Are Concrete Sinks Durable? Answers You Need.
Concrete in interior design is a new, but a hot trend quickly becoming a favorite in commercial spaces and homes alike. As with all things new, you might have a few questions about concrete sinks.
Are concrete sinks durable? How long will a concrete sink last? Let’s talk about some sink details.
Are Concrete Sinks Durable?
Concrete sinks are durable, in fact, there aren’t many materials that give you the durability and flexibility that concrete does. It all comes down to the concrete mix. Interior concrete objects like sinks are made from a type of concrete called GFRC, or glass fiber reinforced concrete.
Tiny glass fibers in the mix give the concrete some singular features: it’s stronger and easier to work with so it can achieve beautiful and unique objects that weigh less than traditional concrete. Other things like acrylic and polymer are added to further increase the concrete’s durability.
Another unique feature of interior concrete is that it’s sealed. This coating on the surface of the concrete protects the sink from scratches, scuffs, and sun damage. If you do notice a scratch, it is only in the sealer and can be repaired with some furniture polish and buffing.
Reseal your concrete sink regularly since it is a “high-traffic” element of your bathroom that endures lots of action. You can buy a sealing kit and DIY or, if you live in the Tri-State area, you can schedule one of our team members to come out and do it for you. You can also purchase a chip repair kit if there should be a small chip in your sink.
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Is It Going to Stay on the Wall?
Floating sinks are all the rage but you may be asking whether concrete is a good choice for a floating sink given its weight and apparent lack of support. Concrete is heavy, but most of our sinks at Trueform can be installed as floating. Successful installation and trouble-free years all rely on the mounting brackets.
Our mounting brackets are heavy duty steel and designed to hold hundreds of pounds. They are mounted directly to wall studs and provide the support needed for a floating concrete sink.
Is a Concrete Sink Going to Crack?
You’ve observed how sidewalks and your patio cracks so you may be wondering if that’s something a concrete sink might do. All our products are made in controlled environments with perfected formulas and techniques. That has allowed us to offer concrete sinks (and other products) that don’t behave anything like outdoor concrete. In fact, our team has never dealt with a claim like that.
Additionally, an indoor environment isn’t exposed to the elements, shifting ground, etc. so that decreases the stress on it and keeps it in pristine condition.
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How Long Do Concrete Sinks Last?
Concrete sinks withstand normal wear and tear like a champ and can last a lifetime. We’re talking 50-60 years if they are properly maintained. So how does one properly maintain a concrete sink?
Be sure to clean your sink regularly with a non-abrasive, pH-neutral cleaner. We recommend Better Life products for light cleaning or Simple Green products for heavier cleaning. You should also avoid abrasive cleaning implements like scrubbing pads and stiff brushes. A furniture polish like Pledge fills hairline cracks and gives your concrete sink a nice shine.
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Is the Finish Going to Stand Up to Cleaners, Toothpaste, Makeup, etc.?
Harsh chemicals and highly pigmented things can also pose a problem for your concrete sink. Never use bleach, ammonia, or hydrogen peroxide to clean your sink. Any acidic substance can cause etching. Vinegar, wine, and soda should also be avoided.
Check your makeup, skin care, etc. to ensure they don’t contain ingredients that might damage your sink. If you spill, clean it up right away. A good rule of thumb is to treat your concrete sink the same way you would treat a nice piece of wood furniture.
We extensively test our sealers to ensure they will resist damage from commonly used bathroom products. We apply three coats to protect against stains, scratches, and everyday use. Reseal regularly.
Are concrete sinks durable? Let’s put it this way: they will outlast and outperform a porcelain sink. Our concrete sinks are heritage pieces that can be handed down with the house for generations.
Learn more about care, installation, and more in our sinks and vanities guide. Or maybe you want to start gathering some inspiration for your new bathroom.