It is impossible to imagine a kitchen work surface without a sink. Thanks to modern production technologies, they become not just a functional part, but also the pride of the interior.
Easy to clean, silent, durable, resistant to active chemicals - all this is about kitchen sinks made of artificial stone. Can be produced in any size, shape and color.
The history of the appearance of the first shells
Ancient people noticed that drops of water falling on a stone made a depression in it. This stone became the prototype of the modern sink. The first sinks were carved from stone.
In the Middle Ages, palaces and castles had washbasins made of silver, gold, and marble. In all other houses they used basins and jugs.
In the 18th century, clay was used for manufacturing in Europe. After firing in the oven, the product was covered with a special glaze.
Already in the 20th century, the first ceramic sinks appeared. Later, sinks made of stainless steel and artificial stone appeared.
Stone sink: types of models
Today there is a huge variety of kitchen sinks.
They are made of stainless steel, earthenware, porcelain, cast iron, glass, bronze, copper, etc. Stone kitchen sinks are also very popular. It is about them that our further conversation will go. Stone sinks are some of the most durable
A large assortment of stone kitchen sinks will allow you to satisfy all your wishes and personal taste preferences. There really is plenty to choose from, because modern manufacturers offer us a wide range of models, which can be classified according to several criteria.
The shapes of stone sinks are:
- round;
- square;
- rectangular;
- oval;
- other non-standard (original designer sinks).
Rectangular stone sink
In addition, all kitchen sinks differ in the number of bowls :
- single bowl;
- two-bowl;
- three-bowl.
Anyone can use these bowls as needed. For example, put dirty dishes in one bowl and rinse them in another, or wash food in one of them, and plates with pots in the second. How exactly to use them is up to you.
Stone sink with two bowls
Stone kitchen sinks are also classified according to the presence or absence of a “wing” (you can place dishes, glasses, vegetables or cutlery on it):
- with one wing;
- with two;
- without a wing.
Sink with one wing
Depending on the installation , sinks are divided into:
- invoices;
- mortise;
- with fastening on the underside of the tabletop;
- flush with the tabletop.
Installing a sink flush with the countertop
The type of installation will depend on your preferences, layout features, as well as the chosen interior style.
Another criterion for classifying kitchen sink models is their location . There are:
- frontal washes;
- corner sinks.
Corner sink
Before purchasing a specific model, weigh the pros and cons, consider the features of the layout and design of your kitchen. This will allow you to feel comfortable and cozy in the kitchen in the future.
Types and features
Natural stone sinks have a number of advantages. Beautiful design, durable, strong, silent, produced to individual sizes.
The downside is the price. Natural materials are expensive.
The price of sinks made of artificial stone is an order of magnitude lower. At the same time, all the advantages of natural material are preserved. This became possible thanks to special production technology.
Composition of artificial stone: a mixture of natural raw materials with polymers and resins. Most often, the base is marble or granite chips plus connecting elements. In addition, dyes are added to the mixture.
After shaping the sink, it is coated with gelcoat. It helps increase durability and strength and closes all pores. The result is a strong, smooth, durable product.
Which stone to choose: artificial or natural? Main pros and cons.
If you have not yet decided whether a natural or artificial stone sink is best for your kitchen, then pay attention to the advantages and disadvantages of these materials.
The main advantages of sinks made of artificial stone:
- They have high hardness, impact resistance and resistance to mechanical damage.
- They are characterized by a huge variety of shapes, shades, excellent imitation of all kinds of natural materials, which allows you to recreate absolutely any style in your kitchen.
Two-chamber sink made of artificial stone - They can withstand high temperatures quite easily because they are heat-resistant. You can always place a hot pan on the free part of such a sink.
- Artificial stone will be a more environmentally friendly material, since it does not emit harmful substances and does not have pores in which harmful bacteria usually multiply.
- Such kitchen sinks do not absorb moisture.
- Very easy to clean (they have a smooth surface from which dirt can be easily removed).
- Silent (excellent sound absorption).
- Durable.
It is sinks made of artificial stone that are extremely popular among buyers.
It is these qualities that act as the driving force that forces consumers around the world to increasingly purchase sinks made of artificial stone.
