Sink for the kitchen made of artificial stone: characteristics, features of choice and care

Products for the kitchen, made of stone, have recently become more and more in demand and popular among buyers. This phenomenon is due to the high performance properties of this material. In terms of durability and strength, products created on its basis are not inferior to their metal counterparts. In addition, a kitchen sink made of artificial stone will ideally fit into the interior of a room of any style, from classic to modern.

Features of the material for the manufacture of shells and their varieties

For the manufacture of stone sinks for the kitchen, a composite is used, including filler and bonding elements. Natural minerals play the role of a filler, and their particles are combined with resins. The composition of the composite is usually as follows:

• crumbs of natural stone - granite, marble - 80%;
• polymer binders - the remaining 20%.

As a coating for a modern stone sink, gelcoat is used - a special composition that increases the resistance of surfaces. This protective layer makes the sink smooth and free from pores. In addition, thanks to this coating, the magnificent appearance of the stone sink in the kitchen is preserved over many years of use.

The material used to manufacture products of this type is also called “cast stone”, that is, in fact, these are cast products. Actually, the manufacturing process itself is called vibration casting. This technical solution allows you to make a sink for the kitchen from stone of varying degrees of complexity, of any shape and size.

Models and colors of sinks made of artificial stone for the kitchen

Companies operating in this segment of the plumbing market produce such products in a huge number of different variations of textures, colors and shades. Today, at the peak of popularity, judging by the reviews, a sink made of artificial stone of beige, brown and white colors, similar to natural material with a rough surface and pattern.In general, the color palette is much wider: there are red, pink, green and other shells imitating natural stone on sale. A large number of models of such products are produced with a structured surface.

Helpful advice! If it is necessary to change the visual perception of the shell, it can be painted and thus various effects can be achieved: matte, silky-matte, gloss, shagreen, antique.

Vibratory casting technology allows you to create sinks from artificial stone in an extremely diverse design solutions. Today, the most popular are two-bowl products in the shape of a butterfly or a shell. In general, the nomenclature of the range of composite sinks contains more items than those made of stainless steel.

Artificial stone kitchen sink: performance

The performance indicators of sinks made of artificial stone do not cause any complaints even from the most fastidious (in the good sense of the word) hostess.

• they are practically not subject to mechanical damage. The only exceptions are products with glossy surfaces. They may be scratched if mishandled;
• do not require frequent maintenance;
• perfectly cleaned of various contaminants;
• are not afraid of exposure to temperatures in the range from -30 to 150 ° C.

Also, do not forget that fake diamond is not negatively affected by chemically aggressive compounds. Sinks made of this material do not lose their attractive appearance, and their condition does not deteriorate even after contact with most household reagents, including lead acetate, perchloric and phosphoric acid, ammonia, etc. This fact has been confirmed by the results of numerous studies. Only traces of concentrated nitric acid and acetone can appear on sanded surfaces.

Another reason to buy a kitchen sink made of artificial stone is that this material has such an important feature as a low coefficient of thermal expansion. Thanks to this, even if the temperature instantly rises or drops by several tens of degrees, the surface of the product will not deteriorate and will not crack. For comparison: cracks may appear on a ceramic kitchen sink during sudden heating or cooling, when, for example, boiling water is poured into a cold sink.

Pros and cons of stone sinks

The properties of artificial stone provide kitchen sinks made of it with the following advantages.

• durability of the working surface. The service life of these products is usually at least 10 years. Artificial stone is superior to ceramics in this parameter, but it is slightly inferior to natural stone. Manufacturers of composite sinks boldly assert that if the product is used correctly, then, if desired, it can be bequeathed even to grandchildren;

• a huge margin of mechanical strength. The results of the experiments carried out have shown that this parameter of an artificial stone is two to three times higher than that of a natural material. Even concrete is inferior to it in strength. Thanks to this, if it falls into a sink made of artificial stone, kitchen utensils, iron dishes and other heavy objects, it will not be damaged;
• defects formed on the surface and in the geometry of the structure can be eliminated;
• hygienic safety. The production technology of this material prevents the appearance of colonies of harmful microorganisms and bacteria in the sink.Accordingly, it does not produce a bad odor, and an unpleasant slippery coating does not form on its surface. In addition, unlike natural, artificial stone does not create an increased background radiation.

Helpful advice! You can get rid of scratches and potholes by processing the desired area with sandpaper and finishing it with polishing. And accidentally broken pieces of material can be glued back with acrylic glue.

However, artificial stone also has some disadvantages. Do not place metal utensils that have just been removed from the fire (pans, pots, etc.) on it. You need to use special stands for this. Overheated dishes can leave a noticeable mark on the sink.

If something really heavy is dropped on the artificial stone sink, a chip or crack may appear. However, such facts are recorded extremely rarely and depend, among other things, on compliance with technological standards for the production of these products.

