Washing artificial marble or granite which is better. Quartz kitchen sinks

Let us consider in more detail what an artificial stone sink can be, its pros and cons. We hope this information will help you make the right and informed choice.

Kinds

Today on sale are kitchen sinks made of artificial stone, produced on the basis of materials such as corian or granite.

Let's take a closer look at each of these options.

Corian

This is an artificial stone from a well-known manufacturer, DuPont, which owns patents for nylon, lycra, teflon and many other artificial materials.

It (Corian) consists of acrylic resin, as well as mineral fillers. Visually, this material is similar to natural stone, but it is enough to touch it to catch the difference: it is warm, smooth, does not contain pores.

Corian does not absorb moisture, is environmentally friendly, pathogenic microorganisms will not penetrate into it, any pollution is removed very easily. This is one of the best modern solutions for kitchens.

Be careful: a Corian sink can only be built into a worktop made from the same material.

Enviable aesthetics and a wealth of choice is another significant advantage. Consumers are offered wide color palette with over 100 shades.

They can be combined with each other, applied to the surface with patterns that give the product a bright personality. Choose one color or contrasting solutions - it's up to you.

Granite

Most of these shells are made up of 80% natural stone chips and 20% binder based on polymers, including acrylic resin.

The more in the composition of granite the better the quality of the wash. The absence of pores, absolute hygiene, environmental friendliness, increased strength, resistance to scratches and chips, resistance to aggressive household chemicals, ease of care make them indispensable in the modern kitchen.

You can safely put hot dishes on them, cut without using a cutting board (manufacturers produce models equipped with a special cutting wing).

A wide choice of few consumers will leave indifferent: a variety of sizes (from small to simply huge), configurations (round, double, corner, etc.), increased functionality (presence of additional wings), etc.

Built-in granite sinks in almost any countertop, whether it is laminated chipboard, wood, corian, natural granite, artificial stone.

pros

The benefits of using artificial stone kitchen sinks are quite impressive.

Sinks made of artificial stone have special properties that provide enviable performance and high aesthetics.

Judge for yourself:

Extremely wide color palette. In the basic palettes of sinks made of both granite and corian, there are over 100 tones and shades;
Durability. The service life of such products is expected to be 10 years, although in real conditions they can be used much longer. Compared to natural stone, this figure is somewhat lower, but many manufacturers of composite sinks claim that with proper care and proper use, they are eternal;
Hygiene. The technological production process eliminates the formation of micropores and other gaps in which pathogenic bacteria and microorganisms could accumulate and multiply. Therefore, a slippery film does not appear on the surface, there are no unpleasant odors, unlike sinks made of natural stone, in which this indicator can go off scale.
Increased strength. The mechanical wear resistance of artificial material is several times higher than that of natural stone and even concrete. If a heavy object falls on the surface of the sink from a significant height, no damage will be done to it.
Maintainability. Even if you fail to protect the sink from various mechanical damages, chips, scratches and other defects, it can be easily and quickly restored, returning the perfect original appearance. Sandpaper, polish and acrylic glue is all that is required to carry out the work. But it is still recommended to entrust such work to an experienced master;
Ease of installation of the crane. The hole for the mixer can be easily made directly during installation. Thanks to this, each hostess will be able to independently choose the most suitable location for the crane, and not proceed from what the manufacturer offers;
Conditional heat resistance. You can safely pour boiling water into such a sink without fear of causing its deformation or crack. But not every sink is “friends” with hot pans. Be sure to clarify this point during the selection or purchase process by asking the seller whether traces of hot objects will remain on the surface.

All this allows us to say with confidence that sinks made of artificial stone for a modern kitchen are the best option, despite a number of features that some consumers attribute to disadvantages. More about this.

Minuses

First of all: Enough high price sinks made of artificial stone, which significantly limits the circle of potential buyers. However, for many people this minus is very conditional.

You need to understand that price is a reflection of reliability, practicality and durability, which is not worth saving. Whether this should be considered a disadvantage is up to you.

Reviews

Such sinks have been used for a long time, allowing the selection process to focus not only on the assurances of manufacturers, but also on real consumer reviews.

For example.

Some argue that if a very heavy object falls on the surface, it is difficult to avoid chipping. You can glue the missing piece, but it will still be noticeable, at least for those who know where the defect is.

