Sink made of artificial stone - a stylish and practical solution. For a short period of time, this species took a decent niche in the building materials market and in the list of consumers' favorites. Along with the magnificent appearance of the product, there are a number of undeniable advantages.
Sink made of artificial stone - the pros and cons
The unique properties of artificial stone are predetermined by composition and correctly derived proportions. Quality materials consist of stone crumbs (80%) - granite, quartz and polymer binder resins (20%). Honor and acrylic sinks are worthy of praise. Common indicators for such products are:
- Durability. With proper care, an artificial stone sink will last at least 10 years. This figure is several times higher than that of ceramics or stainless steel .
- Hygiene. A special composition of the material is not suitable as a medium for the propagation of bacteria, fungus, mold. Therefore, such a sink after the passage of time will not deplete the unpleasant odor, and on the surface there will be no plaque. Unlike natural stone, the composite does not carry the threat of increased radiation background, therefore it is safe for human health.
- Strength. A sink made of artificial stone is not "affected" by the falling of kitchen appliances or dishes in it. Because of the mechanical strength parameter, the composite is superior to natural stone and concrete.
- Easy to clean. Traces of water droplets, splashes and stains are not visible on the surface of artificial stone. It is cleaned with an ordinary cleanser and a soft sponge. Wipe dry with a washing after washing is not necessary. Products differ excellent noise absorption.
- Resistant to the effects of chemically aggressive substances.
Minuses of a sink from an artificial stone have an effect at careless operation or at a choice of poor-quality production:
- Just removed from the fire the dishes can leave a trace on the composite surface.
- A crack or chip in the sink may appear if you drop a very heavy object there.
- Scratches often spoil the look of the glossy surface.
Integrated sink made of artificial stone
By the method of installing the sink can be classified into: mortise, overhead and integrated. The choice is due to the features of the layout, furniture, financial capabilities and personal preferences of the owners. Especially popular among consumers are integrated models, which are installed in one level with a table top. They are glued and cast, can be installed flush with the top, above and below it. The requirements for such products are an order of magnitude higher - these are exceptionally smooth edges and high-quality materials.
Advantages of integrated sinks are predetermined by their design features, installation level:
- prevents the formation of water puddles and leaks;
- It makes it easy to clean the working surface, keep it clean and dry;
- Do not hide the beauty of the cross sections of many materials, from which the countertops are made.
Mortise sinks for kitchen from an artificial stone are mounted in an aperture in a table-top. Its sides are on the same level as the pedestal. This is one of the best low-cost options, which is easy to install and suitable for any kitchen set. Such a sink can be installed in the countertop of different thicknesses and from different materials: wood, artificial stone, laminated chipboard, plastic.
Overhead sink made of artificial stone
Such washers are installed directly on one of the kitchen cabinet pedestals. They are easy to install - do not require special skills and tools. The disadvantage of the model is the high probability of water entering the gaps between the furniture elements, inconvenience in operation. Overhead models attract consumers with their low cost and ease of installation. Evaluating the performance characteristics and answering the question, what is the best way to wash the artificial stone, professionals note that the embedded models lose integrated and invoicing.
Which sink from an artificial stone to choose?
There are several criteria for choosing a sink made of artificial stone:
- Dimensions of the room. The sink, refrigerator and stove constitute a working triangle, which should not occupy the entire space. Therefore, the dimensions of each element should be selected in accordance with the total area of the room.
- Capacity. Lovers spend an hour another for the preparation of delicious dishes should not be limited to a low-pitched sink with one compartment. The sizes of a sink are selected depending on frequency of use. For small kitchens, the ideal solution will be angular models of medium depth.
- Number of sections. A very convenient option for washing with two different sections for capacity. But this decision is not always acceptable, for small kitchens or in houses where they rarely cook.
- Type of installation. The installation method is an opportunity to save money. Mortise and overhead sinks are mounted without problems, integrated - require professional skills. Choosing the right model you need to focus on your budget, the desired performance characteristics, features of the kitchen set.
- Practicality. Glossy composite surfaces of dark colors look stylish and beautiful, but this option is not always acceptable for large families, where washing is often used and for the intended purpose. On the shells of light shades-white, beige, light-brown, there are fewer spots, small scratches and water splashes.
- Quality. Before choosing a sink made of artificial stone, you need to make sure that there are no dents that are not stipulated by the hole mounting technology, color uniformity and geometrical correctness of the product.
- Color and shape. These characteristics are determined by personal preferences, style and the overall color scheme of the kitchen interior.
Square sink - artificial stone
From the composite materials it is possible to produce an article of any shape, size and color. The best washers made of artificial stone, customary for the layman - square products, with sides of 50 or 60 cm. These models are roomy and comfortable for washing dishes. In the range you can find a variety of sinks in design and color. Of the disadvantages can be noted the inconvenience in removing contaminants at the corners, this does not apply to products with rounded edges.
Rectangular washers from artificial stone
Ideal solution for small kitchens and narrow countertops. When every centimeter on the account rectangular sinks and sinks made of artificial stone will serve a good service. Products can be of different sizes, among the most popular relationships can be identified: 55x50, 50x80, 50x100, 50x125 cm. Like square, rectangular bowls are problematic in terms of cleaning. They present difficulties in the use of the product, located long side across.
Round sink made of artificial stone
Products of this form are roomy, easy to clean, perfectly fit in the interior, suitable for both small and large rooms. However, before choosing a kitchen sink from an artificial stone of circular shape, it is worthwhile to take into account that some materials can change color on bends, especially for dark shades and composites with large impregnations.
Double sink made of artificial stone
Defrosting meat and washing vegetables at the same time will allow the washing model with two bowls of different capacity. This practical solution is ideal for large kitchens and families where they often cook and wash dishes by hand. Built-in sinks made of artificial stone can have a variety of shapes that determine the place of installation - along the wall or in the corner.
Sink with a wing - an artificial stone
The model is suitable for those who do not have a place for drying dishes in the kitchen set and the latter is manually washed. Such a washing makes the working area functional and practical, and washing dishes comfortable. In addition to the direct purpose, the wings on the mortise sink made of artificial stone protect the countertop, preventing moisture from entering the headset.
Artificial stone wash - colors
An independent design element or its harmonious addition - an artificial stone wash will cope with any role assigned to it. In this it will help a variety of shapes and shades. In any color, with imitation of any texture and any shape, you can make a sink from acrylic. If we talk about quartz artificial stone - it is not so plastic, so the variability of forms is limited. But this applies only to intricate shapes, corner sink made of artificial quartz stone or trapezoidal are considered standard. The color scale of the material is also diverse.
Rating of kitchen sinks from an artificial stone
The excellent performance characteristics of the following brands have proven themselves:
- Blanco. The German company produces high-quality products at an appropriate price. The product line of the company is rich in products of different shapes and colors.
- Tolero. The products of this brand are rapidly gaining popularity due to the optimal ratio of price and quality. In its assortment there are about 20 models.
- Franke. A vivid example of European design and high quality. The products of this company are diverse, occupies a high price segment.
- Florentina. Domestic brand, which produces products of decent quality. The company is distinguished by its laconic and refined style.
- GranFest. Rating of sinks from artificial stone will continue the production of this domestic company. The products do not have a high degree of impact resistance, but are very attractive in price.
Care of a sink from an artificial stone
A high-quality composite sink is not whimsical, but certain rules of operation should be observed. How to care for a sink from an artificial stone - a few simple tips:
- wash the sink with a non-abrasive detergent;
- avoid prolonged exposure to aggressive chemicals;
- avoid strong blows;
- do not put very hot dishes and do not pour hot water;
- Do not use the wings as a cutting board.