An artificial stone sink can transform any kitchen. It is difficult to distinguish the material from natural material, which is actively used by designers when creating luxurious interiors.
Round sinks made of artificial stone are an excellent option for a small kitchen.
The advantages of artificial stone are uniformity of structure, resistance to thermal and chemical influences. Modern technology makes it possible to create unique shapes of various colors. With proper use, the appearance of the sink will last for more than 10 years.
Products made from artificial stone meet hygienic requirements, as they do not accumulate fungus and bacteria.
Which sink to choose for the kitchen?
The most important criteria when choosing will be the general parameters of the kitchen product, its depth, width, wing location, wall thickness, as well as quality assurance and much more.
- Budget. The price primarily depends on the manufacturer and brand. There are glued and cast models, which are no different in appearance, however, cast products are of higher quality, stronger, more durable and therefore cost much more than glued ones.
- Material. Based on the material, composite, granite, marble or other kitchen sinks are considered shock-resistant and resistant to temperature changes. While glued acrylic models cannot boast of similar characteristics and strength.
- Color. It is better to choose more practical colors, such as light brown, beige, white, sand with splashes or natural tones with a rough surface and texture. Products of a dark shade will be more visible stains and deposits from water, so they will have to be cleaned and washed frequently.
- Form. If you have a dishwasher, a small but fairly deep sink without a drain can be an excellent solution. An equally good option is a spacious one- or two-bowl corner system.
- Bowls. It is preferable to choose a kitchen sink that has two bowls. This is how you wash fruits and vegetables in one section while the other is occupied, for example, with dirty dishes.
- Fittings and accessories. An excellent companion for a kitchen sink is a faucet of the same color, differing by one or two tones, or a faucet coated in bronze or brass. For an inexpensive composite product, you can purchase a metal basket for dishes as additional protection for surfaces from scratches and chips. Drying racks installed on the sink are no less convenient accessory.
The photo shows a countertop with a kitchen sink made of light-colored artificial stone with splashes.
Kitchen sink - product requirements
Each housewife has her own taste preferences and concepts of a good wash. However, if you conduct a small survey, all preferences can be combined into several specific requirements. First of all, this is the capacity of the sink. It is this quality that many housewives highlight as the main one, since in addition to washing ordinary cups or mugs, larger items used in the kitchen, for example, baking sheets, pots, jars or a frying pan, should be placed in the sink.
An equally important factor is the ability of the kitchen sink to withstand high temperatures and exposure to detergents, without which high-quality processing of dishes is simply impossible. Therefore, another essential quality of a good wash can be called the durability of the product.
Types of sinks
Main varieties.
Invoice
This product is placed on top of the countertop and connected to it. Overhead models must have the correct geometry to avoid distortions.
Integrated
It can have different design options, for example, located under the tabletop and recessed into it or raised slightly above the level of the base. The deeper the kitchen sink is, the less water splashes will occur.
The photo shows a kitchen sink made of brown artificial stone, integrated into the countertop.
Mortise
This design is inserted into a cut-out opening and has components with special fasteners. It can be higher, lower than the countertop, or located flush with it.
Built-in kitchen sink
The essence of a mortise sink lies in its installation method. In other words, the sink is installed by cutting the product into a ready-made countertop. At the same time, if it is possible to place the product, install the accessory above the tabletop and directly below its level. In the first example, the required hole is cut out on the working surface of the countertop, into which the sink is then inserted. In the second option, the sink is installed so that its sides are at the level or slightly below the surface of the countertop.
Kitchen sink material
There are several types of artificial materials from which these products are made:
- Composite mineral-polymer sinks. The composition contains polymer resins and crushed natural stone, such as quartz or granite. Such models are quite wear-resistant and not susceptible to scratches, but are not very resistant to impacts.
- Quartz agglomerate. Made from pressed quartz chips, it has a long service life and high environmental qualities, which ensures harmless contact with food.
- Granite. They consist of fine stone chips and polymer resins, are smooth and very resistant to mechanical stress.
- Corian. It has good water-repellent qualities and resistance to stains. Corian products are quite easy to clean and retain their presentable appearance for a long time.
Texture, color
An important feature that distinguishes one stone sink from another is the design. True, there is no arguing about tastes. A person will buy the one that he likes. It's his right. This is partly true.
There are criteria for choosing the texture and color of the bowls. They were compiled by people who understand interior design. It is better to adhere to these criteria in order to choose a beautiful combination of texture and color of the product.
Multi-bowl – multifunctional
Tip You don't have to come up with an original design. You can take a ready-made idea, or you can borrow details.
Color
The universal color is white (or beige). A bright kitchen almost always looks beautiful. You can choose a sink made of light stone. There are no problems with the choice: they will make the one the client wants.
Universal white color
Many people like to play in contrast. This is also a good design decision. For example, for a light beige or white kitchen, you can choose a black or dark brown countertop, and accordingly, a sink. You can do the opposite: choose a light product for a dark kitchen.
