What Is a Fireclay Sink?

Widely used in London, England, for their durability and style in the late 1800s, fireclay sinks finally have made a design comeback. Fireclay sinks are forged at extremely high temperatures, which cause the clay and glaze to unite. The result is a sink that is not only extremely durable, but also will look shiny and new for many years to come.

Significance

The kitchen is often the central gathering place in many American homes. Between cooking, eating and socializing, countless hours are spent in the kitchen each day.
Perhaps this is one reason why there is so much emphasis on kitchen remodeling these days. In a flooded housing market, many homeowners are choosing to update and remodel their kitchens to make their home stand apart from the rest.

How can installing a fireclay sink help to set your house apart from the pack? Fireclay sinks can add a charming touch of ageless elegance to your kitchen. Replacing a standard stainless steel sink with a deep or large, glossy fireclay sink is a great way to create a quality focal point for your kitchen area.

Identification

Fireclay sinks are named as such, because they are made of clay and they are fired at an intense heat of over 2000 degrees Fahrenheit. This causes the clay to become very hard, producing a durable and nonporous material that is ideally useful as sink material.

As fireclay sinks have experienced a recent surge in popularity, many retailers have begun to offer fireclay in addition to other standard sink materials. A fireclay sink will be specifically labeled as such, so don't be fooled by imitators.

Styles

Fireclay sinks are manufactured in a variety of colors and designs, and they come in many different shapes and sizes. One popular style is the vessel-style sink, which is often used in places such as guest bathrooms. Another popular style made of fireclay is called an apron-front or farmhouse sink, which is usually placed in the kitchen area.

Benefits

Choosing a fireclay sink for your home may be a wise decision if you are a stickler for quality. The integrity of the fireclay material will withstand heavy use over time, and will resist scratching, staining and chipping. Fireclay sinks will not rust, fade or discolor.

Design Trends

Long ago, fireclay sinks were used for their strong, industrial and practical capabilities. Fireclay sinks have only recently been recognized as a solid design trend. Today, fireclay sinks have become a statement piece for fine homes everywhere.

Some manufacturers of fireclay sinks still make their sinks completely by hand. When shopping for fireclay sinks, you may notice that some of them feature hand-painted detail or craftsmanship, which may add a display of elegance to the kitchen or bathroom areas.

The use of sustainable building and design materials is a popular trend in today's interior design scene. Manufacturers of fireclay sinks are becoming dedicated to producing recyclable sinks that also are lead-free. As the demand for earth-friendly materials is on the rise, fireclay sinks are sure to be more than just a passing fad.