Having chosen such a sink for herself, the hostess will have to be quite careful with heavy cast-iron pans and other similar utensils.

Sensitivity some models for hot dishes can also be attributed to serious shortcomings. They are not afraid of boiling water, but if you put a pot on the surface, just removed from the heat, it will leave an unsightly mark that will be difficult to disguise.

Therefore, be sure to consult the sellers on this matter and choose sinks from trusted manufacturers for yourself.

Compared to stainless

Most consumers, faced with the choice of kitchen sink, hesitate between stainless steel and artificial stone. Which option to choose for yourself?

Stainless steel sinks are the most budget option.

They are endowed with strength, durability, a certain aesthetics, they go well with faucets, metal accessories and fittings.

Talking about their flaws in comparison with artificial stone, it is worth mentioning the weak sound absorption, that is, the sound from the flow of pouring water will be clearly audible.

Stainless steel is not particularly scratch resistant. If they appear, then you can no longer remove them.

Here is an example of a real review on the topic of choosing between a sink made of artificial stone and stainless steel.

It also requires quite a lot of maintenance. After each use, it should be wiped dry, otherwise the dried drops of water will be very noticeable, having a negative impact on the aesthetic component.

Over time, a stainless sink will still lose its luster. A lot of small scratches and limescale will make it dull and not very attractive.

note that brushed stainless steel sinks are not as prone to these drawbacks.

Sinks made of artificial stone are devoid of all these unsightly features. An incredibly wide color palette also testifies in their favor, while stainless steel can have only one color - steel.

Be sure to pay attention to the weight of the product. Composite is a fairly heavy material, while steel is light. In some cases, the weight of the product is a weighty argument in the selection process.

We have already considered the features that an artificial stone sink is endowed with, its pros and cons.

It remains only to determine what aspects should be paid attention to by those who are already ready to go buying:

1 Form. The classic solution is rectangular models with one bowl. This is the best option for a small kitchen, in which every centimeter of the work surface counts.
If you are the owner of a spacious room, you can safely choose for yourself a large two-bowl sink equipped with an additional platform (for dishes or products). There are also connoisseurs of round sinks. For corner kitchens, modern manufacturers also offer a lot of extraordinary options.
2 Color. The richness of shades will not leave anyone indifferent. If you are afraid that stains from dried water and lime deposits will be visible on the surface, choose light-colored models with a “speck”.
3 Manufacturer. As with the purchase of other goods, preference should be given to trusted manufacturers. Reliable brands provide a technical passport, quality certificates, and an official guarantee for their products. Cheap analogues can give you serious trouble during operation.

Knowing all these features and nuances, you can easily choose an artificial stone sink that will satisfy your needs in terms of aesthetics, size, color scheme and all other parameters.

Leave your comments about such sinks, as well as about manufacturers.

Stone sinks (or as they are also called sinks) for the kitchen and stone washbasins for the bathroom are becoming increasingly popular not only in Europe and the USA, but also in Russia. For the manufacture of stone sinks, both artificial stone and natural stone, such as marble and granite, are used, this practical and multifunctional sink will be an excellent addition to the kitchen area of a house or apartment of any style and direction.

In today's article, the team styling room prepared for you a selection of photos of 11 stylish and unique stone sinks for kitchens made of various types of natural stone, such as quartz, granite, steatite and marble, you will also find out their main advantages and disadvantages, and you can finally decide for yourself whether it is worth equipping the kitchen area of your at home with a stone sink or not.

Natural marble kitchen sinks

Marble is considered to be one of the noblest natural materials used in interior design. This rock has a wide and unique range of decorative characteristics, as marble products can be of different colors, textures and textures, have different stripes and veins that make marble accessories and furniture items truly unique.

Currently, natural marble is widely used by many companies in the production of kitchen furniture: heavy-duty countertops and work surfaces are made from marble, including marble kitchen sinks. So, the photo below shows a stylish modern kitchen sink from Carrera Marble kitchen sink, securely built directly into the gray wood worktop, which is part of the kitchen furniture collection from Mackenzie Pages.

Marble is quite often used as a finishing material for a kitchen backsplash and countertops, while it can be either individual elements of marble or a solid composition of stone of the same breed. So, the photo below shows stylish kitchen furniture from the design company Obumex, which used natural white marble with light gray veins to finish not only the kitchen sink, but also the entire white plastic worktop.

