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Choosing a kitchen sink is a vitally important stage in creating a harmonious space in the kitchen. The sink must meet all technical and aesthetic requirements. If the sink does not fit for one reason or another, it will not be easy to replace it. Therefore, it is significant to carefully approach the choice of sink and study all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of sink. The manufacturing material is one of the most essential criteria that should be paid primary attention to. Kitchen sinks are usually made of artificial stone, stainless steel, ceramics, cast marble or natural stone. It is worth noting that sinks made of artificial stone have become particularly popular in recent years. They are extremely aesthetic, come in a variety of colours and fit into any interior.
Peculiarities of artificial stone sinks.
Artificial stone is a composite material that is made from natural mineral and acrylic or polyester resin.
For example, we manufacture granite sinks using Solid Surface technology. Our Platinum sinks contain 80% natural quartz sand and 20% acrylic resin. This formula provides the product with resistance to mechanical damage, scratches, cracks and temperature changes.
However, each manufacturer has its own production technology, which depends on the quality and operational properties of the sink. Therefore, we recommend that you should pay attention to the brand and price of the sink before buying it. Choose products from manufacturers who value their reputation and give a product warranty. For instance, our brand offers a 7-year warranty on granite sinks.
In general, artificial stone sinks have advantages, but there are also disadvantages.
Advantages of artificial stone sinks:
• Material strength and durability. A sink made of artificial stone can be in use for more than 10 years and retains its aesthetic appearance for a long time.
• Sinks perfectly withstand extremely low or high temperatures.
• Appearance. A large selection of models and colours allows you to choose a sink for any interior. Such sinks perfectly fit into various modern styles: hi-tech, minimalism, country, Provence, loft, classic and others. Sinks in white, beige and gray shades are ideal for Provence, retro or Scandinavian interiors. Black or graphite sinks will perfectly harmonize with the industrial or minimalist style in the room.
• Hygiene and safety. Thanks to a special production technology, the smooth surface of the sink made of natural stone prevents the reproduction of harmful microorganisms.
• Various mounting options.
• Resistant to cleaning chemicals used for both dishwashing and cleaning.
• The artificial stone adjusts to the temperature of the room, so it is pleasant to the touch - not cold.
• Ability to recover. Not deep scratches on the surface can be sanded. If piece of the material is chipped, it can be easily glued with acrylic glue.
Nothing is perfect in this world. The same applies to granite sinks. Here are their most important disadvantages:
• Price. If compared with steel sinks, granite sinks will be much more expensive. However, if you take into account the long service life, the overpayment will be insignificant.
• Weight. Of course, artificial stone sinks made are not as heavy as natural ones, but still it is difficult to call them light. This should be taken into account when installing the sink. Although sometimes the weight of artificial stone sinks is considered an advantage, because the sink fits well to the surface and does not need auxiliary compensatory clamps.
• Vulnerability of the surface to stains. It is necessary to ensure that liquids and products that can stain the surface do not remain in long-term contact with the sink. Systematic cleaning is important - washing off dirty substances with water and cleaning the surface. It is advisable to dry the granite sink after each use.
Advantages of artificial stone sinks over stainless steel sinks.
• Stainless steel sinks cannot be restored. Scratches and other defects cannot be removed from the surface of the sink.
• Dirt and limescale are very visible on the steel surface.
• Resonant noise from the flow of water or the clatter of cutlery.
• Limited design options. Such a sink can only be of steel colour. When, for example, our brand offers 18 colour options for granite sinks.
• Acidic and chlorine-containing detergents can leave dark spots on the metal surface.
What are the advantages of ceramic sinks?
• Vulnerability to mechanical damage. Although kitchen sinks are made of stronger ceramics than bathroom sinks. However, they require delicate usage.
• If defects appear during operation, it will not be possible to restore the original appearance.
• Limited stylistic possibilities. Ceramics can only be of a plain colour without speckles.
• The rather large weight of the ceramic sink requires the use of reinforcement of the structure on which the sink will be installed.
• High price compared to artificial stone sinks.
Which is better: granite sinks with Solid Surface technology or cast marble sinks?
• Cast marble and artificial granite have a similar production technology, but marble uses mineral components that significantly affect the performance properties of the products.
• The glossy surface of marble loses its luster over time.
• Cast marble products are very heavy.
• Vulnerability to high temperatures. For example, Platinum granite sinks withstand temperatures up to 250 °C, whereas cracks may appear on the marble surface due to the high temperature.
• Marble sinks are significantly inferior to granite sinks in durability.
Why should you buy a sink made of artificial stone instead of natural?
• Due to the complexity of processing, sinks made of natural stone have a high price.
• Fragility. Artificial stone is two or three times more durable than natural stone.
• A sink made of natural stone will be very bulky, because its minimum allowable wall thickness is 0.79 in.
• Natural stone has a porous structure that promotes the reproduction of harmful microorganisms on the surface. The stone can absorb contaminants, which are then difficult to remove.
• Sinks made of natural granite can have a radiation background that exceeds the norm.
• Natural stone is cold.
• Natural stone sinks are very vulnerable to acidic detergents.
Summary
Artificial stone granite sinks are ideal for any interior. They are durable and stylish. A granite sink can be called an elegant element of interior design, which will perform its task flawlessly for a long time.
View the offer of Platinum granite sinks and choose a model for yourself!