When we meet with clients to select the finishes for their kitchen remodel, there are several "goals" that come up on a regular basis. In no particular order, they are:
- Beauty
- Functionality
- Ease of maintenance
That first one, beauty, is not something we necessarily associate with a kitchen sink. In fact, while sinks are often selected for their style, size or layout, it's rare that someone enters a kitchen and says, "Wow! That's a gorgeous kitchen sink." We're fairly certain the granite sink market is going to change that.
What Are Granite Sinks?
Granite sinks are a newer product on the kitchen design market. They are made similarly to a quartz countertop, using quartz mineral deposits from granite rock that are bonded together with a synthetic product. The result is a sink that looks like natural stone, complete with crystalline enhancements that gives it a luxurious finish.
Some granite sink brands use a polyester binder, others use an acrylic resin. In either case, you get a sink that is incredibly durable - resistant to cracks, impact damage and staining. They can also be shaped into a mold so they are offered in traditional rectangle and square shapes, as well as some uniquely rounded or curved designs.
What Are the Advantages of Granite Sinks?
Reading a spec sheet about the advantages of granite sinks is like reading the advantages of a quartz countertop because the manufacturing process is so similar. Some of the benefits include:
Versatile Colors & Designs. We're going to start with the aesthetic advantages of a granite sink: They're gorgeous. They come in a wide-range of natural colors, including blacks, grays, browns, bronzes, deep greens, and so on. This is a major bonus for homeowners who select a natural stone or quartz countertop, because granite sinks make for a much more seamless transition between the countertop and the sink. No more obvious interruptions via stainless steel or porcelain.
A granite sink set in a granite, marble, quartz or quartzite countertop will have that same streamlined aesthetic offered by a Corian sink in a Corian Countertop or a soapstone sink in a soapstone countertop. An added bonus? We dig all the various shape and style options and you will too.
Ultra-Durable. Quartz is one of the hardest minerals found on planet earth. When you mix quartz with a strong binding material, you wind up with a product that is hard to crack, scratch, etch or chip - even if you try. This is a major advantage for sinks, which often bear the impact of heavy pots and pans, sharp knives and dropped dishes.
Hygienic. The synthetic materials used to bind the quartz minerals together are virtually non-porous, especially if you choose sinks made with acrylic resin. This is very different from a true natural stone, like granite or marble, which is full of pores and needs to be sealed regularly. A pore-free surface means that bacteria, dirt, grime, food residue and liquids have nowhere to settle, which makes for a more hygienic surface. It is also mold and mildew resistant.
If a hygienic sink is important to you, keep an eye out for brands, like Schock, which are certified hygienic by the German LGA Institute.
Easy to Clean. That same lack of pores makes for easy clean up. In fact, food and drink particles have nowhere to go but the surface, so they remain in place until you wipe them off, leaving no residue and no staining or etching since nothing can penetrate the surface.
Come by and visit the Kitchen Magic showroom to learn more about granite sink options.