On the domestic market of kitchen components, sinks, cast together with a countertop, have appeared relatively recently. Of course, they look very attractive as there are no seams. However, it is the monolithic countertop washbasins that receive more complaints. The above plus is leveled by the fact that if one of the components breaks (most often this happens with sinks), the entire structure must be replaced.

Features of a corner sink in the kitchen

For a long time, and often at the present time, sinks were located near one of the walls of the kitchen room or in the middle of the working area. Moving the sink in different directions is fraught with difficulties, since it is necessary to change the route of the water supply and sewerage pipelines.

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The use of cast iron plumbing made it much more difficult to install the sink in the kitchen on your own.

The appearance of plastic pipes has changed the situation: today, the procedure for changing the place of installation of a sink is quite within the power of a person who has only basic plumbing skills. The main advantage of installing a sink in the corner of the kitchen is that such a design solution allows you to create a single work area. And this increases the convenience of cooking and the comfort of staying in this room.

Advantages and disadvantages of a corner sink in the kitchen

In addition to the above, the advantages of installing a sink in the corner of the kitchen include:

• a large space is created directly under the sink;
• the working area increases around the sink itself. The sink can be approached by two people at the same time, and its configuration allows you to calmly prepare meals and wash dishes;
• the angled sink gives the kitchen a certain style. By choosing the unusual shape of the sink and the color of the artificial stone, you can create an interior in which you will always feel quite comfortable.

Helpful advice! Use the free space under the sink to not only place the trash can, but also the basket of commonly used vegetables.

Designers advise installing a corner sink in small kitchens. Then there will be additional free space in this room.

Among the disadvantages of a sink of this type, experts distinguish:

• relocation of sewer pipes may be required.Of course, the need for this does not always arise, but only if the length of the branch of the sewage drainage system for a new sink is insufficient, for example, when it is installed in the opposite corner;

• significant weight of stone sink in the kitchen. When this parameter plays a fundamental role, it is recommended to opt for a corner sink made of stainless steel;
• the price of a sink for a kitchen located in the corner of a room is usually higher than the cost of a front product;
• difficulties in installing a corner sink. In addition to the large weight, the specific properties of the artificial stone and the complex design of this product aggravate the situation. That is, you cannot do without knowledge of the techniques for making holes in the material and aligning such a shell.

Varieties, shapes and sizes of corner sinks

According to the installation method, corner sinks are:

• mortise. They are mounted directly into the worktop. They should not be confused with monolithic products. Mortise kitchen sinks are attached to the countertop to its inner side using special brackets and clamps;
• waybills. They are installed on a separate pedestal, becoming like a continuation countertops... Compared to kitchen sinks, this is a budget option. This technical solution has several disadvantages: gaps are formed between the countertop and the sink, which causes additional inconvenience. The product can only be installed with a relatively small thickness.

By their shape, the shells are divided into:

• rectangular;
• square;
• oval;
• single-cup;
• two-cup.

Sinks can also have triangular bowls with side wings. It is convenient to place various products or dishes on them. As for the size of the sink for the kitchen, the value of this parameter affects the convenience of work related to cooking.

On a note! The space behind the corner sink tap can be used to store various detergents. Then there will be no need to waste time getting out of the cabinet and returning bottles and bags with such substances to their place.

The sink bowls can be located one after the other or be on the same line. In general, it is not easy to buy a sink for the kitchen precisely because of the variety of models. That is, it can be very difficult to choose the best option. How to do this will be discussed below.

How to choose a stone sink

The procedure for choosing a sink made of artificial stone must be carried out taking into account the dimensions of the room and the configuration of the furniture kitchen set. To do this, use the criteria below.

Number of sections... Experts recommend giving preference to a double kitchen sink (2-compartment). This makes it possible to wash fruits and vegetables in a cell free of accumulated dirty dishes. The best option when one bowl is more spacious than the other.

Practicality... On a black glossy product, the contours of water sediment, as well as other stains, are very clearly visible. Therefore, such a sink will have to be cleaned almost after each use. It was said above that the best option is light brown, beige and white.

Mounting type... If you have modular furniture in your kitchen, opt for a countertop sink made of artificial stone. For installation on a solid worktop, a flush-mounted product is suitable. When the high cost is not critical for you, it is better to select the sink so that its color is in harmony with the shades of the furniture. Then the transition of the work surface to the sink will be ideal.

Spaciousness... A large family that prepares a lot of food should purchase a sink from several sections. But it can be difficult to find a mixer with the required spout for very wide products. The choice of a corner sink of medium depth will be the best option for a small kitchen.

Quality... This indicator is directly related to the price of an artificial stone kitchen sink. At the same time, in the plumbing market there are not only good-quality goods, but also fakes, which are also sold for a lot of money. In order not to buy a low-quality product, make sure that there are no pits or holes on its surface (only technological ones are allowed).

And one more thing: the color of the shell must be uniform. In addition, before purchasing, check the geometric correctness of the product. This is done like this: the sink is turned over and placed on a flat surface. The correctness of the geometry will confirm the adherence of the edges of the product to it.

