Sinks for kitchen made of artificial stone: the rules of choice

Artificial stone is a modern material that is widely used in room decoration. Metal analogues are gradually losing their demand. Buyers value artificial stone as a strong, durable and respectable raw material. Sinks for kitchens made of artificial stone have also gained popularity because of the low cost. Solid slabs made of natural stone will cost much more.

Many people want to improve the quality of the premises without spending large sums of money on it. In this case, you should pay attention to the elements of artificial stone. All the advantages and disadvantages of this material will be considered in the article.

Material Features

Artificial stone is a mixed derivative raw material. The composition includes several components:

1. Stone chips containing inclusions of granite, marble and quartz.
2. A polymer substance for bonding stone chips.
3. A small amount of coloring matter may be added. As a result, the material becomes more like a natural stone. Sometimes this is done to give the stone an unusual shade.

As you noticed, the composition includes a stone of natural origin. Therefore, on the one hand, it can be called natural. An exception is considered acrylic. It has a completely artificial origin - acrylic resins, aluminum base, polymethyl methacrylate. These components are mixed in certain proportions to form an acrylic stone. The last substance is the most expensive, provides the strength of the product. If manufacturers of sinks made of artificial stone did not put it enough, then the design can crumble.

The finished sink for the kitchen made of artificial stone is usually covered with special compounds. For example, gelcoat closes pores on the surface, thereby preventing the penetration of dirt. There are also antiseptic compounds that kill bacteria throughout their use.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before deciding on the choice of ennobling material, it is worth learning about its pros and cons.

The advantages of a non-natural stone include:

• resistance to moisture; no noise is generated when water and stone collide;
• lack of white streaks from water;
• withstands high temperatures (up to 200 ° C, depending on type);
• environmental friendliness and safety;
• uniformity of structure;
• variety of assortment;
• there is no smell, because the bacteria that cause it are destroyed by a special composition;
• durability (up to 10 years) subject to operating rules and care recommendations;
• the color does not change, it always remains bright;
• The material is resistant to chemical attack.

Cons of artificial stone:

1. It costs less than natural, but still much more expensive than stainless steel. The price difference of these materials is ½. Not every average family can afford such a purchase.
2. Do not place objects that are too hot (over 200 ° C).
3. Artificial stone has significant weight, so installation and transportation are difficult.
4. The sink combined with the countertop in case of damage cannot be repaired. You will have to replace both elements.

The following tip follows from the last paragraph. It is better to give preference to sinks mortise into the countertop. If one of them is damaged, it will only be necessary to replace one element, to incorporate a damaged sink into the countertop, by the way, is much easier than replacing the countertop.

Criterias of choice

People rarely make repairs in the kitchen due to the high cost of materials. Therefore, it is worthwhile to responsibly approach the choice of artificial stone. It is necessary to take into account many nuances: the area of ​​the room, its design, the size of the sink, depending on the number of dishes. Not the last in the list is the cost. Stone sinks for the kitchen, photos and prices can be viewed on the manufacturer's website.

Stone composition

Here, the crucial role is played by the proportion of the components of the composition. Ideally, should be around 80% stone chips and 20% bonding polymer. The product, which contains granite chips, is considered the most durable. Quartz sinks are almost as strong. But marble is less practical. They quickly form scratches, chips. Although it’s easier to repair.

Shape and size

It is worth starting from the area of ​​the kitchen. If it is small, then you should choose a narrow sink, but deep enough. In this case, do not make edges with wide wings. A great option is to place the sink in the corner of the countertop. Compact and practical.

Well, if you stop at the choice of a round sink for the kitchen made of artificial stone. The main thing is that the area of ​​the room is large. In such sinks it is very convenient to wash the dishes. It is worth saying that there are no restrictions in the case of a large kitchen. Here they pay more attention to the interior and start from their own preferences.

If you have a dishwasher, placing a large sink will be an inappropriate solution. She must be small. In it you will only rinse mugs, bowls, etc.

The sink can be combined with a small sink next to it. It is convenient to put meat or vegetables in it for defrosting, washing.

Colour

Manufacturers often give a choice of 6 to 12 colors. At the same time, the shades are close to natural stone. There is also a very small assortment - 4-8. But this is better than stainless steel, where there is no possibility to choose at all. The most common shades:

• Dark (anthracite, chocolate color)
• Light (white or beige)
• Gray.

Russian manufacturers offer a wide range of colors. If you need a green, red or blue sink, pay attention to the proposals of the domestic manufacturer. Here you are more likely to find the right color. To buy the best stone kitchen sink, check out the catalog provided by sellers.

Cost

The cost of a finished product of domestic production varies in the range from 3000 to 8000 rubles. Foreign manufacturers have less variation in prices - 5000-6000 rubles. Of course, the decisive role is played by the size and composition, additional devices (several bowls, etc., double sinks for the kitchen made of artificial stone). In this case, the cost can reach 100 thousand rubles. A stone sink in the kitchen for an ordinary apartment in Moscow will cost an average of 10-20 thousand rubles.

Remember that free cheese is only in a mousetrap. Do not look for the cheapest options. When buying low-quality products, there is a negative impression of sinks made of this material.

Care Rules

Owners of sinks made of artificial stone say that the products do not require careful care. The surface is easy to wash, stains are removed quickly. Here are some clear guidelines to help you increase your product’s usage strings:

• Each dishwashing should end with a sponge rubbing the walls of the sink. After this, rinse the walls with cold water and wipe the surface dry.
• Put very hot dishes on a stand first, and then on the sink.
• When pouring hot liquid into the sink, turn on cold water to avoid cracks from high temperature.
• In order not to often wipe the surface from white water plaque, purchase sinks of a light color.

Popular brands

1. Blanco (Germany) produces siligranite products.
2. The manufacturer of sinks "Franke" (Germany) chooses granite as a raw material.
3. The Leroy Merlin artificial stone sink is also very popular in Russia and is of high quality.
4. The German "Shock" creates crystal products.
5. "Teka" - materials from tegranite.
6. Betor (France) specializes in two materials - kermat and novokvarts.

Choose a stone only from the above manufacturers, read reviews about them on the Internet. Remember that a cheap product may not be good. If you responsibly approach the ennoblement of the kitchen, take into account all the pros and cons of the material, the result will be pleasing to the eye for a long time.

Photo: sinks for kitchen made of artificial stone