Everything You Need To Know About Fireclay Sinks

If you have been paying attention to kitchen remodels at all during the last 10 years, you will surely have encountered some buzz about fireclay sinks.

While fireclay sinks may appear to be trendy, they have actually been around for a very long time, and we anticipate they will continue to be staples in modern kitchens for many years to come.

Read on for everything you need to know about fireclay sinks!

What is a fireclay sink?

Fireclay sinks, first created and used in 17th century Britain, have been regarded as beautiful, functional kitchen workhorses for centuries.

Fireclay sinks are created by pouring clay into a mold which is then dried for 24-48 hours. The molded clay sink is then glazed by hand and fired at temperatures over 2100 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in a extremely durable, nonporous ceramic vessel.

As the glaze and clay fuse together under these high temperatures, they actually create a new material called fireclay, which is one of the most indestructible substances available for sink production.

Fireclay sinks have an incredible aesthetic appeal, especially for homeowners who want to introduce some old-world charm into their kitchens with a beautiful, handcrafted sink as the central feature.

Why are fireclay sinks so popular?

Joanna Gaines has contributed to the fireclay sink’s resurgence in popularity, of course, since she uses one of these classic beauties in nearly every kitchen that she remodels, as well as installing one in her own family’s farmhouse.

Have you ever wondered which farmhouse sink Joanna Gaines uses?

I have scoured her Instagram feed, the Magnolia blog, and a variety of interviews that she has done.

While none of those sources definitively identified her sink, it is obvious from the pictures of her home’s kitchen that Joanna has a white fireclay sink.

I’m thinking it might be a Bocchi, similar to this one.

If you look very carefully at the back of her sink, it is possible to make out what looks like a trademark, although it is impossible to tell what the trademark it actually is.

Click [here] or [here] to take a look for yourself. And let me know what you think!

Interested in getting your dream sink installed quickly? Read this next:

9 Amazing Reasons to Install a Quick-Fit Drop-in Farmhouse Sink

What is the difference between a fireclay sink and a regular farmhouse sink?

Aesthetically, a fireclay sink will look quite similar to what might be thought of as a “regular” enameled cast iron farmhouse sink. Upon first glance, you likely won’t notice a great difference between the two.

Once you start using the sink, though, it will become more apparent how these two materials differ.

The enamel on cast iron sinks can be quite fragile, making them susceptible to chips, cracks, and scratches. Fireclay is much more durable than enameled cast iron.

Additionally, the finish on enamel sinks can become dulled with use. This generally is not so for fireclay sinks, which keep their sheen for much longer. With good care and upkeep, a fireclay sink could potentially last a lifetime.

A final, important difference between the two sink types is that fireclay sinks are crafted by hand. They tend to be less uniform in size and shape than cast iron sinks, which are generally mass-produced. This is important if you have a very tight space into which your sink needs to fit.

How much does a fireclay sink cost?

Fireclay sinks cost, on average, anywhere between $300 and $2,000.

This price variance is due to size, brand name, country of origin, and the quality of the materials used.

On average, a mid-range, good-quality fireclay sink should be in the $400-$600 range. Keep in mind that this is just the price of the sink and does not include the faucet, sink accessories, or the cost of installation.

For example, Sinkology’s Josephine 34″ Quick-Fit Drop-in Fireclay Farmhouse Kitchen Sink has an MSRP of approximately $400. [click here for more information]

And Bocchi’s Classico 30 comes in under $700 [click here for more information]

Conclusion

Fireclay sinks are beautiful, timeless, and relatively affordable. If this farmhouse sink is on your wish list, we definitely think it is worth pursuing having one installed.