Plastic VS Porcelain Bathrooms: How to Choose
With the fast, cheap production of plastic comes a gradual phasing out of porcelain bathrooms.
At one time, porcelain was the ‘it’ material used for every plumbing fixture. But you may have noticed the rise of the plastic toilet cistern, perhaps plastic bathroom tiles, and even the odd plastic sink.
So, should you be making the switch too?
Why use Plastic for Plumbing Fixtures?
The main reason why plastic is used for plumbing fixtures is that it is comparatively far cheaper to produce than porcelain. It requires less energy and is made of byproducts that would otherwise be burned.
So economically speaking, plastic bathrooms are the way to go.
But before we get into the benefits and disadvantages of replacing your porcelain bathrooms with plastic alternatives, we’ll discuss why there is a sudden decrease in porcelain bathroom fixtures.
Is Porcelain Still Used for Bathrooms Today?
Of course! Popular items never completely go out of style, and there’s always demand. So although porcelain bathrooms might be gradually replaced by plastic alternatives, you won’t be hard-pressed to find what you’re looking for.
A porcelain toilet is more expensive than a plastic toilet cistern. And although the aesthetics of a sleek porcelain toilet may catch your eye more than one partially made of plastic, plastic bathroom fixtures may have something more to offer.
Which is Better? Plastic or Porcelain Bathrooms?
Porcelain is traditional. But it does come with its drawbacks. So if you’re considering switching to plastic, the following points could turn you one way or the other!
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Cost Efficiency
Redesigning your bathroom can be a huge investment depending on how deep you go. But even the most surface-level overhauls can be costly. If you’re hoping to achieve a noticeable redesign on a budget, a plastic toilet cistern, plastic bathroom sink, and even plastic bathroom tiles are the best way to do it.
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Durability
A scratched porcelain toilet is just as difficult to fix as a scratched plastic toilet. So there is no competition on that front. But when it comes to staining, chipping, and general deterioration, you may have a better experience with one than the other.
Plastic toilet cisterns tend to stain more easily than porcelain toilets due to their porous surface.
However, with regular cleaning and using non-abrasive cleaners, you can avoid fast staining.
Furthermore, when it comes to chipping, plastic toilet cisterns are less susceptible to chipping than porcelain. As although porcelain is durable, it is brittle when impacted.
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Aesthetics
Fixtures for plastic and porcelain bathrooms are similar in appearance, but porcelain provides the slightly more up-market edge you may be looking for. The best thing to do is visit a showroom and see how a porcelain fixture may compare to a porcelain one!
You’ve Made Your Choice, What’s Next?
Once you’ve decided between plastic and porcelain for your bathroom, contact us at GK Plumbing, and we’ll install your new fixtures and help to create the bathroom you envision.
We have over 25 years of experience as a family-run business and cut no corners in making sure you receive exactly what you need.
If you’d like, we can help you design the new layout of your bathroom, as well as install the fixtures of your choice.
We’re the all-around plumbing company that guarantees complete customer satisfaction before we ever leave your property.
Contact GK Plumbing & Heating today for a team that makes a difference.
