Stone sink for the kitchen - the pros and cons

If you need to buy a sink, you should look at the very attractive stone models. But first, you need to explore all the positive and negative points, as well as the nuances of choice.

The principle of production of stone washing

Virtually the entire range of stone sinks on the market is made from synthetic materials. Such products are almost completely identical to those made from natural materials. Artificial stone contains natural stone chips. The percentage of its content in most cases reaches 80. Another component is polymeric binders. Also in the composition can be dyes, dolomitic clay and so on.

During production, the liquid composition is poured into a special container, which gives the product its final appearance.The finished product is subject to processing with special means that make the surface smooth and “reward” with its high strength.

Rarely for the production of shells used natural stone. Such products have significant weight and high cost. Therefore, they belong to the category of designer goods, and are in demand only from wealthy property owners.

The main advantages of stone sinks

1. High strength. In the production process, the material becomes solid, its structure is dense, which makes the product as resistant as possible as a result of mechanical effects. A well-made sink will remain without damage even if a heavy object is dropped 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 impeccably clean. In addition, this feature ensures high hygiene.
4. Resistance to temperatures. Regardless of the origin, the stone retains its properties and shape with sharp increases in temperature.
5. Resistance to chemicals. Thanks to this characteristic, you can use any detergent for cleaning.
6. Easy to care. Almost no dirt sticks to the surface, and a warm soap solution is enough to clean it. And if the spots are very serious, then detergent compositions will help.
7. Wide range of. The variety of forms is such that you can not stop at the classical model, but choose a more original one.
8. Good sound insulation performance. The noise that occurs as a result of water impact on the walls of the sink is minimal or completely absent.
9. Ease of restoration. Scratches can be easily removed by polishing, and the broken fragment can be returned to the place with the help of acrylic glue. Such a restoration is almost impossible to consider.
10. Dyes in the composition, not on the surface. This makes it possible to produce washing of various shades. Color does not change under the influence of direct sunlight and mechanical action.

Aesthetic and luxurious look
Stone sinks are ideal for the kitchen, which is made in the style of:

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

Cons of stone sinks

1. High price. This deficiency is major. In the pricing policy, sinks made of stone are one step higher than those of other materials.
2. Risk of cracking. Improper handling or poor handling can lead to cracking. They in turn spoil the appearance and reduce the level of hygiene.
3. Difficult installation. Since stone sinks (both artificial and natural) are very heavy, a special stand will be required for their installation, and it is necessary to fix the sink very reliably. Of course, you can install the sink yourself, but it is better to take 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.

Inconsistency interior
Stone sink does not fit into the kitchen, made in the style of:

• country music;
• 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 look;
• matte - makes all defects that appear 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 you plan to install the sink in the corner, then the best solution would be a corner sink.

On sale quite often can be found cast models that involve the connection of the sink to the tabletop. It looks perfect, but if one component is damaged, then the entire structure will have to be replaced.

The size
It directly depends on:

• kitchen squares;
• operational features;
• buyer 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 not always appropriate.

Number of bowls
Large sinks can have one, two or even three bowls. Such a choice will be optimal only when the owners cook a lot. You can put the dishes in one thicket, and in the other wash and clean the products for cooking. Such 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 assortment of shades, in comparison 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 should contain:

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

Optimal composition

• natural baby - 80%;
• synthetic binding components - 20%.

The manufacturer must be known and proven. The company, which respects itself and its customers, provides a technical passport and a guarantee for the product for a period of up to 24 months.

How to protect yourself from a fake?

So that the money is not wasted, and the purchased product after a short period of time - destroyed or damaged, it is necessary to comply with all the criteria for the correct choice of a truly high-quality product.

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

Criterion №2. Cheap goods - the corresponding price
Often there are car washes on sale, which by external parameters are very similar to products of expensive brands, but with a very low cost. The buyer who bought a fake, if necessary, will not be able to use the warranty.

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

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

Criterion number 5. Line clarity
This criterion is basic.Fake washing in most cases has errors in geometry, which will not allow it to fit snugly to the tabletop.

Criterion number 6. Contact with the manufacturer
If when buying a sink of any brand there are doubts, then the ideal option would be to call the manufacturer, whose contacts you can ask in the store or find on the company's website.

Criterion number 7. Internet to help
On the websites of well-known manufacturers, you can familiarize yourself with the assortment, price policy and read reviews, as well as place an order or find the address of the nearest specialized store.

Care rules

In order for the sink to retain its beautiful appearance as long as possible, it is necessary to use it properly and take care of it regularly.

Rule number 1. Starting care is the day of installation.

Rule number 2. After washing dishes, you must wipe the surface of the sink with a sponge and detergent, and then rinse with water, then wipe dry.

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

Rule number 4. Turn on cold water before draining the boiling water. This simple action will help protect the sink from cracking as a result.temperature difference.

When decisive changes in the interior of the kitchen should pay attention to the sink of stone. Such sinks will help to exquisitely and very nontrivially decorate the kitchen. Their operational features are improved, the service life is long enough, and in cleaning they are completely picky. A large range of sizes, modifications and forms 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 branded high-quality goods.

Video: how to choose a stone kitchen sink