The Ultimate Guide To Choosing Bathroom Materials

An Introduction To Stone Resin, Ceramic & Acrylic

When choosing fixtures for your bathroom, you are often face with an ultimatum: Stone Resin, Ceramic or Acrylic?

These three materials are the most common bathroom material. You can choose between stone resin, acrylic & ceramic sinks, shower trays, bathtubs, floor tiles, etc... But how do you know which material is best for you and your bathroom?

You read this article of course! Today we are breaking down everything you need to know about stone resin bathroom fixtures, ceramic bathroom fixtures, acrylic bathroom fixtures and how you can pick between them.

 

Pros And Cons Of Stone Resin

Stone resin is the sturdier, but costlier sibling of ceramic. Stone resin is a compound of crumbled stone that is reformed and reshaped by resin and adhesive. The resin allows it water resistance and the stone give it a full body and extreme durability.

Stone resin is so durable that it does not warp over time and with good maintenance could last as long as you need it to. This is especially useful for stone bathroom basins.

The primary drawback of stone resin is that it is more expensive than ceramic, so if you are looking to kit out your full bathroom on a budget, it might not be for you. Furthermore ,Stone resin is non-porous, meaning it won’t soak up stains like natural marble, but it is sensitive to heat and harsh chemicals. Never pour boiling water directly into a stone resin basin. It can cause the material to warp or crack. Always run the cold tap simultaneously if you're emptying a kettle. Avoid products containing acetone (nail polish remover), paint strippers, or high concentrations of bleach.

 

Pros And Cons Of Ceramic

Ceramic is also very strong and especially easy to clean. Ceramic fixtures are made from chemically treated and fired clay. This makes the material durable and flexible. It is completely sealed, so it is very water resistant.

A ceramic sink for example could easily last fifty years. It is however, not as easy to scratch as stone resin and because of this, makes for a good middle ground. The secret to a pristine basin isn't deep cleaning; it’s prevention.Need to avoid "scrubbing bubbles" with grit or harsh bleach, which can micro-scratch the glaze over time. Use warm water and a mild liquid dish soap or a specialized bathroom cleaner labeled "non-abrasive.

 

Pros And Cons Of Acrylic

Acrylic is a typically transparent plastic material that can be thermoformed into a great variety of shapes. It is very durable and water resistant because of its plastic nature.

Acrylic is typically the cheapest option and while also strong like the others, it is the most prone to scratching. However, it makes up for this in its exceptional heat retainment. If you are looking to keep water warm for a long time, acrylic is ideal.

 

How to choose the best bathroom material?

In general, this question is answered by your budget and the availability of the product as not all fixtures have multiple material options. If you are willing to spend a bit more, then we would recommend going for stone resin typically, as it is more durable. However, there are specific cases where it is more advisable to choose ceramic or acrylic.

Let’s break down each kind of fixture and whether it is best to choose stone resin or ceramic!

 

Are Ceramic Toilets Good Long term?

First up is the toilet, and this is an easy beginning! You can easily buy ceramic toilets that are extremely durable and can last decades with minimal maintenance. Their smooth, water resistant and completely sealed surface resists odours and bacteria. When it comes to disposing of waste, this is a beneficial attribute to have, which makes ceramic ideal. 

 

What Is the Best Bathroom Sink Material?

The ideal bathroom sink material depends on your lifestyle needs. For those prioritizing longevity and effortless cleaning, Ceramic basin is the gold standard; its non-porous surface is nearly immune to scratches. However, for a high-end, designer aesthetic, we recommend Stone Resin basin. While it requires slightly more care, its sculptural versatility makes it the centerpiece of any luxury bathroom.

 

Should I Get A Stone Resin Shower Tray, Ceramic Shower Tray Or Acrylic Shower Tray?

Slipperiness is a crucial top of research when shopping for shower trays, as you don’t want a shower tray that could lead to you falling over. Stone resin shower trays are naturally less slippery than ceramic shower trays and acrylic shower trays, due to the rougher composition of the body. However, Durovin provides anti-slip shower trays which are acrylic shower trays coated with anti-slip treatment.

So, when it comes to a shower tray, we believe the choice comes down to the shape of shower you want. Durovin sells a variety of shapes of shower tray, including pentagonal shower trays, quadrant shower trays, square shower trays and rectangular shower trays. However, you can only purchase rectangular stone resin shower trays, all of the other shapes are acrylic.

If you are building a rectangular shower enclosure, purchase a rectangular stone resin shower tray. If you are building any other kind of shower, such as a quadrant shower enclosure, then we advise you buy the anti-slip acrylic shower tray that matches your required shape.

 

Should I Get A Stone Resin Bathtub, Ceramic Bathtub Or Acrylic Bathtub?

Should you choose ceramic or stone resin? Choose neither, instead choose acrylic. Acrylic is a thin plastic material that composes most bathtubs. It is the ideal bathtub material due to its heat retention capabilities and its extra lightweight nature.

You can also get ceramic bathtubs and stone resin bathtubs, but we believe in the unique case of the bathtub, the acrylic bath has a specific set of abilities which make it a priority choice over the other materials.

 

Should I Get Stone Resin Wall Panels, Ceramic Tiles Or Acrylic Wall Tiles?

It is becoming increasingly common to buy and install stone resin wall panels or acrylic wall panels in your bathroom to achieve a modern and uniform look. The classic alternative to this is to tile your bathroom with ceramic tiles. Which is better? This comes down to your aesthetic preferences and whether you are pursuing a modern or classical look. It is also worth keeping in mind that the stone resin wall panels and acrylic wall panels are more expensive than ceramic bathroom tiles.

If you wanted a unique look, you could always tile your bathroom and then use the wall panels as highlights. For example, you could use the panels around your shower enclosure to make it stand out and draw the eye.

 

To Conclude

As you can see, there are lots of benefits to the three options of stone resin, ceramic and acrylic. All of the materials are fantastic additions to your bathroom and when utilized correctly can give you a fixture which is with you for life. Now that’s luxury for less.

Which material do you prefer? Be sure to let us know in the comments!