Artificial stone may differ in the proportions of its constituent resins, the type of stone chips, polymer materials, etc.
However, sinks made from artificial stone also have their disadvantages, namely:
- relatively high cost for high-quality models;
- heavy weight of the structure.
Design features
Designers offer us sinks of various geometric shapes:
- Round sinks. Compact, easy to clean due to the lack of corners, roomy
- Rectangular sinks. Ideal for narrow worktops
- Square sinks. Classic version, roomy, versatile, wide range.
- Triangular sinks. For corner kitchen units. Save space
- Polygonal sinks. Pentagonal and hexagonal shape. Modern option. Spacious and comfortable, installed along the wall or in a corner.
The number of bowls also varies. The most common option is one bowl. There are a variety of shapes, colors and sizes available.
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For a large family and kitchen, a product with two bowls is convenient. Use one of the bowls for washing dishes, the second for defrosting food, peeling fruits and vegetables, and washing hands.
If the size of the room allows, a good choice is an artificial stone sink with three bowls. Often they have a place for dishes and cutting boards.
How to choose
You should purchase a sink that combines several important criteria. The quality and strength are affected by the material used for its manufacture. The stronger the product, the higher its cost. We must not forget about the combination with the set and the overall interior.
Dimensions
The dimensions of the sink should be selected in relation to the frequency of its use and the area of the kitchen. Thanks to the large assortment, you can find a capacious, convenient option even for a small room.
The standard width of the sink is 60 cm. You can also find a compact version in stores that will take up 45-50 cm. For spacious kitchens, manufacturers produce interesting products with original configurations. Their parameters: width – 80-120 cm, depth – 20 cm.
The number of bowls depends on the size of the free space and the personal wishes of the owners. For modest spaces, small models without space for drying dishes or corner designs are recommended. The latter type of product is difficult to install due to its complex shape.
For large kitchens, it is worth purchasing double sinks. One compartment is convenient for washing dirty dishes, and another for defrosting or cleaning food. If desired, you can purchase a triple stone sink. And as an addition, equip it with a second wing for drying herbs, vegetables, and fruits.
Artificial stone kitchen sinks come in the following forms:
- round;
- oval;
- square;
- rectangular;
- trapezoidal.
There are original design solutions. These sinks are made to order.
If we consider plumbing fixtures from the point of view of spaciousness and ease of use, the leading positions are occupied by oval and round sinks. Due to the lack of corners, they are easier to clean.
In terms of ease of installation and dimensions, rectangular and square sinks are the most attractive. At the same time, they fit well into modern interior styles. But the trapezoidal shape is ideal for a corner set.
Expert opinion
Olga Kovalenko
Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.
Choosing a stone sink for the kitchen is difficult without the help of a specialist. But, if you approach the issue correctly, you can buy an interesting, original product.
Materials
Each company has its own production technology. Nobody wants to describe the “recipe”, hiding behind the beautiful names of the raw materials used. But it is important for the buyer to know what stone the sink is made of in order to evaluate its performance.
The main types of materials used to create shells:
- Marble chips. Not very durable. More worthy analogues are offered on the market. If the composition contains polyester resins, then the product made from it will quickly lose its presentable appearance due to temperature changes, exposure to cleaning agents and impacts.
- Granite chips. Expensive material. Sinks made from it are stronger and more durable than those made from natural stone.
- Composite acrylic sinks. They are inexpensive, have an original configuration, but have a large number of shortcomings. Products are susceptible to damage and melting from hot dishes.
In many respects, sinks made of artificial stone are superior to their counterparts made of natural materials. The main thing is that the manufacturer follows technology and uses high-quality raw materials. Problems arise less often with granite sinks.
Colors
Pigments are introduced into the composite at the stage of mixing the raw materials, that is, coloring is carried out “in bulk”. This method allows you to obtain products of any shade. Consumers prefer natural colors. A small number of companies place emphasis on brightness. In their assortment you can find sinks made of stone in blue, green, pink, red and other palettes.
When ordering a sink individually, the client can choose any color option.
Single-color sinks are rare. Most sinks have a specific pattern on the surface that imitates stone. It gives the product a natural, respectable look. Most manufacturers offer up to 12-15 shades to choose from. Models with specks are easier to keep clean. Small contaminants are indistinguishable on them.
