Choosing decor and functional elements for each room, we want to be not only practical, but also original. This also applies to sinks in the bathroom . To stand out, many fans of the original design are trying to order an individual design of a particular element. A stone sink, the reviews of which will be presented in the article, will come in handy.
Advantages and disadvantages of stone sinks
Many people choose a sink from a stone, because it has a lot of advantages rather than disadvantages. The benefits include:
- long term of operation;
- resistance to mechanical damage;
- high functionality;
- environmental cleanliness of the material;
- can be used even in unheated rooms;
- originality;
- presentability and aesthetics.
A stone sink will definitely become an indicator of your high status.
As for the disadvantages, they also exist, although they are much smaller than the advantages. This primarily concerns the price of such products. The average resident of the country is unlikely to be able to afford such a luxury in his bathroom. This is due to the fact that initially a piece of the desired size is excised from the rock, and then, using special machines, the desired shape is made of the stone product. The sink requires manual execution of all labor-intensive work. Another disadvantage is the heavy weight, which can cause difficulties with transportation and installation. Also, a stone sink requires special care due to its high hygroscopicity.
A large number of shortcomings repels potential buyers, but there is a good alternative - sinks made of artificial stone.
Types of Natural Stones
Most often, the following types of natural stones are used for the sink:
- Granite. This material is the most common and relatively inexpensive. It has a varied color, which makes it very profitable to use. The main characteristics are durability and strength. Unlike other stones, granite is very easy to care for, as it is resistant to water and chemicals.
- Marble. This material will help to bring comfort and harmony to the bathroom, although most of its shades are cold. Such a sink is able to withstand numerous loads and will not crack, delaminate, even if something heavy falls on it. However, it requires special care due to its high hygroscopicity.
- Onyx. This stone is characterized by layering in the structure, which makes it very peculiar. A wide range of colors (from light yellow to dark brown) also plays in his favor. It can be translucent and opaque. Unlike marble, onyx is resistant to moisture, which is a definite advantage.
- Travertine. Sufficiently pliable material, which is appreciated in the manufacture of plumbing products, since you can play with forms. In addition, it has a beautiful patterned texture and various shades. This material is durable, durable, but due to the porous structure requires special care.
- Basalt. This stone is quite plastic, despite the fact that it is heavy. It differs in a wide range of shades - from black to greenish black. Valued for resistance to moisture and chemicals and for sound absorption.
Artificial stone sink
Many buyers note that such sinks can really be a salvation when you want to bring originality to the design, but there is not enough money for a product made of natural material. Artificial stone is a special plastic mass, which consists of acrylic or polyester resin, ground natural stone, hardener, plasticizer and various pigments. This allows you to recreate any structure at the request of the customer.
Many people are pleased that the sink made of artificial stone has a perfectly flat surface due to the manufacturing features. Its structure is homogeneous, there are no pores, which means that there will be practically no pollution. Also, a sink made of artificial stone is resistant not only to moisture, but also to the formation of mold and the multiplication of microorganisms.
Advantages and disadvantages of artificial stone
The strengths of such products include:
- Strength. Artificial stone is resistant to sharp, spiky, solid objects, although, unlike natural materials, it is less durable.
- High hygiene. A layer of acrylic prevents the accumulation of bacteria and other pathogens.
- Resistant to moisture. Many natural stones have high hygroscopicity, which means that over time there will be destruction. But this does not threaten artificial stone.
- Easy installation, processing and the ability to restore the upper layers.
But do not forget about the shortcomings:
- The use of chemical components (although it is difficult to call it a disadvantage, since all norms are strictly observed during production)
- The service life is much shorter than that of natural stone sinks.
- Use of special glue (although it is very difficult to see the joints at high-quality products).
What to look for when choosing
High-quality stone sink in the kitchen and bathroom, as a rule, is made on modern upscale equipment. This allows you to make such a product reliable and durable. Also, this manufacturing method allows you to give absolutely any shape and size in order to harmoniously fit the element into the overall design of the bathroom and apartment.
Experts note that a sink should be carefully selected from a stone to the bathroom. When choosing a model, you need to be guided not only by personal preferences, but also by the size of the cabinet and the type of sink (if any).
The shape can be different: round, square or angular. Also, when choosing, it is necessary to take into account the level of compatibility with other elements in the bathroom, in particular the bathtub itself and the toilet.
Care Rules
To increase the life of stone sinks will help proper care for them. It is simple, but you have to follow the rules:
- the detergent should not contain abrasive substances;
- the use of special means for stone is allowed;
- you can use ordinary soap, preferably natural;
- After washing, wash the surface of the sink.
Only compliance with the rules will allow you to use an expensive, but such a beautiful product for more than one year.