically have a seam in the middle, which may negatively impact the design of your space.
Copper
Now for a real showstopper, we advise taking a look at copper sinks. This is an excellent choice for those who want to create a design that's both alluring and timeless. However, it's advised to stick with higher-quality options that contain 99% copper and 1% zinc, because those of lower quality will need to be replaced much sooner, per Quality Bath. Before making a purchase, you'll need to decide on the best configuration option for your space. There are single bowl designs best suited for larger families, and double bowl sinks for those who prefer separate basins for food preparation and dirty plates. There are also triple bowl designs that allow you to separate even more items into smaller compartments.
Unlike the glass and soapstone options which are more versatile in terms of design, we believe copper sinks are better suited for more traditional aesthetics, such as farmhouse and rustic. The price range for copper sinks is wide, ranging anywhere from $200 to over $4,000 (via Kitchen Remodel Guides). Although this sink material is beautiful, daily maintenance is a must to prevent certain foods, such as acidic lemons and oranges, from discoloring the surface.