As mentioned earlier, granite is a natural material, while quartz is synthetic. This explains a lot why quartz is more refined since it's manufactured synthetically. Since the impurities are taken care of, you don't have to worry too much about the maintenance of this material.
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.
Some of the light color composite sinks, like white color, beige color sinks are quartz sinks due to the high purity quartz and less minerals - it's natural. But the deep color composite sinks, like black, coffee and grey, they should be called granite composite sinks.
Composite granite sinks are quite durable and can last decades with normal use and proper care. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's suggestions for cleaning (usually mild dish soap and warm water) and avoid using harsh or abrasive cleaning agents (baking soda is okay) as they can damage the surface of the sink.
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.
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.
1. Stainless Steel. When choosing your kitchen sink, you pretty much can't go wrong with stainless steel. This top kitchen sink material is extremely durable and able to withstand heavy drops from pots and pans while also resisting scratches from sharp knives and utensils.
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.
Yes, composite sinks can withstand boiling water. There is no issue with pouring hot water down a granite, quartz, or solid surface sink.
Stainless steel has long been a material of choice for its hygienic properties, resistance to stains, rust, and corrosion, and affordability. But it is not the only metal on the market; copper and brass sinks can be used to make a design statement.
In terms of maintenance, as mentioned earlier, granite is porous while quartz is non-porous. This just means that granite has a lot of minute spaces or holes in the material which allows liquid or air to pass. This makes granite a lot more absorbent to stains and liquids that will be spilled into the material.
To perform this test, buyers can scratch the quartz sink's surface with a coin or any other sharp object. If no scratches appear on the sink, then the quality of the quartz composite sink is premium.
While some types of countertops and sinks are pretty susceptible to stains, granite composite isn't. Because it is non-porous and tightly packed, there isn't much room for stains to seep in. Not to mention, there is usually a good sealer added to the top and polish that can also keep stains away.
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.
The composite material is easier to clean and won't require constant babysitting, which makes it a better choice for households with children. The low maintenance cost of a granite composite sink makes it ideal for households. This means that harsh cleaners can damage the surface of the sink.
If your composite sink has limescale staining or hard water stains, these can show up clearly against a dark-coloured sink. For these, you do need to use a diluted vinegar to help remove them. The key is not to use straight vinegar on the sink, but to make a mixture that is 50% water and 50% vinegar.
On a lighter-coloured sink, you can use bleach diluted with water (50/50) to scrub the stains with a nylon brush. Rinse with clean water after cleaning. Most of the time, you will find that a quick rinse after use is enough to keep your composite sink clean.
Durable — Owing to its mineral content, composite sinks are very hard and durable. As a result, they are unlikely to chip, dent or scratch and generally handle everyday wear-and-tear well.
For a more thorough clean, sprinkle baking soda over the whole sink, then spray with a 75/25 solution of white vinegar and water to create a fizzing solution. A gentle scrub with a soft sponge and an old toothbrush is enough to give your sink a thorough clean.
Fill in the fracture with color-matched epoxy resin and use a putty knife to smooth it. Let it dry based on the manufacturer's recommendations. Get rid of the excess epoxy with a razor blade and apply masking tape so there's a smooth finish that's flush with the rest of the surface.
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.
Quartz Composite
Best for: High durability, heat-resistance, and sound dampening. If the vulnerabilities of solid surface acrylic resin or enameled kitchen sinks are concerning, then a quartz composite kitchen sink is a great option.
Porcelain, ceramic and fireclay kitchen sinks have extremely low water absorption characteristics (making them easy to keep clean on a regular basis).
Stainless steel sinks are very low maintenance; they are corrosion and rust resistant, and as long as they are cared for properly and wiped down after every use, they should not stain. Find out more about how to clean a stainless steel sink by reading our guide with handy tips and tricks from our experts.