PERHAPS YOU REMEMBER the old porcelain sink in your great-aunt’s house, big as a battleship to your child’s eyes and a little rusty around the drain. Those vintage sinks were actually cast-iron or steel with an enamel coating baked on. Sooner or later the enamel wore off and the moist metal began to rust. Still, they were large and lustrous and so handy for a multitude of household tasks.
If you love the porcelain look but don’t want to drop a bundle on a vintage sink or deal with rust, consider fireclay.
What Is Fireclay?
Fireclay is not a brand, it’s a light-colored clay mined from the earth. As the name suggests, fireclay is unusually resistant to heat. When fireclay and enamel are bonded together at temperatures exceeding 2000 Fahrenheit (6000 degrees hotter than porcelain), they form a lovely but tough material.
Will It Chip?
All enameled objects, from teeth to sinks, are prone to chipping and cracking. Fireclay sinks can also chip or crack when struck by heavy objects, but they are more resistant to chips, cracks, scratches and stains than porcelain.
Styles and Colors
Fireclay is almost synonymous with the farmhouse or apron front style, but double-bowl sinks are also available. And you can have a fireclay sink in any color you like — as long as it’s white or off-white. Actually, a few manufacturers offer dark finishes like blue and black as well as a dual front design option.
Fireclay is Good for Your Health
Because they’re nonporous, fireclay sinks have no nooks and crannies where germs and odors can set up house. Maintenance is easy: a daily wipe-down with a spot of mild dish soap and soft rag or sponge does the trick. If a stain persists, experts recommend a little baking soda or mild abrasive cleaner. With proper care, a fireclay sink will continue to add beauty and value to your house for years.
That’s Heavy
As you might have guessed, fireclay sinks are heavy and require reinforced countertops and cabinetry for support. Fragile dishes or glassware will not enjoy being thrown into a solid fireclay sink and should be handled with care. It is an excellent idea to purchase a sink grid to protect both your dishes and the sink.
Is It Worth the Price?
Fireclay is on the high end of the sink spectrum, no doubt. But farmhouse or apron front sinks are documented price-boosters when selling a house, providing measurable return on investment. Of course, the real reason for buying a fireclay apron front sink is because you love it and want to enjoy its beauty and convenience for as long as you own your house.