## Common ground
All options are towel racks classified by their primary material.
## Options at a glance
**3924.90 – Plastic**
- **Defining trait:** Made primarily from synthetic polymer materials, often lightweight and moisture-resistant.
- **Typical examples:** Bathroom towel racks with molded plastic arms or base.
- **Best fit when:** The product is lightweight, injection-molded, and not metal or ceramic.
**4420 – Wood**
- **Defining trait:** Constructed from natural wood, often finished or treated for bathroom use.
- **Typical examples:** Wooden towel bars with a stained or varnished surface.
- **Best fit when:** The material is visibly grainy, solid wood, and not coated in metal or ceramic.
**6911.90 – Porcelain or China**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay, typically glazed and brittle; used for decorative or high-end fixtures.
- **Typical examples:** Decorative towel racks with porcelain finials or base.
- **Best fit when:** The product has a smooth, glossy, ceramic-like finish and feels heavy and fragile.
**6912.00 – Ceramic**
- **Defining trait:** Made from fired clay, often used in sanitaryware; more durable than porcelain but less refined.
- **Typical examples:** Towel racks with ceramic mounting brackets or decorative elements.
- **Best fit when:** The material is dense, non-porous, and resembles bathroom tiles or sanitary ware.
**7013.9X – Glass**
- **Defining trait:** Made from transparent or translucent glass; often polished or tempered for safety.
- **Typical examples:** Frameless glass towel bars or mirrored wall-mounted racks.
- **Best fit when:** The product is clear, reflective, and made of sheet or rod glass.
**7324.90 – Iron or Steel**
- **Defining trait:** Made from ferrous metal; often rust-resistant with coatings like chrome or powder paint.
- **Typical examples:** Heavy-duty steel towel racks with a brushed finish.
- **Best fit when:** The product is metallic, strong, and feels heavy with a metallic sheen.
**7418.20 – Copper**
- **Defining trait:** Made from pure or alloyed copper; develops a patina over time.
- **Typical examples:** Antique-style towel racks with natural copper finish.
- **Best fit when:** The material is warm-toned, malleable, and shows visible copper color or patina.
**7615.20 – Aluminium**
- **Defining trait:** Lightweight, corrosion-resistant metal; often anodized for color and durability.
- **Typical examples:** Modern bathroom racks with brushed aluminum finish.
- **Best fit when:** The product is light, shiny, and has a modern, minimalist look.
**7907.00 – Zinc**
- **Defining trait:** Made from zinc alloy; often used for decorative or plated finishes.
- **Typical examples:** Towel racks with zinc-plated or die-cast components.
- **Best fit when:** The product is small, decorative, and has a silvery-white finish.
**8302.50 – Base Metal**
- **Defining trait:** Made from non-precious metals like brass, nickel, or steel alloys; often plated.
- **Typical examples:** Towel racks with chrome-plated or nickel-coated metal parts.
- **Best fit when:** The product is metallic but not clearly iron, copper, aluminum, or zinc; common for mixed-metal finishes.
## Key differences
| Material | Weight | Finish | Durability | Common Use Case |
|----------------|------------|------------------|----------------|--------------------------|
| Plastic | Light | Smooth, molded | Low | Budget, indoor use |
| Wood | Medium | Natural grain | Moderate | Traditional bathrooms |
| Porcelain/China| Heavy | Glazed, glossy | Brittle | Decorative, high-end |
| Ceramic | Heavy | Matte/glossy | High (but fragile) | Sanitaryware-style |
| Glass | Medium | Transparent | Moderate | Modern, minimalist |
| Iron/Steel | Heavy | Coated, metallic | High | Industrial, durable |
| Copper | Medium | Patina, warm | Moderate (ages) | Vintage, luxury |
| Aluminium | Light | Anodized, shiny | High | Contemporary, outdoor |
| Zinc | Medium | Silvery-white | Moderate | Decorative, small parts |
| Base Metal | Varies | Plated, shiny | High (if coated) | General-purpose finishes |
## How to choose
1. Is the material visibly wood? → 4420
2. Is it made of glass or clear plastic? → 7013.9X
3. Does it feel heavy and metallic with a shiny finish? → 7324.90, 7615.20, 8302.50
4. Is it warm-toned and develops a patina? → 7418.20
5. Is it glazed, smooth, and fragile-looking? → 6911.90 or 6912.00
## Overlaps & pitfalls
- **Glass vs. plastic:** Both can be clear; use “glass” only if it’s tempered or thick.
- **Ceramic vs. porcelain:** Often hard to distinguish; use 6911.90 for high-gloss, 6912.00 for matte/durable.
- **Base metal (8302.50) vs. specific metals:** If the product is plated or alloyed but not pure copper/aluminum, use 8302.50.
- **No priority rule given** — choose based on the **main material** and **primary visual/structural trait**