Stone sink for the kitchen - pros and cons

If you need to purchase a sink, then it is worth taking a look at very attractive stone models. But first you need to study all the positive and negative points, as well as the nuances of choice.

Stone washing production principle

Almost the entire range of stone sinks on the market is made from synthetic materials. Such products are almost completely identical to those made of natural materials. Artificial stone contains natural stone chips. The percentage of its content in most cases reaches 80. Another component is polymer binder components. Also in the composition may be dyes, dolomite clays, and more.

During production, the liquid composition is poured into a special container, which gives the product a final look. The finished product must be processed with special tools that make the surface smooth and “reward” it with high strength.

Quite rarely, natural stone is used to produce shells. Such products have significant weight and high cost. Therefore, they belong to the category of designer goods, and are in demand only by wealthy property owners.

The main advantages of stone sinks

1. High rate of durability. During the production process, the material becomes solid, its structure becomes dense, which makes the product as resistant as possible as a result of mechanical stress. A well-made shell will remain intact even if a heavy object falls on it.
2. Long service life. The service life may well reach a couple of decades. Even despite constant use, the product will retain its starting characteristics.
3. Resistance to pollution. The structure is completely devoid of pores, so particles of dust, dirt and grease do not penetrate into it. Thanks to this, the stone sink is spotlessly clean. In addition, this feature guarantees high hygiene.
4. Temperature resistant. Regardless of its origin, the stone retains its properties and shape during sharp temperature jumps.
5. Resistance to chemicals. Thanks to this characteristic, any detergents can be used for cleaning.
6. Easy to care. Dirt practically does not stick to the surface, and a warm soapy solution is enough for cleaning it. And if the spots are very serious, then the detergent compositions will help.
7. A wide range of. The variety of forms is such that you can not stop at the classic model, but choose a more original one.
8. Good sound insulation performance. The noise that occurs as a result of the impact of water on the walls of the sink is minimal or completely absent.
9. Ease of restoration. Scratches can be easily cleaned by grinding, and the chipped fragment can be returned to place using acrylic glue. Such restoration is almost impossible to consider.
10. Dyes in the composition, not on the surface. This makes it possible to produce sinks of various colors. Color does not change under the influence of direct sunlight and mechanical action.

Aesthetic and luxurious appearance
Stone sinks are ideal for a kitchen that is made in the style of:

• baroque;
• Oriental;
• Japanese;
• English;
• rococo.

Cons of stone sinks

1. High price. This drawback is fundamental. In pricing, sinks made of stone are one step higher than sinks made of other materials.
2. The risk of cracking. Inaccurate transport or poor handling can cause cracks.They in turn spoil the appearance and reduce the level of hygiene.
3. Sophisticated installation. Since stone sinks (both artificial and natural) are very heavy, a special stand will be required for their installation, and the sink must be fixed very reliably. Of course, you can install the sink yourself, but it is better to use the help of professionals.
4. Traces on the surface. Despite the resistance of the material to high temperatures, prolonged direct contact with hot surfaces in 99% of cases leaves traces.

Interior mismatch
Stone sink does not fit into the kitchen, made in the style of:

• country;
• Provence
• classic.

How to make a choice?

External characteristics

• smooth surface without flaws and defects;
• saturated and isomorphic color;
• texture:
• glossy and shiny - has a stylish, modern and aesthetic appearance;
• matte - makes all emerging defects not so noticeable.

The form
The form can be completely different, the main thing is to take into account the area and layout of the kitchen, as well as the style of the interior. If the sink is planned to be installed in the corner, the corner sink will be the best solution.

On sale, quite often you can find cast models that involve a sink with a countertop. It looks perfect, but if one component is damaged, then the whole structure will have to be replaced.

The size
It directly depends on:

• quadrature of the kitchen;
• operational features;
• customer preferences.

It is worth remembering that washing dishes in a small sink is not convenient, and a large one is very heavy and voluminous, which is far from always appropriate.

Number of bowls
Large sinks can have one, two or even three bowls. This choice will be optimal only when the owners cook a lot. You can fold the dishes in one thicket, and in the other wash and clean the cooking products. These models are ideal for large families.

Colour
The color of the stone sink is close to natural. Often manufacturers offer a choice of 6 to 12 shades, but sometimes their number is reduced to 4-6. Despite the small range of shades, compared with stainless steel, which has only one shade, this is a big plus.

Possible shades:

• anthracite or chocolate;
• beige and white;
• gray.

Documentation
The documentation attached to the product must contain:

• a complete list of product specifications and its composition;
• terms and conditions of use of the product;
• contact details of the manufacturer.

Optimal composition

• natural chips - 80%;
• synthetic binders - 20%.

The manufacturer must be well-known and verified. A company that respects itself and its customers provides a technical passport and a warranty on the product for up to 24 months.

How to protect yourself from fake?

So that the money does not turn out to be wasted, and the purchased product after a short period of time is destroyed or damaged, it is necessary to comply with all the criteria for choosing the right quality product.

Criterion number 1. Only verified outlets
Doubtful outlets often offer fake well-known European and Russian brands. The pros and cons of such "representations" are obvious.

Criterion number 2. Cheap product - corresponding price
Often on sale there are sinks, which in external parameters are very similar to products of expensive brands, but with a very low cost. The buyer who bought the fake, if necessary, will not be able to use the guarantee.

Criterion number 3. What is the brand - such is the cost
If a smiling sales consultant offers to buy a sink “of the same manufacturing plant”, but at a very low price, arguing that the difference in cost is no more than an overpayment for the “name”, then it is better to refuse such a purchase.

Criterion No. 4. Packaging quality
Quite often you can determine the fake by poor quality packaging.The original packaging is made only of durable moisture-resistant cardboard, on which a convex stamp or a holographic sticker is placed. In the package, the sink is fixed with stiffeners to protect it from damage during transportation.

Criterion No. 5. Sharp lines
This criterion is basic. A fake sink in most cases has errors in geometry that will not allow it to fit snugly against the countertop.

Criterion number 6. Contact manufacturer
If doubts arise when buying a sink of any brand, then the ideal option would be to call the manufacturer, whose contacts can be asked at the store or found on the company's website.

Criterion No. 7. Internet to help
On the sites of well-known manufacturers, you can familiarize yourself with the assortment, pricing and read reviews, and you can also place an order or find the address of the nearest specialized store.

Care Rules

In order for the sink to maintain a beautiful appearance for as long as possible, it is necessary to use it correctly and take care of it regularly.

Rule number 1. Start of care - installation day.

Rule number 2. After washing the dishes, it is necessary to wipe the surface of the sink with a sponge and detergent, then rinse with water and then wipe dry.

Rule number 3. Using wooden or metal coasters for hot dishes.

Rule number 4. Turn on cold water before draining boiling water. This simple action will help protect your sink from cracks due to temperature changes.

With decisive changes in the interior of the kitchen, it is worth paying attention to sinks made of stone. Such sinks will help to elegantly and very non-trivially decorate the kitchen. Their operational features are improved, the service life is long enough, and they are not picky in cleaning. A large assortment of sizes, modifications and shapes will allow you to choose exactly what you need. Installation of the sink can be carried out both independently and using the help of specialists. The most important thing is to purchase a branded quality product.

Video: how to choose a stone kitchen sink