The design advantage of light (white or beige) countertops and sinks is that they match almost any interior: blue cabinets, or brown tables and chairs, or olive floors, etc.
These are suitable for different styles and interiors.
The following color combinations for the kitchen and sink look good:
- white and gray;
- white and caramel;
- brown and blue;
- beige and brown;
- brown and pacific blue;
- gray and orange;
- white and lime.
Adding a third to two colors is welcome. For example, the same white goes well with gray and orange. To go with Pacific blue and brown – red (you can use it as an accent: on chairs or household items like vases and plates).
Combination of yellow and gray colors
You can create a bright accent in any interior. You can make such an emphasis on the bowl. Would this be a good idea though?
White and black colors go well with each other and with almost any other color. This also applies to kitchen design.
Pros and cons of stone sinks
Advantages and disadvantages of kitchen models made of artificial stone.
pros | Minuses |
Durable, resistant to various loads, boiling water and almost any detergent, except abrasive ones. | They may have manufacturing defects in the form of microcracks, which lead to the accumulation of dirt and bacteria. |
Eco-friendly and harmless to human health, as they do not emit harmful substances. | |
There is no unpleasant odor in them. | |
They lend themselves well to polishing, do not absorb moisture and do not accumulate grease on the surface. | Quite a high price. |
They are distinguished by fairly simple care. |
Features of operation
Do not use metal scrapers or hard brushes for cleaning.
Do not place hot cookware; marks may remain on the surface. Be careful with boiling water, it can damage the top layer of the sink.
Dying foods such as beets leave marks. Following these simple recommendations will help extend the life of your sink.
Shapes of stone sinks
Kitchen sinks can also come in different shapes.
Round and oval
Despite their compact appearance, they are quite roomy. Such bowls do not have additional baskets for washing fruits or vegetables. In addition, the round or oval shape gives the kitchen space special expressiveness, softness and elegance.
Rectangular and square
They are the standard and most popular form, which is perfect for small kitchens. Rectangular models are an indispensable option for the design of narrow tabletops. However, such sinks create a large amount of water splash.
The photo shows a kitchen countertop with a square countertop sink made of artificial stone.
Sink with drainer
Kitchen products with one or two wings are distinguished by several functions. The drying wing can act as a stand for dishes and food or, due to its heat resistance, provide a location for hot pots or pans.
The photo shows a gray kitchen sink made of artificial stone, equipped with one wing.
Corner
This system not only fits perfectly into small kitchen spaces, but also gives the atmosphere a special fashionable ambiance. Corner sinks are considered less spacious, but still quite functional.
With two bowls
A double or two-bowl sink is spacious and very convenient to use. For example, one bowl can serve as a place for defrosting food or storing dirty dishes, while the second one can always remain free for use. The bowls can be located one after another or on the same line.
One and a half bowls
It has one large bowl, complemented by a small section, which may be sufficiently wide, but not deep.
The photo shows a kitchen set decorated with an artificial stone sink for one and a half bowls.
Narrow
They are very compact, practical, highly functional and are an excellent option for a small kitchen.
Non-standard shape
Such non-standard kitchen sinks made of artificial stone represent an atypical solution for creating a unique interior. In terms of operational and practical qualities, such designs are no different from standard products, but have a more refined and original design.
Trapezoid
This configuration is equally well suited for both traditional and corner placement, which is as comfortable as possible.
The photo shows a beige kitchen sink made of artificial stone, made in the shape of a trapezoid.
How to care for an artificial stone sink
If you want your sink to serve you for decades, you need to take proper care of it. This is not at all difficult, the main thing is to familiarize yourself with the main nuances so as not to accidentally damage the product through ignorance.
Artificial stone tolerates chemicals quite easily, but it is still worth limiting the contact of the material with such solutions. If a drop of caustic alkali, a substance containing acetone or something similar gets on the surface of the sink, it must be wiped off immediately. Otherwise, the material of the product may be damaged. It is not recommended to place hot pots on the surface; use trivets for this. Cheap materials are afraid of sudden temperature changes, so drain the boiling water along with the cold water turned on.
Do not use the sink fender as a cutting board - although the material is quite durable, a sharp knife can leave unpleasant scratches on the surface, especially noticeable on dark colors.
Artificial stone is very dense and does not contain pores, so soapy water and ordinary detergents will be enough to care for such a sink. It is worth choosing solutions that do not contain abrasives. There are also special products for composites on sale. They provide deeper cleansing without damaging the surface at all or causing scratches.
If a stain of coffee, wine, or juice gets on the sink, it can be removed with ordinary liquid soap, but stagnant stains can only be removed with the help of stone cleaning products. To avoid them, wipe the product with detergent once a week. To remove limescale, special cleaners developed for composites are used. They need to be applied to the surface and washed off after a few minutes.
After washing dishes, wipe the sink dry, otherwise stains will remain on it. They are very noticeable on black surfaces.
What color are the shells?
The shade palette of products is quite wide; it can include green, red, pink, brown, beige, wenge and a wide variety of other colors. Below are the most popular and popular ones.
