What materials are available for washbasins?

If you are planning to renovate your bathroom, you will very soon be asking the question: What materials are actually available for washbasins? And which ones are suitable for me and my bathroom? We present an overview of the most popular washbasin and washstand materials to help you quickly make the right choice. 


The ceramic washbasin is a timeless classic. From traditional elegance to modern designs: A sanitary ceramic washbasin always radiates quality. Ceramics consist of natural materials such as quartz, porcelain clay, silicate minerals and clay. No harmful or environmentally damaging substances are used in its production: The ceramic mixture is simply moulded, glazed and fired at 1,200 degrees. 

A ceramic washbasin has many benefits: it is very durable and, with proper care, will still look like new even many years later. Its smooth surface makes it resistant to scratches and very easy to clean. Common cleaning products containing acids, as well as pigments in cosmetic products, will not damage the material. Ceramic washbasins are available in a wide range of shapes to suit every style. The disadvantage: The washbasin is very heavy and can splinter if a heavy object falls on an edge. 


A mineral cast washbasin consists of minerals which have been ground down into a fine powder and mixed with synthetic resins – i.e. plastics. Once this mixture has been moulded into the appropriate shape, it hardens in the air. To give it a resistant and easy-care finish, the mineral cast washbasin is varnished with a special gel which then hardens. Their plastic content makes mineral cast washbasins easy to mould and they are lighter than washbasins made entirely from ceramics. 

This makes them ideal as a wash bowl for a vanity unit, for example. However, mineral cast is not a natural product as synthetic resins contain chemicals. Mineral cast washbasins are therefore also more heat sensitive. Water must be no hotter than 65 degrees. Mineral cast is also significantly more vulnerable to scratches as, overall, the material is softer than real ceramics. The golden rule for low-priced mineral cast washbasins is: Take care with sharp objects. 


You are probably familiar with enamelled steel in older bathtubs. But more recently, enamelled steel has become an increasingly popular material for washbasins and washstands. The washbasin is made from steel and then finished with a special glass surface treatment and fired at just under 900 degrees. This makes the surface very hard and resistant to impacts and scratches. The material is also very easy-care and durable. 

Enamel washbasins are rare items and available from just a few manufacturers. The steel body is difficult to mould which means they are only available in a limited selection of designs. They are therefore not particularly versatile and are more suited to a modern industrial style bathroom. Enamelled steel can easily be painted which allows you to add a splash of colour to your bathroom. The taps for an enamel washbasin are generally installed on the wall.

Washbasin material comparison: Key benefits & drawbacks:

The most suitable material for your washbasin depends above all on your requirements and preferences. If you prefer a very light washbasin or are looking for a specific shape, a mineral cast washbasin could be a good choice – provided you can do without hot water and durability. If you’re looking for durable, natural materials for a cool washstand design, check out enamel washbasins. A steel washbasin looks particularly elegant in combination with wood. As well as the materials presented here, there are of course others such as glass or granite, however these are very special. 

In most cases, the ceramic washbasin is the best choice. The wide selection makes it easy to find the perfect model for any bathroom, whether large or small. Wall installation means that weight is not usually an issue. Ceramics are also sustainable as they are produced without harmful or synthetic substances. Villeroy & Boch sanitary ceramic, for example, is extremely robust against impacts and its hard surface makes it resistant to scratches. The CeramicPlus finish brings a saving of 90 per cent in cleaning time and products. The reduced consumption of cleaning products is good news for the environment too. The AntiBac surface with silver ion technology inhibits microbial growth by over 99.9 per cent and thus ensures optimum hygiene.