Comparing Materials of Sanitary Ware: Ceramic VS Porcelain VS Stainless Steel

A material decision when selecting sanitary ware for a bathroom is perhaps one of the most important as it defines not only the appearance of the room but also possible functions of the bathroom, durability of fixtures, and ease/difficulty of cleaning. Some of the most popular types of materials that are utilized in the manufacturing of bathroom sanitary ware are ceramics, porcelain, and steel.

Each of these materials has its advantages and disadvantages — so, it is necessary to know the differences before coming to a close. In this blog, you will find out the benefits and also the drawbacks of the two materials so that you make the right choice of the right sanitary items for the bathroom.

1. Ceramic Sanitary Ware

Ceramics is used as a basic material of bath sanitary ware due to its cost-effectiveness, variability, and the fact that there are virtually endless possibilities for designing the products. Typically made up of clay, minerals, and water — ceramic is a material that is subjected to heat that permanently hardens its surface and makes it impermeable to water, which is ideal for the making of several bathroom sanitary fittings.

Advantages:

● Ceramics is relatively cheaper than most of the other sanitary materials and this has benefactors for most of the homeowners.

● The product is available in many forms, types, and colors and thus it can easily fit into the layout of a bathroom regardless of the prevailing theme; traditional or modern.

● Nevertheless, the fact that the ceramics surfaces are nonporous, and therefore stains such as food stains do not stick on the substance and the material is easy to clean with most common cleaners.

Disadvantages:

● Ceramics is very hard and nonporous but it has low resistance to impact forces and can easily be chipped or cracked if an object with high impact is placed on it and it will fade over time.

● Ceramic on the other hand is slightly weaker than porcelain; thus it is not advisable to use it in frequently used bathrooms.

2. Porcelain Sanitary Ware

Porcelain, which is known as a type of ceramics, is produced out of a better grade of clay and is fired to a higher temperature. Thus, it is lighter and more brittle than earthenware and generally denser and harder as well. Usually offered as a glazed material, porcelain is applied to the application of fancy bathroom sanitary wares.

Advantages:

● Standard ceramic is less hard than porcelain and therefore porcelain is used in the bathroom where it is used in making sanitary items that are used daily.

● It has a low absorption rate hence it cannot be easily stained by water, or other stains or even be scratched hence your furniture will remain as good as new for a very long time.

● Porcelain is glossy and is more classical in design and will make any bathroom more glamorous to use.

Disadvantages:

● Nevertheless, porcelain is more preferred and expensive than ceramic because it is more robust and elegant in its shine.

● It has been established that porcelain is denser than ceramic; this may make it slightly heavier and thus might require additional support when it comes to hanging fixtures especially if they are mounted on the walls.

3. Stainless Steel Sanitary Ware

Stainless steel is a somewhat recent, extremely hard material that is used in sanitary wares of the bathroom as of today. Stainless steel as we are quite aware has this shiny polish look and it is not rusty; such a type of material is used in industrial and modern finished bathrooms.

Advantages:

● In as much as impact force, corrosion, and heat resistance are considerations for sanitary fitting material; stainless steel is quite robust.

● It is a non-porous material and is of smooth texture therefore does not accumulate dirt and can be easily cleaned; it does not promote the growth of bacteria therefore ideal for use in health-conscious regions.

● Stainless steel is shiny, and smooth and thus has a metallic appearance making it suitable for the modern bathroom design especially when designing units that exhibit a touch of the contemporary look.

Disadvantages:

● Regarding stainless steel it is quite simple and does not have a variety of designs and colors like ceramics and porcelain have.

● This means that water spots or fingerprints can be easily noticed and this will have to be wiped often to stay clean.

How to Make the Right Decision About Your Bathroom?

The choice of material that is appropriate for bathroom sanitary ware depends on some factors which include; the usage, design, and price. Ceramic and porcelain are traditional materials with different degrees of scratch-resistant and porcelain is enameled steel, very hard-wearing and glossy.

For those willing to get the best of both worlds concerning the appearance of the equipment as well as its efficiency, there are numerous producers for instance Essel Bath Fittings. Hence, it will be easier to determine the proper type of materials and fixtures that will enhance the appearance and durability of the bathroom.

Thus, it can be noted that regardless of whether one uses ceramic, porcelain, or stainless steel as the material for making their bathroom products, all three materials have their strengths that can allow them to fit into the needs and decor of a specific bathroom. That way, one will be in a position to make the right decision of getting bath sanitary ware that fits the need and style of the space as well as one that will last for several years.

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