What are composite granite sinks actually made from, and why are they better than natural granite? Is the price the biggest drawback of granite sinks? Are design and color variety the only true advantages of granite sinks over stainless steel sinks?
In recent years, so-called granite sinks have gained popularity. Unlike traditional stainless steel sinks, made of stainless steel sheet metal, granite sinks come in various colors, providing an opportunity to create a unique and attractive kitchen design.
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However, despite being marketed as granite sinks, they are not actually made from natural stone or natural granite. Although there are sinks made from real granite, they are not part of the standard offerings from most retailers and are considered high-end products with high prices.
The granite sinks discussed here are actually made from a mixture of quartz sand, which forms the base of natural granite, and different types of binding resins. This combination allows for the creation of all the shapes in which granite sinks are produced.
What are the main advantages of granite sinks?
In addition to easy shaping, the mix of natural stone and binding materials creates a composite material that combines the qualities of these materials. Thus, granite sinks made from quartz sand, the fourth hardest mineral, offer exceptional mechanical characteristics, hardness, and resistance to damage.
On the other hand, the binding material provides the necessary flexibility and offers a significant advantage over natural stone: stain resistance. Natural granite is somewhat porous and absorbs liquids, but the binding material in composite granite seals all the pores in the material, making it resistant to stains.
There are many advantages of granite sinks. As mentioned, one of the most obvious is the aesthetics and the option to choose different colors. Durability and resistance to damage are also significant advantages of granite sinks, and they can also withstand high temperatures.
What are the drawbacks of granite sinks?
Regarding stain resistance, opinions are divided. Although composite granite sinks are significantly more resistant to stains than natural marble, it depends on the quality of the specific granite sink.
Some users have complained that stains from wine and coffee linger on lighter-colored granite sinks. This can vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. While higher-priced products are typically resistant to staining, it should be noted that stainless steel sinks are entirely stain-resistant, regardless of the price.
Additionally, granite sinks can show marks left by metal cutlery. Despite being smooth to the touch, granite sinks consist of stone powder, giving them an abrasive effect, which can cause metal cutlery marks to remain on the surface.
One of the advantages of granite sinks – their sturdiness, can sometimes also be a downside. Since they are made of 80% stone and have significantly thicker and more massive walls and bottoms than stainless steel sinks, granite sinks lack shock absorption. While the sink itself won’t be damaged, dishes that fall into it are more likely to break than in stainless steel sinks.
Price is the biggest drawback of granite sinks.
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the biggest drawback of granite sinks is their price. The cheapest granite sinks are much more expensive than standard stainless steel sinks. Another issue is that when all their advantages are considered, it can be concluded that compared to stainless steel sinks, granite sinks only truly excel in design and color variety. However, this seems to be enough to gain significant popularity.
Foto: Blanco