When choosing a sink, the fabrication material is important in terms of performance and durability. Ceramic and vitreous china sinks are two of the most popular choices, and are quite similar in many respects.

1

Material

Vitreous china is actually a type of ceramic. Both materials are made of fired clay, but china is made from a finer grade of clay and fired at higher temperatures. This results in a harder product, but this is offset by the fact that ceramic sinks are usually thicker.

  • When choosing a sink, the fabrication material is important in terms of performance and durability.
  • This results in a harder product, but this is offset by the fact that ceramic sinks are usually thicker.
2

Finish

Ceramic and china sinks are painted and fired, resulting in a baked-on finish. China sinks are fired at higher temperatures and use a smoother grade of paint, which results in a more uniform, glossy look.

3

Care

Ceramic and china sinks can be cleaned with typical bathroom cleaners, but both may chip if struck by a heavy object. They are both non-porous and germ-resistant, and will not rust.

4

Cost

Ceramic sinks are more commonly found in home improvement superstores, while vitreous china is often a special-order product. Regular ceramic sinks are more affordable than china for typical standard sinks, but sculptured decorative touches are more common in china sinks.