Black
It combines high functionality and aesthetic beauty, has a slightly strict design and a truly sophisticated appearance.
White
By using a white kitchen sink, the decor takes on a fashionable, stylish and rich look and looks much fresher.
The photo shows a round kitchen sink made of white artificial stone.
Beige
It is a universal and classic option that fits harmoniously into any interior design.
Gray
This color has unlimited effect potential, allowing you to visually make the surface of the product glossy, matte, silky or velvety.
Green
Such a decorative element will undoubtedly refresh and enliven any environment, adding something unusual to it.
Terracotta
It is considered an unusual design solution that fills the kitchen space with new colors and harmony.
Design advantages
Comparing the most popular materials from which kitchen sinks are made - stainless steel, ceramics, stone, designers unanimously prefer a stone sink for the kitchen.
This type is very popular as a material for sinks due to its good performance and low cost.
And if owners primarily evaluate technical characteristics that are noticeably different from competitors, then interior designers choose this material for its excellent appearance.
They should not be too cheap, and the manufacturer should be trusted, otherwise there is a risk that it is a low-quality product.
Artificial stone has a number of advantages.
- A variety of shapes and colors, which allows you to choose a model that fits into the design project.
- The ability to create a countertop from the same material, which makes the appearance of the room complete and thoughtful.
- Unique textures that give the entire interior an expensive and beautiful appearance.
- Possibility of producing a unique sample that has no analogues.
Such a sink will always look beautiful and expensive.
Thus, it is obvious that when creating kitchen interiors in any style, designers give preference to options made from artificial stone. A stone sink for the kitchen, installed in a ready-made furniture composition, will noticeably refresh the space, make the furniture visually more modern and will look more expensive and better than analogues made from other materials.
Thanks to a huge number of color and design solutions, it will fit into any interior.
Photo of a sink in the kitchen interior
For kitchen decor, you can choose a sink in the same style with the overall design. For example, a combined sink, countertop and window sill that have the same design will look most harmonious.
The photo shows a kitchen interior with an overhead sink made of artificial stone in a light shade.
Modern kitchen products have a truly attractive look and blend perfectly into the surrounding space, giving it character and uniqueness.
The photo shows a set in the kitchen interior, equipped with a small square sink.
You can add special style and elegance to your kitchen with the help of fashionable plumbing innovations, in the form of a chameleon-colored sink with interesting iridescence or a model with sparkles.
The photo shows a sink made of artificial stone, integrated into the countertop of the kitchen unit in the interior.
Corner sink
This option is relevant to use when arranging a kitchen that has an L-shaped layout, which allows you to create the most free space in the room. Corner sinks are made, like their other varieties - from stainless steel, stone or ceramics. According to the installation method, they are divided into overhead and mortise. Depending on the size of the cabinet and the design of the set as a whole, a corner sink can have a round, square or polygonal shape, consist of one or several compartments and be complemented by a special stand for dishes.
Such a kitchen accessory as a sink not only has a great influence on the aesthetic appearance of the set, but is also the key to the success of successful cooking and the good mood of every housewife. Therefore, take seriously the issue of choosing a product suitable for your kitchen.
Which sink is better, stainless steel or artificial stone?
Comparison chart of the difference between faux stone and steel models.
Stainless steel | Fake diamond |
Creates noise under the influence of a jet of water. | It has good sound absorption, which makes its use almost silent. |
Steel requires careful and careful care to avoid streaks. | There are no streaks left on the stone surface, so the product does not require constant cleaning. |
It can only have a steel color design, which does not always fit a certain design. | Has a wide range of colors. |
It is light in weight. | It is quite heavy. |
Has a higher cost. |
Advantages and disadvantages
Among the advantages of stone sinks are:
- Moisture resistance . A special coating protects the surface from the aggressive effects of moisture.
- Chemical resistance . The material does not enter into chemical reactions with most household products.
- Not noisy . The water hits the stone surface quite quietly.
- Easy to keep clean . There are no white water stains left on the surface. Bacteria that cause an unpleasant odor do not multiply on the walls.
- Withstands high temperatures . Depending on the model and material used, the sink can be used with objects at 180-280 degrees.
- Environmental Safety . Stone chips are a natural material that is not dangerous to the human body. Wide range of colors . The use of various dyes allows you to obtain any color. Resistance to mechanical damage. Glossy metal surfaces scratch faster.
- Possibility of making products according to individual orders.
- Long service life - more than 10 years.
- High strength . Artificial stone is 2-3 times stronger than natural stone.
- Mechanical damage can be repaired . To remove scratches I use fine-grained sandpaper. Chips are eliminated using acrylic glue followed by rubbing the joint.
The rectangular sink is the classic and most common choice.
The disadvantages of the product include:
- High price.
- Budget options do not tolerate temperature changes well.
- Large mass.
- Large products combined with a countertop often crack beyond repair. It is better to choose embedded models - if one element is damaged, the second should not be replaced. If desired, you can choose the countertop and sink in the same color.
- Changes in temperature may cause stains.
- Many low-grade fakes of world brands.