Marble cladding is a win-win option that looks very presentable and elite. However, do not forget that marble is a rather demanding material that needs special care, and in the kitchen this requirement becomes especially relevant.

We can highlight the following tips for caring for marble:

Buying special cleansers: Only neutral detergents with a pH of seven are suitable for marble.
Use of wax coatings: marble finishes are subject to abrasion, so in order for marble to retain its unique brilliance and natural tones, it should be cleaned with special coatings that provide mechanical protection and gloss (especially for flooring made of natural marble slabs).
Impregnation of marble surfaces: marble surfaces are porous and absorb any liquids, after which hard-to-remove stains may appear on the marble. Therefore, it is desirable to protect marble surfaces with oil and water-repellent impregnation, which will not leave a film, but simply fill the open pores of the material.

Unique antique natural stone kitchen sinks

Stone shells are not just a hit of this season, they were used in ancient Egypt and in the East, so unique old stone shells can be found in many museums of history and culture. The stone sink in the following photo has been custom-restored by Ancient Surfaces, with a unique Mediterranean-inspired sink complete with golden faucets and stylish, colorful tiles with a variety of patterns.

About what and what must be taken into account without fail, read in the detailed photo report of the team styling room.

Do you want to line the walls in the living room, dining room, kitchen or bedroom with your own hands? Then read our recommendations and watch the video

The granite kitchen sink in the following photo from design company YK Stone Center is made of glossy white-veined granite, visually reminiscent of expensive black marble.

An artificial stone sink is a stylish and practical solution. In a short period of time, this species has occupied a worthy niche in the building materials market and in the list of consumer favorites. Along with the magnificent appearance of the product, there are a number of undeniable advantages.

Artificial stone sink - pros and cons

The unique properties of artificial stone are predetermined by the composition and correctly derived proportions. Quality materials consist of stone chips (80%) - granite, quartz and polymer binder resins (20%). Worthy of praise and acrylic sinks. General indicators for such products are:

Durability. With proper care, an artificial stone sink will last at least 10 years. This indicator is several times higher than that of or.
Hygiene. The special composition of the material is not suitable as a breeding ground for bacteria, fungus, mold. Therefore, such a wash over time will not exhaust the unpleasant odor, and plaque will not appear on the surface. Unlike natural stone, the composite does not pose a threat of increased background radiation, therefore it is safe for human health.
Strength. A sink made of artificial stone will not “suffer” from falling kitchen utensils or utensils into it. Since the composite surpasses natural stone and concrete in terms of mechanical strength.
Ease of maintenance. Traces from drops of water, splashes and spots are not visible on a surface from an artificial stone. It is cleaned with ordinary detergent and a soft sponge. It is not necessary to wipe dry such a sink after washing. Products differ in excellent noise absorption.
Resistant to chemically aggressive substances.

The disadvantages of washing made of artificial stone make themselves felt during careless operation or when choosing low-quality products:

Cookware that has just been removed from the fire may leave marks on the composite surface.
A crack or chip in the sink can appear if a very heavy object is dropped there.
Scratches often spoil the appearance of a glossy surface.

Integrated sink made of artificial stone

According to the installation method, sinks can be classified into: mortise, overhead and integrated. The choice is determined by the features of the layout, furniture, financial capabilities and personal preferences of the owners. Particularly popular among consumers are integrated models that are installed flush with the countertop. They are glued and cast, can be installed flush with the countertop, above it and below it. The requirements for such products are much higher - these are exceptionally smooth edges and high-quality materials.

The advantages of integrated sinks are predetermined by their design features, flush installation:

prevents the formation of water puddles and leakage;
allows you to easily clean the work surface, keep it clean and dry;
does not hide the beauty of the cross-sections of many of the materials from which countertops are made.

Mortise sinks for the kitchen made of artificial stone are mounted in a hole in the countertop. Its sides are flush with the surface of the cabinet. This is one of the best low cost options that is easy to install and fits any kitchen set. Such a sink can be installed in a countertop of different thicknesses and from different materials: wood, artificial stone, laminated chipboard, plastic.

