A granite composite sink makes a beautifully durable addition to your kitchen. This engineered material is manufactured using a mix of granite stone dust and acrylic resins molded into sink form. Composite sinks composed of quartz dust and acrylic resins are close cousins.
Heat-Resistance—while composite sinks are heat-resistant, they aren't heat-proof. It's important to note the acrylic resin binders found in composite sinks can warp or melt when exposed to extreme heat. An example of this is when a hot pot or pan is placed directly in the sink.
In fact, composite granite is harder and heavier than its natural counterpart, though exponentially less expensive. And, it will maintain its look and strength well, thanks to its non-porous, stain-resistant nature.
Durability. Composite granite sinks are primarily made up of a mixture of quartz granite particles and resin, both of which are incredibly hard-wearing and durable. The result of this is that any knocks that would usually dent, chip or scratch a regular sink will not show up on a composite sink.
"Granite composite sinks are made from up to 70-percent crushed granite mixed with acrylic resins. Granite, which is made up from a number of minerals, including quartz, feldspar and mica, is more dense and durable than quartz alone. When mixed with resin, it becomes even more durable than a quartz composite sink.
Yes, composite sinks can withstand boiling water. There is no issue with pouring hot water down a granite, quartz, or solid surface sink.
If you do notice that there are darker stains, or if you have a light-coloured sink that is showing more surface staining, you can clean these with a mixture of 50% bleach and 50% water. Dip a nylon bristled brush into the bleach solution, and use it to scrub the stains. Rinse well with water when you're done.
Composite Granite Sink Disadvantages
Hardness: While some sink materials are more forgiving, composite granite is hard enough to break glassware when dropped onto the surface. This granite composite sink problem is something to consider if you frequently wash breakable dishes in the sink.
During the manufacturing process, compounds like quartz sand and resins add to the strength and resilience of the sink. In the end, it is one of the most durable wares. That is why most people make it a top choice for their kitchen. These basins are durable and long-lasting without issues.
Quartz tends to be more affordable, and it comes in a vast array of color choices because it's basically a manmade product. Granite composite, on the other hand, although a little pricier, is indestructible as a countertop or sink because a large percent of the product is actual stone from the earth's crust.
Durability. The components and manufacturing process of composite materials make them extremely tough. Natural quartz or granite is ground down and combined with 5% of high-quality resin. Pure granite, on the other hand, is a natural stone and one of the hardest materials on earth.
Stain Resistant: Unlike natural granite, this non-porous material requires no sealing and will keep from staining by design.
Team the clean modern lines of a contemporary kettle tap with a stainless-steel sink, composite kitchen sink or a modern ceramic sink and fuss-free cabinetry. If your kitchen has country or period style, or a Belfast-look sink, classic boiling water taps have an elegant detail that will pull the look together.
It is essential you avoid extreme variations in temperatures coming into contact with your sink – such as pouring out a pan of boiling water followed by ice cold water. This can cause thermal shock in composite sinks and will result in hairline cracks appearing.
Hard Water Mineral Deposits (Calcium, Magnesium, Lime)
Unless you wipe your sink dry after every use, water left behind will eventually evaporate. When water evaporates, minerals such as calcium, magnesium, and lime are left behind, bonding to the surface. These spots are called mineral deposits.
Use Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleanser or Soft Scrub with Bleach Cleaner Gel to free your sink of soap scum, dirt, and stains. Marble and Granite: Tough on stains, yet gentle on your most delicate surfaces, Soft Scrub's Multi-Surface Gel is a rinse-free gel that cleans and polishes marble and granite sinks.
Tips For Keeping Granite Sinks Clean
We recommend using a mixture of baking soda and white vinegar to deep clean your granite sink. You should always avoid highly harsh chemicals or abrasives such as ammonia and steel wool. Keep in mind that granite composite sinks can be damaged by extreme heat and aluminum cookware.
Use soft or micro fibre cloths (eg. E-cloth). A 50% mix of water and white vinegar can be used to remove limescale deposits, ensure to rinse thoroughly after use, do not leave the vinegar in contact with the surface. A nylon scratch pad or toothbrush can be used on difficult areas.
'The easiest kitchen sink material to maintain is going to be one made of stainless steel, copper, cast iron or enamel because they will not support microbial growth as they are not cellulose material,' says Darren Hudema, director of training and technical services at PuroClean.
However, it is important to note that granite sinks can be susceptible to staining if they are not properly sealed. On the other hand, stainless steel sinks are also extremely durable and resistant to scratches, chips, and heat. They are also easy to clean and maintain, making them a popular choice for busy kitchens.
Best for: Affordability, durability, and low maintenance. The most common option for a kitchen sink material is stainless steel. This material is well-known for its water-resistance, durability, and scratch-resistance, and is also often recognized for superior rust-resistance and antimicrobial properties.
We recommend shopping for kitchen sinks made from durable materials, such as stainless steel, stone composite, enameled cast iron, fireclay, and copper. Stainless steel is a common material for kitchen sinks, but not all stainless steel sinks are created equal.
This type of sink is easy to clean
Using a non-abrasive cleaner will keep it clean. Taking care of it properly will preserve its color for many years. Keeping it clean is also important. You can use a magic eraser sponge to remove stains and a 50/50 water-bleach solution for cleaning.
Step 1: Run some warm water through your composite sink. Step 2: Wipe your sink with soapy water. Step 3: Apply baking soda paste to the stains. Step 4: Use a vinegar/water solution to deal with limescale or water stains.