Why You Should Buy a Fireclay Sink

Love the modern farmhouse aesthetic? From shiplap and barn doors to clean lines and white walls, there's plenty to adore about this minimalist, laidback style.

Whether you embrace the trend full-on or only want to add it in small doses, a fireclay sink is a great addition to any kitchen.

Sturdy, spacious, and built to last, these apron-front sinks deliver everything you love about farmhouse style, with form and function to boot.

Today, we're sharing a few of the top reasons why we love these sinks, as well as how you can score one for your home today.

What Is a Fireclay Sink?

Love the look of vintage ceramic or cast iron farm sinks, but not the price tag or the upkeep? Fireclay is an excellent alternative.

In short, fireclay is a mixture of clay and a special type of glaze. The substances are combined together and fired at very high temperatures, resulting in a material that is both beautiful and durable.

In fact, while enameled cast iron is usually fired at around 1200 degrees Celsius, fireclay is fired at around 1600 degrees. This makes it harder and more likely to maintain its smooth appearance over the years.

Similar in appearance to those antique sinks you've been eyeing, fireclay has a timeless appeal. However, it doesn't come with many of the drawbacks that can make owning a cast iron sink more laborious than luxurious.

While those sinks are equally attractive, their delicate enamel is prone to scratching. As such, you cannot use any abrasive cleaners with them and have to be especially careful with their use.

If you want a sink that's rugged enough to keep up with your busy family and all of the wear and tear of everyday life, a fireclay sink is the way to go. Next, let's take a look at the top benefits of investing in one today.

1. Durability

As mentioned, fireclay is one of the most durable sink materials on the market. Built to last for life, it's resistant to dings, dents, scrapes, and scratches.

Let's face it: Especially in the kitchen, your sink will experience a ton of wear and tear. You need a material that isn't too precious and can stand up against the challenges you'll throw at it.

Any kind of sink is an investment, and you want to make sure you're getting a great return on yours. You don't want to pour your money a high-priced one just to wind up replacing it down the road because the cost of maintenance and repair was too high.

Fireclay is the only farmhouse sink material that looks great and ages well. It's also surprisingly affordable, making it an easy pick for your next installation. Our Italian fireclay farmhouse sinks offer outstanding durability and unique design, also a great addition to your kitchen.

2. Resistant to Acids and Alkalis

Chances are, you cook with and consume acidic and alkaline foods more than you realize. Fruits, vegetables, and leafy greens are all high in alkaline, while coffee, grains, processed foods, and certain dairy items are acidic.

While we can't exactly eliminate these food groups from our diet, it's important to realize the effect they can have on a traditional sink.

Most sink materials aren't made to hold up against acids or alkalis and can wear down more quickly when exposed to them on a regular basis. Sometimes, these foods can even corrode your sink and create visible chips on the surface.

On the other hand, fireclay is naturally acid- and alkali-resistant. This means you can prepare and eat your favorite meals in your kitchen without giving a second thought to your sink's ability to withstand them.

3. Scratch-Resistant

Food waste is one thing, but what about scratches?

If you've ever seen an original cast-iron or porcelain sink, you know that their surface is especially easy to scratch. This might not be an issue if you install one in a guest bathroom or laundry room, but can be a huge challenge in the kitchen.

You aren't going to encase your silverware in bubble wrap before washing it in your sink. You need a material that's scratch-resistant and keeps its shine year after year.

Enter, fireclay.

Not only is it more difficult to scratch, but fireclay also maintains its brilliance for a longer period of time. Conversely, other sinks will begin to dull with age and become more susceptible to staining.

4. Less Porous

The porousness of a material describes its tendency to absorb a given substance. For example, granite countertops have pores and must be sealed to ensure that water and liquids do not seep into them.

Understanding this, you naturally want a sink that is not very porous. This way, you can pour tea, red wine, and coffee down the drain without worrying that you're leaving a rainbow of stains in your path.

Due to the ceramic glaze that fireclay farmhouse sinks contain, they're naturally less porous than their peers. This also helps them ward off bacteria and keeps your kitchen as sanitary as possible.

5. Easy to Maintain

As any busy homeowner knows, low-maintenance products are worth their weight in gold. Did you know that fireclay sinks are some of the heaviest on the market?

You should be able to spend time in your kitchen socializing, savoring, and making plenty of memories. You shouldn't have to spend hours each week scrubbing your sink.

As fireclay is naturally stain-resistant, you've already saved yourself a ton of time and money. A gentle, liquid cleaner and a soft cloth or sponge are all you need to get the job done.

This means you can ditch the steel wool and expensive, abrasive cleaners. You can find everything you need to keep your sink sparkling clean for less than the price of a fancy coffee.

Invest in a Fireclay Sink Today

Now that you know a little more about why a fireclay kitchen sink is a great addition to your home, are you ready to take a closer look at them and learn more about their features?

If so, you came to the right place.

We offer a wide selection of fireclay farmhouse sinks in our online shop, designed to meet any size or style preference like the 36" Fulton Fireclay Single-Bowl Workstation Farmhouse Sink with Offset Drain.

Feel free to take a look at our options and get in touch today if you have any questions.