Surface-mounted sink made of artificial stone

Such sinks are installed directly on one of the cabinets of the kitchen set. They are easy to install - do not require special skills and tools. The disadvantage of the model is the high probability of water getting into the gaps between the furniture elements, inconvenience during operation. Overhead models attract consumers with their low cost and ease of installation. Assessing the performance and answering the question of which artificial stone sink is better, professionals note that mortise models lose integrated and overhead.

Which artificial stone sink to choose?

There are several criteria by which you need to choose a sink made of artificial stone:

Room dimensions. The sink, refrigerator and stove make up a working triangle, which should not take up all the space. Therefore, the dimensions of each element must be selected in accordance with the total area of \u200b\u200bthe room.
Spaciousness. Those who like to spend another hour cooking gourmet dishes should not be limited to a low-capacity sink with one compartment. The dimensions of the sink are selected depending on the frequency of use. For small kitchens, medium depth corner models are ideal.
Number of sections. A very convenient sink option with two sections of different capacity. But such a solution is not always acceptable, for small kitchens or in homes where they rarely cook.
Mounting type. The installation method is an opportunity to save money. Mortise and overhead sinks are mounted without problems, integrated ones require professional skills. When choosing a suitable model, you need to focus on your budget, the desired performance characteristics, and the features of the kitchen set.
Practicality. Glossy composite surfaces in dark shades look stylish and beautiful, but this option is not always acceptable for large families where the sink is used frequently and for its intended purpose. On shells of light shades - white, beige, light brown, stains, small scratches and stains from water are less visible.
Quality. Before choosing a sink made of artificial stone, you need to make sure that there are no dents that are not provided for by the hole mounting technology, color uniformity and geometric correctness of the product.
Color and shape. These characteristics are determined by personal preferences, style and overall color scheme of the kitchen interior.

Square sink - artificial stone

Composite materials can be used to make a product of any shape, size and color. The best sinks made of artificial stone, familiar to the layman, are square-shaped products with sides of 50 or 60 cm. Such models are roomy and comfortable for washing dishes. In the assortment you can find sinks of different designs and colors. Among the shortcomings, one can single out the inconvenience when removing dirt in the corners, this does not apply to products with rounded edges.

Rectangular sinks made of artificial stone

The perfect solution for small kitchens and narrow worktops. When every centimeter counts, rectangular sinks and sinks made of artificial stone will serve you well. Products can be of different sizes, among the most popular ratios are: 55x50, 50x80, 50x100, 50x125 cm. Like square, rectangular bowls are problematic in terms of cleaning. They present difficulties in the operation of products located with the long side across.

Round sink made of artificial stone

Products of this form are capacious, easy to clean, fit perfectly into the interior, suitable for both small and large rooms. However, before choosing a round-shaped artificial stone kitchen sink, you should take into account that some materials can change color on bends, especially dark shades and composites with large inclusions.

Double sink made of artificial stone

To defrost meat and wash vegetables at the same time will allow a model of a sink with two bowls of different capacity. This practical solution is ideal for large kitchens and families where they often cook and wash dishes by hand. Built-in sinks made of artificial stone can have a wide variety of shapes that predetermine the installation location - along the wall or in the corner.

Drainer sink - artificial stone

The model is suitable for those who do not have a place for drying dishes in the kitchen set and the latter is washed by hand. Such a sink makes the working area functional and practical, and washing dishes is comfortable. In addition to their intended purpose, the wings on the mortise sink made of artificial stone protect the countertop and prevent moisture from entering the headset.

Sink made of artificial stone - colors

An independent design element or its harmonious addition - a sink made of artificial stone will cope with any role assigned to it. A variety of shapes and shades will help her with this. In any color, with an imitation of any texture and any shape, you can make a sink from acrylic. If we talk about quartz artificial stone, it is not so plastic, so the variability of forms is limited. But this applies only to intricate shapes, a corner sink made of artificial quartz stone or a trapezoid one are considered standard. The color range of the material is also varied.

Rating of kitchen sinks made of artificial stone

The products of the following brands have proven themselves with excellent performance characteristics:

blanco. The German company produces quality products at the right price. The product line of the company is rich in products of different shapes and colors.
tolero. The products of this brand are rapidly gaining popularity due to the optimal ratio of price and quality. In its assortment there are about 20 models.
Franke. A striking example of European design and high quality. The products of this company are diverse, it occupies a high price segment.
Florentine. Domestic brand that produces products of decent quality. The company is distinguished by a laconic and refined style.
GranFest. The rating of sinks made of artificial stone will be continued by the products of this domestic company. Products are not distinguished by a high degree of impact resistance, but are very attractive in price.

