N
Glam Journal

What is a butler sink made of

Author

David Craig

Updated on April 17, 2026

Usually made from fireclay ceramic, though also available in stainless steel, these sinks are manufactured as a double bowl as well as the traditional single bowl, and can be purchased in white or cream.

What's the difference between a Belfast sink and a butler sink?

Belfast sinks are smaller, fit for a 600mm unit but with a deeper bowl and weight density. Butler sinks on the other hand are much wider, fitting to an 800mm unit allowing for much larger items to be washed (such as a large dog!!!) but have a slightly more swallow bowl.

Do Belfast sinks scratch?

Belfast sinks are very easy to clean, and very durable. … By the same token, over time a stainless-steel sink can pick up scratches and even some discolouration which can detract from the overall look of your kitchen.

What material is a Belfast sink?

Research conducted by Franke revealed that 70% of today’s sink customers opt for stainless steel as it is an inexpensive, versatile material that can be adapted to a range of sink shapes and styles such as undermount, top mount and the more traditional farmhouse, Butler and Belfast styles.

Do butler sinks stain?

It is then glazed with a thick layer of white vitreous china and finished with finely ground glass before being fired in a kiln. The result is a sink that is durable, stain and scratch-resistant.

Do Belfast sinks chip easily?

If you drop a cup or a plate in a stainless-steel sink, then the chances are it is not going to break however the glazed white porcelain that is a feature of a Belfast sink will smash most delicate items that are dropped.

Why are Belfast sinks so heavy?

Belfast sinks tend to be deeper than most others on the market. Some commentators reckon it was because originally they were designed to be big enough to wash a small child, while others say it was because they were used in the Butler’s pantry where big items were washed.

What is a butler sink?

What Are Butler Sinks? Butler sinks are very similar to Belfast sinks but are often shallower and slightly wider. Historically, Butler sinks didn’t feature an overflow but you’ll find that many modern variations do. However, you’ll only find a weir overflow on a Belfast sink.

What is butler's sink?

Also known as fireclay sinks or farmhouse sinks, butler sinks are designed to make a statement in your kitchen. Butler sinks are known for their rustic style and flat fronts, designed to make it easy to access your kitchen sink.

What are ceramic sinks made of?

How your ceramic sink is made. Liquid ceramic – consisting of quartz, kaolin and china clay is poured into a mould under high pressure. The sink is then dried, and imperfections worked by hand with sponges.

Article first time published on

Do Belfast sinks stain?

Not to mention the fact that this gorgeous sink is crafted from high quality fireclay ceramic, much alike the Butler & Rose sink above, and is highly resistant to heat, stains, and any pesky scratches too!

How do you clean a butler sink?

  1. Use Denture Cleaner. For some people, using a denture cleaner might just do the trick. …
  2. Use Some Bleach. Putting in a dash of bleach might also work as many households rely on the power of bleach. …
  3. Washing Powder. …
  4. Use an Old Scouring Powder.

What worktops are best with a Belfast sink?

Which worktops with a Belfast or Butler sink? Bushboard Evolve and Bushboard MStone worktops are both suited to a Belfast or Butler sink because they are very unlikely to suffer from water ingress.

How do you clean a ceramic butler sink?

You can save money – and your sink – by using gentle cleansers made from household ingredients. Remove stains using a mild acid like lemon juice or vinegar. For extremely stubborn buildup, use baking soda as an abrasive cleanser. Keep your sink clean by regularly washing it with a sponge and a gentle detergent.

Do ceramic sinks crack?

You can’t dent a ceramic kitchen sink, but you can chip and crack it if you try hard enough. Once you compromise the glaze, the chipped area’s immediate surroundings can quickly turn discolored. … Broken ceramic sinks are ground into a fine powder and then used to make other ceramic products.

What are fireclay sinks?

A fireclay sink is a type of ceramic sink. These sinks are not carved; they are molded at extreme temperatures. The process of molding starts when clay is formed into the desired size and shape of the sink, which then dries under a mild level of heat for up to 2 days.

Are Belfast sinks ceramic?

Belfast sinks are made from ceramic and are a lot tougher than you might have originally thought. … Plus, double Belfast sinks are really easy to keep looking clean because it won’t scratch, unlike ordinary stainless steel kitchen sinks.

Why is it called Belfast sink?

To start off with, the Belfast sink is derived from a Butler sink and is also known as a Butler Belfast sink. As you may have guessed by the term “Butler” these sinks got their name as they were used by Butlers in their pantries for preparing food and washing up after the nobles had finished.

How old are Belfast sinks?

The ever-popular range of Belfast sinks are among our best sellers, and it’s been this way since we launched in 2011. In fact, Belfast sinks have been in vogue since the 1700s, commonly found in kitchens of the landed gentry, and their strong aesthetic appeal has ensured they’ve remained fashionable for over 300 years.

Can you use bleach on a ceramic sink?

Warning. Do not use bleach on ceramic sinks because it can ruin the finish. Avoid heavily abrasive products, such as bristle brushes and scouring powder. Strong abrasives etch the ceramic so that it traps dirt and becomes dull instead of shiny white.

Are Belfast sinks lower?

Belfast sinks are really low down Due to the depth, Belfast sinks are much lower than normal sinks so you end up stooping whilst washing up which aches quite terribly.

What are old white sinks made of?

The sinks feature a pure white porcelain enamel fused to metal, usually cast iron. Newer sinks are made to resist stains and scratches but older sinks may not have as durable of a surface.

Where are 1901 sinks made?

Named for Australian federation, 1901 Sinks and Taps is an Austrian owned wholesale company that provides fireclay sinks and solid brass taps through over 70 retailers across Australia, New Zealand, and online.

How much does a butler sink weigh?

Material:Fine FireclayWeight:27.00Kg

How wide is a butler sink?

The Shaws Butler sink is available in three standard sizes, 600mm, 800mm and 900mm wide.

How much water does a butler sink hold?

Bowl Capacity – 42.3 litres.

What are Franke sinks made of?

Composed of 80% quartz sand and 20% very hard acrylic resin, Franke’s hard-wearing granite gives you a lifetime of beauty.

What is the difference between porcelain and ceramic sinks?

Porcelain is the hardest clay available. This ceramic material is heated in a kiln at an extreme temperature, causing the clay to become less dense and porous. … Porcelain is a type of ceramic made from refined clay and fired at temperatures between 1,200 degrees Fahrenheit and 1,400 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why do ceramic sinks crack?

Drastic Temperature Changes Since porcelain is usually layered on metal and metal is a conductor of heat, the sink loses heat fast and becomes very cold, even when your bathroom or kitchen isn’t cold. When hot water contacts the cold porcelain, it creates temperature stress that cracks the surface of the sink.

How do you get stains out of a Belfast sink?

  1. Begin by sprinkling baking soda over the surfaces that are marked. It may help to spray the sink lightly with water first, so the baking soda will stick. …
  2. Spray the surface lightly with Windex.
  3. Scrub with a soft cloth or sponge until the stains are removed.
  4. Repeat as necessary.

Can I use CIF on ceramic sink?

Ceramic – You’ll want to make sure you keep your ceramic sink looking beaut by scrub-a-dub-dubbing it with Derek the Dishmatic and warm soapy water or, for a deeper clean, Cif cream cleaner. … Top tip: never use scourers or chlorine bleach on this surface as they’ll scratch and dull your sink.