Is it Fiberglass, Ceramic or Porcelain?

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Remodeling your home’s bathroom can be exciting and terrifying all at the same time. And while you might be ready with an idea of what you want, you may not know where to start when it comes to choosing the fixture material you want to use. Three of the most common materials you will find in bathrooms across America are fiberglass, ceramic or porcelain. Take a look at the differences between these three common materials:

Fiberglass

When used as a material for bathroom fixtures, fiberglass—a reinforced composite material of woven glass fibers—proves that it can handle the job. Not only is fiberglass lightweight, but it is surprisingly strong and can easily be shaped to your bathroom’s size to accommodate your needs.

Described by pros as an economical choice for your sinks, toilets or bath tubs in Glendale, fiberglass is on the easier side of available fixture materials to repair if it cracks or chips. It’s a low cost material that comes in a variety of colors, but be aware that discoloration can occur over time in fiberglass bathroom fixtures.

Don’t like cleaning the bathroom? Well, you won’t need to put in much elbow grease to clean your fiberglass fixtures, however, be aware that fixtures with the gel coat and ones that are matte-finished textured are not resistant to abrasive cleaners and they can scratch or leave marks.

Ceramic

Bathroom fixtures made of ceramic or ceramic title can add beauty and freshness to an otherwise simple room. Ceramic is fired clay that can create dense and durable bath tubs capable of locking in and regulating warm bath water. However, if you use ceramic tile for your tub, the irregular floor surface (individual tile spacing) of the bath tub may be uncomfortable on your bare skin, making it difficult to relax in a bath.

Depending on the type of fixture you want to be ceramic, you may or may not want to glaze it, but once it is glazed, it’s waterproof. Ceramic fixture like tubs and sinks are constructed to last you a long time. Use any type of bathroom cleanser on ceramic to keep its glaze bright, but if left unmaintained gross grout can form in the spaces between the tiles.

Porcelain

Like ceramic, porcelain bathroom fixtures are also made out of fired clay, but the difference is that they’re non porous which makes this material waterproof without needing a glaze. Porcelain is easy to clean and made of a hard glass-like material and while dense, is very resistant to cracking and chipping.

While a much heavier fixture material than most, its durability and resistance to wear makes porcelain a great choice for frequently used fixtures like tubs and toilets. Similar to ceramic, it can be clear or color glazed, yet showcases a natural white translucent look.

Thinking it’s time to remodel your home’s bathroom, but not sure where to start? Don’t jump into such a large project without a solid plan. If you need assistance selecting the right material for your bathroom sinks, toilets and bath tubs in Glendale, contact the professionals at A-1 Porcelain & Fiberglass for guidance and more information.