A sink is one of the central kitchen appliances along with a stove and a refrigerator, and any housewife knows how important it is to have a convenient, practical and beautiful sink. However, the modern plumbing market offers such a wide range of products that an unprepared buyer can easily get confused in it and buy not quite what suits him personally.

We want to tell you how to choose a sink in the modern variety of models.

Overview of materials and selection criteria

Stainless steel

The first thing you should pay attention to when choosing a sink is the material from which it is made. Its strength, reliability, durability and many other important characteristics will depend on this.

Today on the market there are many models from a variety of materials, the most popular of which are:

Stainless steel;
Ceramics;
Fake diamond;
A natural stone;
Various polymers and plastics;
Non-ferrous metals;
Enamelled black steel or cast iron.

We note right away that the last two positions are in the least demand for quite objective reasons, since new materials confidently surpass them in terms of characteristics. At the same time, the price of new materials, if higher, is quite justified; at the same time, it does not remove popular models from the sphere of financial possibilities of the general consumer.

Let's start the review with the most popular and affordable material for sinks today - stainless steel. It is an alloy of steel with an alloying metal - zinc or chromium. Today, for the production of kitchen sanitary ware, AISI 304 and AISI 316L chromium martensitic steels are used, which are completely safe and approved for use in the food industry.

They look great in a variety of interior styles, from country to high-tech and postmodern.

In addition, they have a number of characteristic advantages:

Affordable price. This is one of the most important criteria on the basis of which the products have become so popular;
Corrosion resistance. The material is not afraid of moisture, detergents, does not rust and does not change color;
Strength and elasticity. This type of metal, with its high strength, is able to withstand elastic deformations, as a result, falling dishes do not break;
Easy Care. Washing and disinfection of the device does not cause any problems;
Easy do-it-yourself installation;
Great look, which is maintained throughout the life of the product.

Important! When choosing, it is best to purchase a model with a welded deep bowl and a wall thickness of at least 0.8 - 1 mm. It is also desirable to have a sound-absorbing lining.

Composite materials

The second place in popularity after stainless steel is occupied by composite materials, which are commonly called artificial stone. This material is somewhat more expensive than stainless steel, but it has a number of significant advantages.

For the manufacture of stone sinks, various mineral bases are used - quartz, marble or granite chips, etc. The base is then mixed with a polymeric binder, most commonly acrylic resin, and molded by vibration casting into the desired product. Quality models contain at least 80 - 94% of the mineral base.

Sinks made of quartz agglomerate and marble chips have the following advantages:

A gel-coated work surface can serve for at least 10 years without losing its visual appeal and luster;
The material does not absorb odors, is not afraid of acids and alkalis, detergents and household chemicals;
The sink is absolutely silent, unlike metal counterparts;
The strength of the composite stone surpasses even natural marble and granite;
Products have a solid and expensive appearance, perfectly complement the interior of the kitchen.

Important! When choosing a sink, beware of fakes and low-quality products with a low mineral base. Give preference to well-known brands and require certificates of conformity indicating the composition of the composite.

Ceramics

Ceramic products have long established themselves as the most hygienic and resistant to the conditions of use as sanitary ware. Porcelain and sanitary ware are the undisputed leaders in terms of corrosion resistance, external beauty and surface cleanliness.

However, in the conditions of a kitchen sink, their use is complicated by low impact strength and a tendency to chip when heavy metal utensils fall, and this, alas, is inevitable. Therefore, modern ceramic kitchen appliances have to be treated with special coatings, which, however, still do not provide a 100% guarantee of protection.

In this regard, the cost of really good ceramic models is quite high, and most often such products belong to the category of elite plumbing. There are also difficulties with self-installation of devices due to their large weight and the risk of cracks and chips.

Important! Porcelain stoneware products are often offered as ceramic sinks. It is a fairly high-quality material and surpasses ceramics in strength.

What else to pay attention to

So, you have decided for yourself which sink is better - steel, stone or ceramic. Now let's talk about other criteria that should be considered when choosing.

