With their distinctive texture and durability, concrete basins define modern design. They’re a functional upgrade and a reflection of the growing shift toward high-quality, custom finishes in bathroom spaces.
With their rise in popularity (especially in custom forms), it’s no surprise that they’re now a go-to choice on renovation shows and in contemporary homes. But while their visual appeal is clear, there’s a lot more going on beneath the surface.
Concrete is a unique material, and understanding how it behaves, how it’s made and what you can expect from it is the key to making a confident, long-lasting choice in your interior design and home renovation planning. That’s where we come in.
Here at Sticks & Stone Co., we pride ourselves on providing Aussie homeowners and home builders with uniquely Australian fixtures – think hard-wearing, durable, and all our colours pay homage to the shades of the bush, desert, mountain ranges, and all the other distinct landscapes that make up our rugged island continent. And much like our sources of inspiration, you can also expect our range of concrete products to stand the test of time.
In this guide, we break down the essential facts about our concrete basins. From what they’re made of and how they perform, to the innovative research behind them and the benefits they bring to your home.
Whether you’re choosing your first concrete basin or curious about what makes them so enduring, here’s what you need to know about their durability and how to care for them properly.
Are Concrete Basins Made From Real Concrete?
Not all products labelled “concrete” are made from the same material. In fact, many basins on the market (both budget-friendly and premium) are made from concrete-resin blends that are significantly lighter than traditional concrete.
These often feel more like plastic or fibreglass, with a smooth, uniform finish that lacks the natural texture many people associate with concrete. That’s where GFRC, or Glass Fibre Reinforced Concrete, comes in. This is the material we use for our concrete basins, and it's a significant step up from traditional concrete mixes.
GFRC combines the same base ingredients as concrete with added glass fibres and other high-performance components. These additions give it greater strength, improved durability, and lower water absorption.
In practice, that means GFRC basins are less prone to cracking or staining and can be cast into more refined shapes (like rugged detailed basins), without compromising on the look and feel of concrete. They also allow for a lighter product without sacrificing structural integrity.
Because each piece is handcrafted, so it’s normal for basins to feature small air holes, slight variations in tone and the kinds of natural imperfections that give concrete its character.
Rather than flaws, these are part of what makes true concrete unique.
Why R&D Matters for Concrete Basin Quality
We put a lot of thought into how our basins are made, and that includes investing in research and development.
By testing different materials, we’ve been able to improve the performance and longevity of our basins over time. It’s this process that led us to use GFRC.
At Sticks & Stone Co., we better understand how concrete behaves in real bathroom environments. We’ve explored the ideal mix ratios, curing times, sealing methods and pigments to ensure each basin doesn’t just look beautiful - it functions beautifully, too.
This kind of behind-the-scenes work might not be visible at first glance, but it’s the reason your basin holds its colour, resists stains and feels solid and satisfying to use. It’s also why we can confidently say: this isn’t just concrete. It’s bathroom science.
How to Care for Your Concrete Basin
Concrete might have a reputation for being tough (and it is), but like anything crafted with care, it performs best when you treat it with a little love.
Here’s how to make sure your basin stays looking beautiful for years to come:
1. Keep It Clean
A quick rinse and wipe after each use goes a long way. Use a soft microfibre cloth or sponge with warm, soapy water - gentle dishwashing soap is perfect. Avoid anything abrasive, like scouring pads or harsh chemicals (think bleach, nail polish remover, or citrus-based cleaners). These can strip the surface and wear down the seal.
And don’t forget to dry your basin after each use. This helps prevent hard water spots and keeps the surface smooth and consistent.
2. Treat It Gently
Concrete is strong, but it’s not indestructible. Avoid dropping heavy or sharp objects into the basin, and don’t place hot hair tools or other heated items directly on the surface, just like you wouldn’t with a timber bench or stone vanity.
To protect your basin, always use trivets, heat-resistant mats, or towels to buffer the heat. And, if something heavy is likely to be used near the basin, consider adding a protective layer of cushioning to safeguard the concrete’s surface from any impact.
3. Watch Out for Harsh Products
Products like hair dye, face peels, sunscreen, toothpaste with whitening agents, and even essential oils can be surprisingly aggressive on concrete surfaces. That’s because many of them contain strong pigments, active acids (like glycolic or salicylic acid), or oils that can seep into the surface if left too long.
Even natural products - especially those with bright colours or citrus bases - can leave behind a shadow or tint if they’re not cleaned up promptly. So, if you’re applying a face mask, tinting your brows, or experimenting with a new at-home serum, just take a moment to rinse or wipe the basin afterwards.
4. Rinse If In Doubt
If your basin comes into contact with anything you’re unsure about - like a new bathroom cleaner, a strong disinfectant, or even something that spilled from your makeup bag - it’s best to play it safe and rinse it off straight away with clean water.
After all, you’ve invested in something special. A few seconds of caution helps keep it looking and performing its best for years to come.
Why Durability Of Concrete Is Important
Do Concrete Basins Crack?
As with any material, cracking can occur under certain conditions. But when it comes to high-quality round concrete basins made with the right materials, the risk is significantly reduced.
That said, proper installation is just as important as the material itself. Cracking tends to occur only when the basin isn’t allowed to expand and contract naturally due to being fixed too tightly or installed in a way that puts stress on the material.
Concrete naturally moves with temperature changes, so it’s important that the installation accounts for this. That’s why we provide clear, simple installation instructions designed to support the integrity of the basin over time.
If you're working with a plumber or installer, it's worth reinforcing that concrete basins require a different approach compared to ceramic or porcelain.
Do Concrete Basins Stain?
Yes, they can. The key is understanding what that care looks like. If you like the look and feel of concrete, the best thing you can do is understand how to look after it.
For your vessel basin, that means wiping up spills reasonably quickly, sticking to ph-neutral, non-abrasive cleaners and avoiding harsh chemicals - not just cleaning products, but things like face peels, sunscreen and hair dye.
If you don’t follow the proper maintenance instructions, you may see marks or staining. Abrasive tools like magic erasers or gritty creams can also damage the surface.
It’s worth noting that concrete isn’t meant to look like porcelain or ceramic. It will age. It will patina. And any stains or marks that do occur will soften over time. That’s part of what people love about it. The way it evolves and tells its own story in a space.
Shaping the Future of Concrete Basin Performance
Each Sticks & Stones basin is individually hand-cast, one at a time, never mass-produced. The natural movement of the concrete, the subtle shifts in tone, the gentle presence of texture. These are the hallmarks of true craftsmanship. No two pieces are ever identical, and that’s exactly what makes them extraordinary.
We encourage you to explore the full gallery on our website to appreciate the organic range of our finishes. Each image is a window into the kind of individuality you can expect and the kind of quality you can trust.
Ready to elevate your bathroom with a basin that’s anything but ordinary? Contact us today and we’ll help you find the perfect fit.