Toilets, Sinks, Showers, Tubs and Disposals - Acrylic vs. Cast iron

We're looking at new self-rimming sinks and want to install one that matches our black granite kitchen countertops. We're looking to get a black sink, preferably high gloss black. I've found two so far, one that's cast acryllic for about $200 and one that's cast-iron for $450. Besides price, what are the advantages, drawbacks of each? Is there another material I should be looking for besides these two?

Both are good products, but you have to be careful around cast-iron about dropping items into the sink.


It can spaw and cause damage, splinter the surface which will allow rusting.


Most common areas for rusting in the cast iron sinks is at the overflow holes and the drain opening.

Acrylic is nice, has a array of different styles, finishes, and colors, and much easier to install. :thumbup:

:coffee:

Cast iron cons:
more expensive
a glass placed in the sink too hard may readily break
dropping a cast iron pot in the sink really hard may chip it
installers don't like the heavy weight

Cast iron pros:
very scratch resistant (will stay nice and shiney for years)
has a nice, solid, high quality feel
I've seen 50 year old cast iron still looking good
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Acrylic cons:
scratches more easily and doesn't stay shiney for long
has a more "cheap" feel in my opinion
may crack if you drop a heavy cast iron skillet in the sink

Acrylic pros:
less expensive
installers like the lighter weight
does not rust