What is the difference between fireclay and cast iron sinks?
The main difference between fireclay and cast iron sinks is that fireclay sinks are ceramic sinks made of clay, while cast iron sinks are sinks made of iron and coated in enamel. Both sinks are extremely durable, although cast iron sinks may be the better investment if you are looking to spend on a sink that will last a lifetime. Fireclay sinks are made by pouring liquid ceramic into a mold and firing it at a high temperature to fuse a durable exterior glaze to the sink. The benefits of fireclay sinks are they can be cast in a variety of designs and they’re fairly low maintenance. On the flipside, fireclay sinks offer limited color choices (they’re virtually always white) and they can become scratched, or stained, in some cases. Cast iron sinks present more options to customize color-wise thanks to their enamel coating and are also more resistant to staining. On the downside, cast iron sinks are extremely heavy and often require under-mounting support when installed. They are also susceptible to rust in areas where the enamel wears thin over time.
Shop Vintage & Antique Sinks >>
Lead photo by Dustin Halleck / Photo courtesy of 2to5 Design
