For drop-in sinks, your choices tend to be limited to stainless steel, porcelain, and enamel, which is applied over cast iron or steel but looks very similar to porcelain. Solid porcelain is the most breakable, but enamel sinks can still chip—you’re just less likely to damage the metal core. Stainless steel sinks are the most common of any material. The thickness is measured by gauge; the lower the number, the thicker the metal. Stainless steel can scratch, and thinner gauges can even dent. Running water can be loud too, especially if the basin is deep—think about the sound of rain on a metal roof. With apron-front or undermount sinks, the choices include all of the options above and extend into premium materials like copper, zinc, and fireclay, which is like a hardened porcelain designed to resist heavier impacts.