No kitchen can do without such an important part as the sink. To create the desired interior, it is necessary to carefully approach its choice. More and more, sinks made of artificial stone are in demand, pushing their metal counterparts into the background. They are chosen for their aesthetic appearance and lack of noise when washing dishes. Whether it is worth stopping your choice on a stone sink, and how to choose it correctly, we will tell you in this article.
Main characteristics
Such products are created from a material that consists of filler and additional elements. Natural minerals (in the amount of 80%) act as a filler, and resins (20%) act as additional elements. Dyes are used to add color. Such a sink is often coated with a gelcoat, which is a special solution to increase the surface resistance. Thanks to this layer of protection, it becomes smooth and not porous. It allows you to preserve color and shape for a long time, which is a good plus when choosing.
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It is worth noting that they are cast products created from the so-called cast stone. With the help of modern manufacturing technologies, they are created in absolutely any size, shape and color. Also, this material is characterized by such features as reliability, durability, resistance to any impact.
Types of sinks (photo)
In the modern world, when the technological part of production is at the highest level, washing created in all sorts of variations: granite, porcelain stoneware, different shapes, colors, textures, shades etc. Most popular, however, are sinks that look like real natural stone in color and pattern.
You can choose them for absolutely any interior design and color scheme: green,Red,purple or blue, yellow etc. Granite has retained its color for 50 years.
In addition, they can be with the following effects: gloss, dullness, shagreen, antique, etc. A fairly large number is created with a structural surface in any form: a circle, an oval, a shell, a butterfly and much more.
Features of operation
As for the exploitation side of a stone sink, here it has excellent characteristics. Granite does not require special care, is resistant to mechanical damage, high and low temperatures, and is also easy to clean and wash. An exception is sinks with a glossy effect, as the surface can be scratched here with sharp objects.
They are also resistant to chemicals, even very aggressive ones. The surface, pattern and structure do not deteriorate when interacting with acids (hydrochloric, perchloric, phosphoric), ammonia, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, etc. However, it is worth remembering that nitric acid and acetone can leave small traces on it.
Pros and cons of faux stone sinks for the kitchen
Dignity
- Strength. In terms of mechanical strength, fake stone is 2-3 times superior to natural and even stronger than concrete. If heavy objects, such as iron dishes, hammers, kitchen appliances, etc., are dropped, they will not be cracked or chipped.
- Durability. Granite has a long service life (at least 10 years). Here we are talking about granite and marble plumbing, which is inferior in this indicator to porcelain stoneware. With proper operation and proper care, it will be possible to present it to your children and grandchildren after 50 years of service.
- Purity. The stone sink ensures hygienic safety, since bacteria and microorganisms do not accumulate in it. Thanks to the smooth surface and structure, no plaque builds up.
- Full recovery. When chips and defects appear, you can quickly return to its original appearance with simple sandpaper and polishing. If too large a piece breaks off, you can stick it on with glue without leaving any glue seams.
Flaws
- Does not tolerate the touch of too hot metal dishes, a noticeable trace will remain from it;
- A chip or crack may appear if something very heavy is dropped on it; porcelain stoneware is especially vulnerable, although it is quite popular;
- If the plumbing is purchased flush-mounted into the countertop, then if the sink is cracked, the countertop will have to be completely changed. And they are much more susceptible to damage.
What to choose: stone or steel?
These materials have achieved such fame due to their low price, excellent characteristics and aesthetic appearance. Natural stone costs much more (more than 50%) and is therefore less popular.
As for stainless steel, it has a low price in comparison with others. In addition, they are strong and durable, and also match the appearance with faucets. However, a big drawback is their noise: when washing dishes, you can hear noise from water, from contact with dishes, etc. Also, the surface is severely scratched and these scratches are not removed. Literally after a month of use, 50% of the surface will be scratched, quickly losing its shine and gloss.
Metal sinks collect large amounts of dirt that accumulates in scratches. To maintain a beautiful appearance, you need to wipe it dry so that there are no streaks.
This does not need to be done if the sink is made of stone. Steel has only one color, while stone has many variations. Therefore, it can be easily matched to the design of the kitchen. However, installing a metal sink will be much easier than installing a stone one. You need to choose which is preferable depending on the budget, the wishes of the owner and the interior.
How to choose the right faux stone sink?
First of all, you need to decide on the shape and color. The classic option are rectangular sinks with one bowl. They are very roomy and there are no installation problems with them. This option is ideal for hand washing dishes.
If the kitchen is spacious, and the family is very large, then you should install a sink with two bowls, as well as with a table for dishes (the so-called wet table). They are extremely convenient, because you can put dishes in one and wash in the other. Or in one to defrost food, and in the second to wash, etc.
To keep dirt and deposits invisible, it is recommended to install non-colored sinks - with streaks, patterns, etc. In addition, they are easy to care for.
It is worth paying attention to the manufacturer of this or that plumbing, read reviews about it, view reviews, photos and ratings from other owners. Well-known and high-quality firms provide a guarantee, a technical passport, and also label them. The original composition will be registered in the passport without any exaggeration. If purchased from an unverified manufacturer and at a lower price, then it will not be as durable and durable. Curvature, deformation, appearance of unwanted chips and cracks are possible.
The kitchen is one of the most important rooms in the house, and therefore it must be equipped with intelligence and special care.
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