There are a limited number of materials that an integral sink may be constructed from due to the required versatility of the material to function as both water resistant sink and serviceable countertop. The lack of a seam between the sink and countertop does make cleaning significantly easier. A primary factor that must be considered when choosing an integral sink is that the two are permanently joined and should be treated as a single unit. Therefore, if the sink or countertop is damaged or replaced, the other piece must also be replaced.