For convenience, we simply list a number of tips that will help you choose the best quality and suitable model:

Sinks made of natural stone require careful maintenance, are afraid of acids, absorb some pigments and odors, and are also very expensive and difficult to install;
A copper or aluminum sink is too soft and will quickly be covered with scratches and other mechanical damage;
You should think in advance what type of faucet you want to see on your sink and select a model based on how it is installed;
No less important is the way the sink is installed on the countertop. There are overhead, mortise and integrated models, this must be taken into account in advance;
Think about what shape of the bowl will be more convenient for you. Now models with two and three bowls are becoming popular, it is also important to think about depth;
Modern products are often equipped with auxiliary accessories - dryers, colanders, cutting boards, etc. Choose the set that suits you best;
Pay attention to the installation method of the product. Instructions for self-installation should be understandable and feasible for you.

Important! Give preference to proven and well-known brands and manufacturers, purchase certified goods in branded stores. This will protect you from counterfeit products.

Conclusion

Choosing a kitchen sink in today's range of models is not an easy task. However, if you know the main classes of products and their features, this task is greatly simplified.

For more information on choosing sinks, see the video in this article.

Modern kitchens attract with their functionality and various innovations that turn the usual process of cooking into a creative laboratory of culinary masterpieces. A place of honor in today's kitchen is occupied by sinks made of artificial stone - beautiful, comfortable, reliable. Since this part of the headset is actively used under increased mechanical and thermal loads, its durability and appearance will depend on the correct choice of material. Furniture in the kitchen is changed on average after 20 years, so when choosing your option, it is important to see all the pros and cons of artificial stone sinks.

Features of sinks made of artificial stone

One of the advantages of acrylic stone or quartz agglomerate is its complete resemblance to its natural counterpart, since the percentage of natural components is 70-93%. Depending on the properties of the material, the composite stone kitchen sink has the following unique characteristics:

The ability to choose any shade of the surface - from classic black, beige and white to absolutely fantastic tones. Modern technologies allow you to get hundreds of different variations of colors, shades and textures. The color of the sink does not change after many years of operation.
Safety and hygiene. The smooth, non-porous surface does not retain organic matter, facilitates cleaning, leaves no chance for microbes and mold - the material is not biologically active. Water stains are less noticeable on a light surface with a pattern or crumb.
Reliability and strength. For damage and deformation, it is necessary to apply efforts that are inadequate for living conditions. Particularly resistant to scratches and chips. From a pan that has fallen without the usual rumble, the material will not suffer. The acrylic surface is more sensitive to mechanical damage, although it is easy to get rid of them.
Resistant to household acids. resistant to the negative effects of hydrochloric, phosphoric and perchloric acids, ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, iodine solution, silver nitrate and lead acetate. You should only be afraid of acetone and nitric acid.
Low coefficient of thermal expansion. With sudden temperature changes (from -30⁰ to +150⁰), the surface of the sink will not crack or deteriorate. Ceramic surfaces may be damaged.
Possibility of restoration. Given the cost, this can be considered a big advantage. 100% recoverable.
dielectric properties. The fact that the material does not conduct current is another plus for safe operation.
Vibrocasting technology allows you to model sinks of any size, configuration, complexity. The most popular are double sinks - shells or butterflies. A wet table can be made ribbed - this prevents the dishes from slipping. The range of sinks made of composite is wider than those made of ceramic, stainless steel and other materials.
When processing the surface, they create different effects: antique, gloss, shagreen, matte, silky. Artificial stone can be drilled if additional cranes are needed.

There are few disadvantages of artificial stone sinks. First of all, they will cost more than their steel or ceramic counterparts. In addition, sinks made of quartz composite have a solid weight, so only specialists should mount them. Along with the usual mortise and overhead structures, hidden models are also in demand, which are installed in a special hole in the tabletop, leaving the top edge below the table level.

When choosing a material for a kitchen sink, it is customary to focus on the style and design of the kitchen, the repair budget, and the necessary performance characteristics. Multi-variant sinks made of artificial stone will look equally harmonious in a country-style kitchen, in a classic luxurious interior, and in modern studio apartments decorated in the spirit of hi-tech or minimalism, and - an additional argument in favor of this amazing material.