Bathroom Sink, Shower, and Bathtub Guide

Basics for bathroom sink, shower, and bathtub materials

Choosing which materials catch water in your bathroom may seem like an insignificant choice -- as long as it holds it when you want, and drains it when you want, you're ok, right? Maybe not so much...the function may be the same, but the materials are quite different, and they make a big difference.

Porcelain

Porcelain is the material most often chosen for bathroom sinks, and it's popular for tubs and showers, too. It offers a mid-level price point (white is cheapest; custom colors cost more), medium durability, and rates about the same on the green scale, too.

Pros of Porcelain

It's more durable than wood, and stands up well to exposure to moisture day after day.

Cons of Porcelain

It's a ceramic, so it can chip if you drop something heavy or sharp on it, and it'll stain if you make a really gross mess on it, or if your faucet leaks on it for a long time, for example (which isn't very green, either).

How green is porcelain?

Porcelain is a ceramic material made by heating raw materials to really high temperatures, usually north of 1200 degrees F. So, it takes earth-bound material and uses an energy-intensive process to cook it like crazy; neither are really very green processes. That said, it'll usually last a matter of decades if you care properly for it, so if you have it, take good care of it and it'll earn a few more green points.

Enameled Cast Iron

The classic claw-foot tub material can also be an attractive choice for showers and sinks, too.

Pros of enameled cast iron

It's very durable, comes in a variety of colors, is easy to clean, and will maintain a like-new look with minimal care aside from regular cleaning.

Cons of Enameled Cast Iron

It's heavy stuff, so it won't work for all sinks -- it can be tricky to mount on the wall, for example -- and tubs (won't work on all second-floor bathrooms). It's also pretty expensive, so you'll want to be sure that's what you want, for a long time, when you pick yours out. And if you don't care for and maintain your cast iron, the enamel can chip and wear off, and the cast iron underneath is extremely prone to rust.

How green is enameled cast iron in the bathroom?

Cast iron is a heavy, durable iron alloy, and many bathroom vessels are actually made from a high percentage of recycled or reclaimed iron, making it a reasonable green option. Still, it has energy and carbon-intensive transportation bills because it's so heavy.

Wood

The idea of using wood for bathroom sinks, tubs, and the like might seem a little strange, but it's become more popular recently, and can be a great way to bring natural beauty into your bathroom. It's probably best used in sinks because they're exposed to less water, and are easier to care for.

Pros of Wood Bathroom Vessels

It's beautiful, renewable, and can bring a totally different look than any other material out there.

Cons of Wood Bathroom Vessels

Unless it's meticulously cared for, most wood will eventually warp when exposed to water and moisture regularly. It's less durable than other options, and is usually the most expensive option.

How green is Wood in the Bathroom?

Properly harvested from sustainable sources, wood is the greenest option you can get for your bathroom. If it doesn't come from sustainable sources, it's just another material waiting to warp on you. Like in flooring and countertops, look for Forest Stewardship Council-certified woods to insure that they've been harvested sustainably and have had proper oversight during the entire chain of custody.

More about sinks, showers, and bathtubs
How to Go Green: Bathroom Renovation
Teak Sinks by William Garvey
How to Reclaim a Bathtub
Fix my bathtub
How to Reclaim a Prefab One-Piece Shower Stall