All About: Fireclay Sinks

Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold
Cambria Bold is the Executive Editor of Cubby, and one of Apartment Therapy Media’s first full-time editors from way back when. She was The Kitchn's founding Design and Lifestyle Editor as well as Managing Editor of Re-Nest, Apartment Therapy’s late '00s green living site. She now thinks a lot about design, kids, and designy kids' things. She lives with her two daughters and their father in St. Paul, MN.
updated Jun 5, 2019
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(Image credit: Sabra Krock)

Are you thinking about renovating your kitchen? If so, then our Sink Spotlight series will help you. The last few weeks we’ve been looking at various sink materials, from stainless steel to enameled cast iron. Today we look at another popular material for farmhouse-style sinks: fireclay.

Sink Material: Fireclay

Distinctive Features: Fireclay is created when clay and glaze fuse together after being fired at very high temperatures (around 1600 degrees, as opposed to the 1200 degrees used to fire enameled cast iron). The result is a very hard and durable ceramic material that looks almost identical to enameled cast iron.

Associated with: Farmhouse or apron-style sinks.

Pros: Non-porous and resistant to acid, alkali, and scratches; relatively chip-resistant; durable, especially compared to other sink materials.

Cons: Limited sizes and colors; not “friendly” on dropped dishes; susceptible to stains without proper care; can crack or chip over time; expensive.

Installation: The weight of the sink requires additional support, so professional installation is recommended. Also, most fireclay sinks necessitate wall- or counter-mounted faucets.

Price range: $300+

Kitchn Reader Reviews:

I also think a high quality white sink can be great. I had lousy fortune with a previous stainless sink that very easily scuffed and never looked clean – white fireclay is a good option. So far not a lot of scrubbing, though we’re conscious to rinse the sink to avoid stains – TDs7

Do you have a fireclay sink? Tell us your experience below!

More of our ‘Sink Spotlight’ Series:
• All About: Undermount Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Drop-In Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Farmhouse Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Double Bowl Kitchen Sinks
• All About: Bar or Prep Sinks
• All About: Stainless Steel Sinks
• All About: Copper Sinks
• All About: Enameled Cast Iron Sinks
• All About: Enameled Steel Sinks

(Images: Sabra Krock)

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