Not all concrete basins are the same

Not All Concrete Basins Are the Same: What to Look For | FORMED

If you have been looking at concrete basins, you will have noticed that many look very similar online. Up close, and after a few years in a real bathroom, they can be very different.

Concrete is a wonderful material for a basin: solid, tactile and never quite the same twice. But how a basin is made decides how it behaves day to day, and some are built far better than others. Here is what we think is worth knowing before you choose.

1. How is it sealed?

Concrete is naturally porous, so every concrete basin needs protection against water and stains. The difference is in how that protection is applied. Some manufacturers use a nano or penetrating sealers but recommend regular resealing with a wax. Without that maintenance, this type of sealer can leave the surface exposed to staining.

In contrast, FORMED basins don't need this.

Ours are sealed at the factory with a multi-stage system built on 25 years of material development, so there is nothing to reseal. Wipe with a soft cloth, soap and water. That's it.

2. Is the colour all the way through?

Some basins are coloured or painted only at the surface. A chip or scratch can then show a different colour underneath. In ours the colour is mixed through the concrete, in 40 curated colours, so there is no surface colour to wear through.

3. Is it reinforced?

Concrete is very strong, but thin or sculptural forms such as a basin can be prone to cracking and chipping. 
Our mix is fibre reinforced for high strength and crack resistance.

4. What is in the mix?

All our concrete is made with 80% recycled sands, aggregates and cement replacements. Using recycled material does not have to mean compromising strength or finish.

5. What does the warranty say?

A warranty tells you how confident a maker is. Check how long it lasts and what it covers, including the finish. Our basins carry a 5-year warranty.

6. What should you expect from the material?

Concrete is a natural material. Pin holes, soft tonal variation and a developing patina are part of its character, not defects. A good maker will tell you this up front and offer samples so you can see it for yourself.

Questions to ask any maker

• Does it need resealing, and how often?
• Is the colour through the body or only on the surface?
• Is it reinforced, and with what?
• What does the warranty cover, and for how long?
• Can I see a sample, and what variation should I expect?
• Where and how is it made?

Not sure which colour to choose? Order a colour sample, or get in touch about your project.