How to install a kitchen sink in a countertop

It is realistic to do it yourself with a sink in the countertop. Below are the steps in this procedure.

• the shape of the sink and the place of its installation are determined;
• cutting lines are marked according to a special template (usually it comes with the product delivery set);
• a contour is cut with a jigsaw. In order to cut the outline without too much difficulty, first drill a hole in the countertop. After that, insert a jigsaw into it and turn the tool into action;

• to firmly fix the sink and prevent moisture from penetrating into the cutting site, a sealant is applied along the contour;
• a sealant is applied to the bottom of the sink. Then it turns over and in the correct position is strongly pressed with clamps to the table top. These fixtures are also usually included in the delivery set of an inset sink made of artificial stone;
• excess sealant is removed;
• communications are connected.

Note! It is recommended to cut a hole in the chipboard only with a jigsaw. All other methods (with a drill and a hand saw, for example) most often lead to damage to the tabletop - chips and cracks in the laminate.

Sometimes the installation of a recessed sink is carried out flush with the countertop. However, it is much more difficult to implement such a technical solution. The final stage - the mixer and drains are installed.

How to care for a stone sink

Just knowing how to install a sink in the kitchen is not enough. After all, it will have to be exploited in the future. In this case, it will be necessary to follow certain rules.

Given that the price of stone kitchen sinks is relatively high, they need to be looked after regularly. But this should be done taking into account the following factor: it is not worthwhile to allow prolonged contact of the surface of these products with harmful chemical reagents. This is especially true for products containing acetone, caustic alkalis and acids. If chemicals get into the sink, wash them off immediately with plenty of water and soapy water.

Daily care for plumbing of the type in question is performed as follows:

• remove food debris and unnecessary items from the sink;
• prepare detergent or soap;
• take a sponge or soft cloth;
• soak with detergent or lather with soap;
• wipe the surface thoroughly;
• rinse the sink with warm water.

How to remove stubborn stains. To prevent and remove stubborn stains, it is recommended:

1. Apply a solution of bleach in water once a week.To do this, fill the sink with the solution, let it stand for 20 minutes, empty the sink and rinse it with warm water, then wipe it dry.
2. Wipe down the sink with household bleach every 2 weeks. A mixture is prepared in the following proportion: for 1 part of water there are 3 parts of bleach. The surface is processed from a spray bottle, left in this form for several hours or overnight (maximum 16 hours, no more), washed with warm water, wiped dry.

How to remove limescale. For this procedure, use a biological cleaning solution, a special composite stone cleaner, or a 2% vinegar solution.

Work with bio-purification solutions is carried out according to the following scheme: fill the sink with such a substance to the brim, leave it overnight. Empty the sink in the morning. Wipe its surface with a damp cloth until the remaining solution is completely removed.

Working with cleaners involves the following rules: apply a paste or solution to a wet sink, leave for a couple of minutes, rinse with water.

The method of working with vinegar looks like this: the sponge is soaked in a small amount of this product, with its help the solution is applied to the surface. It is necessary to rub vinegar into a contaminated place no more than 2-3 minutes and problem areas should be rinsed with plenty of water. Then the sink is wiped dry and disinfected.

You should know to clean the sink from artificial stone it is possible without chemistry. This will require the following tools:

• lemon. Displays tea, wine and coffee traces. Can be used in addition to detergent;
• mustard powder. It degreases;
• soda. Acts the same as lemon. Before use, a solution of soda in water should have a pasty state.

Note!Only mustard powder is suitable for daily cleaning of stone sinks.

Features of ceramic sinks for the kitchen

When talking about sinks, it would be unfair to ignore this type of product. This is a plumbing "classic". In general, ceramics include the following materials:

• porcelain;
• semi-porcelain;
• faience;
• majolica.

Their differences are determined by:

• firing technology used;
• the ratio of the components;
• quality of raw materials.

Having a desire to buy a ceramic sink for the kitchen, you need to know the features of each type of such product. Porcelain is a delicate material. When tapping on the porcelain sink, you can hear a beautiful high-pitched sound. This material is characterized by a homogeneous structure and high density.

Faience is cheaper than porcelain. It has a porous structure. The sound made by the earthenware sink when tapped on it is more dull. One of the essential features of this material is that cracks appear on the surface of the faience product during operation. They become darker over time. As a result, an original pattern resembling a cobweb is formed on the surface.

Some housewives may not like this phenomenon. Indeed, such a sink looks like an old one. Others see cobwebs as an excellent decoration for the product. With a little creativity, it can be turned into an object with a designer finish. How a product can be transformed is clearly demonstrated by photos of kitchen sinks.

When granite crumbs are added to ceramics, a porcelain stoneware material is obtained. Products made from it are characterized by resistance to temperature extremes and resistance to mechanical stress.

Experts recommend purchasing artificial stone sinks for the kitchen only from well-known manufacturers. Otherwise, you may encounter unpleasant "surprises" in the form of curvature of the sink and deep chips. It is even possible that the bottom of the bowl will come off.