Kitchen sink made of artificial stone - 8 tips for choosing

The kitchen sink from an artificial stone has the most ambiguous "reputation". Sometimes they are called the best, and sometimes - the worst of them all. For example, users often complain of indelible stains, chips, scratches and even ... falling off the bottom.

• In many ways, controversial concepts are to blame for contradictory comments. After all, the “artificial stone” is often called both acrylic stone and agglomerate of granite / quartz. Meanwhile, these two materials are very different from each other despite the external similarity.

In this article we will look at different types of artificial stone, compare this material with ceramics and stainless steel, and also give some tips on choosing and operating "stone" sinks.

Tip 1. Cast (composite) wash better glued (acrylic)

Sinks from an artificial stone happen glued and cast. Outwardly, they practically do not differ, but cast sinks are stronger and more durable, and therefore somewhat more expensive. However, both types of sinks are good in their own way and have their weak points. Let's reveal this moment in more detail.

Glued sinks (sheet, acrylic)

Such sinks look like monolithic and absolutely seamless. However, they have seams, because the bowl is glued together in two parts - the sides and bottom, which in turn are made of sheets of artificial stone based on acrylic resins. Next, the product is covered with gelcoat - a protective layer with a thickness of 1-2 mm with a characteristic light gloss. The gelcoat clogs the pores of the stone base, thus preventing the absorption of tea, coffee, wine and other coloring liquids and products.

Pros and cons of acrylic sheet sink (compared to cast)

As a rule, after repeated “home” polishing, the acrylic washer will scratch less.

Cast sinks (other names: composite / agglomerate sinks, sinks made of artificial granite / quartz / marble)

Casting technology allows you to create a monolithic structure, due to which the washing is more impact-resistant and heat-resistant. The manufacturing process is as follows: the composite stone is heated in liquid form and placed on a template (matrix) and left to cool completely.

Tip 2. The optimal ratio of stone chips and a bonding base - 80:20

Any artificial stone consists of a mineral component (granite or marble crumb) and a binder component (polymer or acrylic resins). The quality of the washing directly depends on their percentage ratio in the composition. Each manufacturer has its own "brand recipe" for the manufacture of the material and the patented name. So, for example, Franke called his “stone” fragranite, Blanco - sil- granite, Teka - tegranite, and Omoikiri - tetra-granite. How to understand which composite wash is better?

• It is said that the more in the composition of the stone crumb material and less resin, the better. However, this is not so simple.

The fact is that the more stone crumb material (for example, 85%) and less binder, the more resistant to scratches and high temperatures will be washing. But at the same time, it becomes less impact resistant. And vice versa: sinks with a predominance of the binder component are more impact resistant, but less resistant to scratches and contacts with hot dishes / boiling water. Therefore, choosing a sink made of artificial stone is based on their needs. If you rarely use heavy dishes, it makes sense to choose a model with a high content of minerals.

• Want to choose the average option? Look for a sink, in which the proportion of stone chips is 80%, respectively, the proportion of binder and additives is 20%.

Tip 3. "Marble" sink worse "granite" and "quartz"

Artificial stone is made of granite, quartz or marble chips. Sinks from artificial marble (cast marble) less shock-resistant and resistant to abrasion, scratches, temperature extremes, UV rays. But they are cheaper.

Tip 4. Buy a sink made of artificial stone only a well-known manufacturer and the company with good reviews.

Sinks made of artificial stone (both cast and glued) can be finished (mortise / overhead and manufactured at the factory) and made to order (these are, as a rule, integrated models or models of non-standard sizes / shapes). In the latter case, the manufacturer needs to choose particularly meticulous, because a lot depends on the "assembly", and not only on the material. If an unscrupulous manufacturer violates the manufacturing technology or instead of the claimed Korean / German “stone” uses a fake, then the sink may just burst.

• Ideally, when choosing a sink made of artificial stone, you need to focus on the reviews of those who use the sink for at least 2-3 years, and preferably about 5 years.
• Also an important selection criterion is the provision of a guarantee. The longer its duration, the more the manufacturer is confident in his product. Most firms offer a 1 year warranty, but some 3 or 5 years.
• Ready-made mortise and surface washers made of artificial stone are produced by the following companies: Blanco, Franke, Longran, Poligran, Omoikiri, Granfest, Alveus, Zorg, Schock, etc.
• Buy an acrylic sink from the “stone” of well-known manufacturers, for example, DuPont CORIAN, Staron, LG, Hi-macs, Samsung, Tristone, etc.
• Bypass the construction markets and nameless shops - you can run into fakes. It is safer to buy stone sinks from dealers and in official representations.

Tip 5. Want a practical sink? Refuse to buy a dark wash

Dark sinks - the brand. Limescale deposits, rust, water droplets and food residue on a black or dark brown background will be especially noticeable. The most practical sinks are beige and light brown with pronounced "specks."

Tip 6. Do not buy "stone" sink if ...

Here are 3 cases when instead of washing from an artificial stone it is worth choosing a model from a stainless steel:

• If you want to buy a car wash paired with a grinder. The fact is that because of the vibrations and the weight of the chopper itself, the sink can crack (especially acrylic). In this case, it is better to choose from stainless steel.
• If you are accustomed to accumulate dishes in the sink, for example, for washing in the dishwasher. Stagnant water, liquids and pieces of food leave a patina on the bottom and sides of the bowl.
• If practicality is your priority, rather than aesthetics, because only a stainless steel sink will give you the opportunity to:

1. Drain boiling water, not including cold water;
2. Shake leftover food from a fork or paddle on the side of the bowl;
3. Put hot dishes on the sink wing;
4. Do not wash the dishes immediately.

Tip 7. Make sure the sink has a lug to the center.

When choosing a sink made of artificial stone, pay attention to the presence of a small delay to the center (to the drain hole). This is necessary so that the water flows into the drain, and does not stagnate at the bottom, leaving a dirty patina.

Tip 8. For the sink made of artificial stone, you can pick up the same mixer

So the working area of ​​your kitchen will be especially stylish. True color of the mixer will be slightly different from the sink. Raznoton is not a marriage, because the sinks are completely made of artificial stone, and the mixer is only covered with a stone coating.

See more details: How to choose a kitchen faucet

5 main rules for using artificial stone washing

Such sinks are beautiful and hygienic, but you need to use them carefully, adhering to the following rules:

1. Before you pour boiling water into the sink, ALWAYS run cold water into it first.
2. At the bottom of the sink, it is advisable to lay a rubber / silicone pad or stand that will protect the bottom from scratches and contact with hot dishes.
3. Try not to save the dishes in the bowl, and wash it immediately.
4. Do not use acetone-containing detergents, as well as aggressive oven cleaners and hard abrasives to clean an artificial stone sink.
5. Do not put red-hot utensils in the sink or on its wing.

And the last piece of advice: you need to start caring for a sink right from the moment of installation, then even the most capricious sink will last you a long time.

Comparison of sinks made of artificial stone with sinks made of stainless steel, ceramics and natural stone

If you look at the table on the smartphone, turn it to a horizontal position - so the whole table will enter the screen area.

(Rate the material! Already voted:9 average rating: 4,44 from 5)

Loading...

• Choosing a kitchen sink in 5 easy steps.
• All about the size of the kitchen sink
• Installing the kitchen sink - instructions, tips, video
• Corner kitchen sink - selection and installation
• 5 steps of mounting the mixer in the kitchen do it yourself