New bathroom, what materials are used for the basin and bathtub?

Hello dear house-building forum,

I am currently renovating my house and will probably have questions here more often in the future.

To start with, I would like to know what the major pros and cons are of plastic, glass, and ceramic sinks. Plastic and glass sinks are appearing more and more frequently and have a much more modern look. However, I would like to know if they can really compete with ceramic for years to come.

With the bathtub, a similar issue arises. Should one rather choose the classic steel bathtub here, or is it also possible to opt for plastic? Perhaps there is also an alternative?

I am grateful for all tips and experience reports.

Hello Wolverine,

a lot has changed in sanitary fittings in recent years. The old enameled bathtub has definitely seen its best days. Nowadays, there is a wide variety of materials and shapes.

As a property developer, I mostly work with clients who value high-quality and exclusive fittings. The prices of our houses are then around 3000 euros/sqm. Bathrooms and wellness areas are among the areas where a lot of money is spent today.

For a complete bathroom fitting, you should budget an amount in the five-figure range.

Best regards, Gerd

For a complete bathroom installation, you must budget an amount in the five-digit range.

Best regards, Gerd

You don't have to. And what does that have to do with the question?

Ceramics: The classic. Good, sturdy but not necessarily modern.

Plastic: Varies. My parents have had a plastic tub for over 10 years that still looks very good and shows no scratches. At least they are not noticeable. Different with their guest washbasin with a matching washbasin cabinet, which they recently bought for the guest bathroom. Here (especially in the light) after just 4 weeks of use, clear scratches are already visible on the plastic. They are not deep or anything, rather spread out. Because of this experience, I would not choose a washbasin made of plastic.

Glass: Although it makes a visually very interesting impression, water spots are the result. You will have to clean very often.

What we are personally very satisfied with at the moment is a material (whose name I have forgotten) made from stone dust and plastic. The surface is slightly roughened and has a beige stone color with color accents. It is very easy to maintain and has the advantage that if something falls into the washbasin (e.g. the mirror *g*) you can smooth the material again with scouring cream. You also don’t see water spots there. We are so satisfied with the washbasin that we will take it with us from our rented apartment into the house.

When choosing the right bathtub, it naturally also depends on the extent to which one has certain ideas about the shape. Plastic bathtubs are available in significantly more shapes than steel ones. Bathtubs made of polyacrylic are usually more prone to scratches, whereas steel or ceramic can withstand much more. I have also heard from some people that plastic bathtubs sometimes tend to creak, but this is probably due to improper installation of the tub. My personal experience is that plastic bathtubs can still look good even after several years. For the sink, however, I would tend more towards ceramic.