VLUU L210 / Samsung L210
If desired, you can purchase a sink with a rough or glossy texture. There are also options on sale where the bowl looks as if it was carved out of a block of stone.
When choosing the color of the sink, you need to focus on the design of the countertop and fittings on the kitchen unit. It should match these interior details in tone. When creating original, bright designs, experts choose a sink that contrasts with the furniture.
Price
A sink made of artificial stone can be purchased for only 3 thousand rubles. This price is relevant for compact models made in Russia. For products with two bowls you will have to pay more money. The upper threshold for domestic products is within 8 thousand rubles.
The price of sinks from European manufacturers starts from 6 thousand rubles. These are Polish companies. And the cost of famous German brands Franke, Blanco, Schock is 11-25 thousand rubles. If the model has a complex shape, with several bowls, its price can vary up to 100 thousand rubles.
Expensive sinks are distinguished by their quality. In their catalogs, the company offers products of standard and original shapes and colors. To maintain their reputation and high demand, well-known brands regularly improve technology and develop innovative solutions.
You can distinguish an original sink from a popular brand from a fake by the packaging. Large manufacturers place the product in thick cardboard with stiffening ribs to reliably protect the artificial stone from damage and chips, onto which a hologram or company name is glued. Cheap analogues are placed in thin cardboard without identification marks.
Expert opinion
Olga Kovalenko
Since 2010 I have been engaged in interior design and architectural design.
In order not to stumble upon a fake, it is recommended to purchase sinks made of composite stone from official dealers and be sure to check the quality certificates.
Color
One of the distinctive features of sinks made of artificial stone is a large selection of color palettes. You can choose any shades from light to dark. Including original colors based on an individual project.
Photos of sinks made of artificial stone clearly show how spectacular and bright they can be.
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Advantages
Durable. Service life is at least 10-15 years. And with proper care, the period increases by several more years.
The production technology eliminates the development of harmful microorganisms and mold on the surface. Hygienically clean and safe.
Unlike natural stones, composite stones do not emit radioactive substances.
Another advantage over natural material is strength. Artificial materials are three times stronger than natural ones. Such a sink is not afraid of heavy dishes falling.
If defects occur, they can be easily eliminated. Minor scratches and defects can be easily polished with sandpaper at home. Small chipped pieces can be glued using acrylic glue.
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The production of such sinks is not mass-produced, but according to individual measurements. You can order a sink of any shape, color and size.
Smooth, nice to touch. Silent.
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.
Conclusion
If you want your sink to last a long time, be beautiful and safe, choose a product made from artificial stone.
Thanks to its positive characteristics, the initially high price pays off. In terms of price and quality, a sink made of artificial stone is cheap and practical.
How to install a stone sink
In modern kitchen sets, stone sinks go well with countertops made of the same material in which they are mounted. Such installation is quite complicated and must only be carried out by specialists. At the same time, the seams between the sink and the countertop are almost invisible. It is not recommended to try to carry out such an installation yourself, since the quality of the installation will most likely not be up to par.
If a stone sink needs to be installed in a cutout of a regular countertop, such installation is not too complicated. It can easily be done with your own hands. By following the step-by-step instructions below, you can quickly and efficiently install an artificial stone sink in your kitchen.
- The first step is to cut a hole in the tabletop. To do this, you need to attach the sink to the back of the countertop and draw the outline of the future hole. If the outline is rectangular or round, this is easy to do. For a complex contour, you first need to make a template from cardboard or paper, and then apply the contour to the back of the tabletop in the required location. Cut a hole using a jigsaw. The edge of the hole in the countertop must be treated with sealant or a special sealing tape must be placed on it. You also need to process the perimeter of the hole on the top side of the tabletop. After this, the sink can be carefully installed in the countertop. Then it must be firmly fixed using special screws to the underside of the tabletop. A regular screwdriver will do for this.
- When the sink is firmly fixed, you need to install and fix the mixer, and then connect it to the water supply pipes, and connect a siphon to the drain hole of the sink. Now you need to remove the excess sealant and wait until it hardens. After this, the sink can be used.
Photos of sinks made of artificial stone
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