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Sink made of granite or marble. Features of choosing materials for a kitchen sink: stainless steel or artificial stone? Operating characteristics of stone sinks

Thanks to technological progress, housewives have a lot of kitchen assistants, one of them is a dishwasher. But the good “old” kitchen sink does not lose its position, remaining an indispensable attribute of the kitchen.

A stone sink is more expensive than a metal sink

For a long time this part was metal, but in Lately popular for the kitchen. Despite the fact that stainless steel sinks are practical and reliable, they still do not fit into everyone. Granite sinks can become the basis for the design of this room. They are beautiful, functional, high quality, durable, comfortable and stylish.

A granite or marble sink is a universal thing in the kitchen that has taken on quite a lot of responsibilities. Any housewife spends 60 percent of her entire “kitchen time” near the sink. Dishes are washed in it, food is defrosted, and it is also used for cleaning the kitchen. Another option for using the product is washing vegetables and fruits.

Recently, the demand for has increased several times. This has a basis: stone is a strong and durable material, it looks impressive, fits into almost any kitchen interior, it is easy to care for, and the price is affordable. In addition, this material is environmentally friendly and does not absorb dirt or grease.

It is easy to care for a granite sink - just wipe it with a napkin or cloth. There are no stains, streaks or other contaminants left on it. When it comes to practicality and durability, a granite kitchen sink will last you a long time.

Is it difficult to maintain a stone sink? What to use?

Traces of tea, coffee and other food are removed from the walls of the sink with vinegar or lemon. Often, hard water from the tap leaves a residue on stone sinks, against which a descaling agent or conventional dishwashing compounds are used. dishwashers. To do this, you need to dilute the product in warm water, fill and leave for 15-30 minutes, then rinse with warm water.

manufacturers claim that a metal sink cannot last such a long time

Granite sinks– is the embodiment of durability, presentability and environmental safety. Therefore, it is best to clean them with environmentally friendly detergents. You can prepare such a remedy yourself. To do this you will need hydrogen peroxide and powder chalk, which is available in hardware store. A mixture of these components will “pull” dirt directly from the granite structure.

To clean the sink, you need to apply the paste to the dirty area and cover it hermetically. plastic film. Under the film, the paste will slowly dry out and at the same time absorb dirt. After some time, the cleaning agent must be removed with water and a soft cloth.

To clean sinks with granite coating, you should not use products containing formic acid or pipe cleaners. They contain aggressive components that change the structure of granite and deprive the sink of its attractiveness and practicality. The use of metal scrapers is also not recommended.

The ideal material for cleaning stone sinks is a soft sponge, towel or microfiber cloth. It is better to use sponges in combination with regular detergents - this is enough to make the sink look like new. As a preventative measure, it is recommended to thoroughly clean your granite sink at least once a month.

What is the beauty of stone sinks?

Modern manufacturers offer next material kitchen sinks: faience, metal, stone. But the voluminous niche in these products is occupied by sinks made of composite materials. The finished product consists of two or more components.

Composite sinks are characterized by mechanical strength, surface hardness, resistance to organic solvents and heat resistance. Hydrophobizing additives included in the composites help the sink surface to be clean, even with minimal exposure to water and a soft sponge.

Advantages of sinks made of marble chips:

1. Warm surface (due to the low thermal conductivity of the material);
2. Resistance to pinpoint and conventional impacts (thanks to mechanical strength material);
3. High hygienic safety (possible due to the bactericidal and natural environmentally friendly properties of the material);
4. Easy to keep clean (almost all household products are available for cleaning) detergents);
5. Long service life;
6. Noise absorption (does not vibrate or rattle during operation).

Stone sink is a more expensive option

Which company should you prefer?

It is quite difficult for consumers to understand the variety of kitchen sinks the first time. After all, everyone wants to do right choice so that the product serves for a long time and reliably.

There are many companies that produce high-quality quartz kitchen sinks. We invite you to get acquainted with them and their products:

• Ulgran kitchen sinks. The shells contain: marble chips, pigments and acrylic resin. Our signature stone sinks are scratch-resistant and easy to clean. The material from which the granite kitchen sink is made does not fade, is not destroyed by exposure to chemicals and can withstand temperatures of 180 0 C. Sinks trademark ulgran absorb noise. This means that the noise of flowing water will be kept to a minimum. The company's products have a very reasonable price, which does not differ in the quality of the product.
• Lava kitchen sink. The shells include: quartz sand, granite chips and polyester resins. lava products meet high quality standards and look very elegant. Lava granite kitchen sink is resistant to sudden and large temperature changes, safe in direct contact with food products, resistant to acids and alkalis. The structure of the shells from the lava collection is non-porous and this fact gives them dirt-repellent properties.
• Florentina kitchen sink. The main products of the company are sinks made of composite materials - impact-resistant, hygienically safe, noise-absorbing, durable sinks. Stylish appearance products does not affect their functionality: the products are comfortable, have a durable, beautiful finish and are affordable. Installing florentina sinks will not take much time; even a non-specialist can handle it.
• . This manufacturer specializes in the production of products from artificial stone. The polygon material from which the sinks are made was developed by the company’s engineers. It is durable, environmentally friendly and easy to maintain. The polygran company's stone kitchen sink, made of artificial stone, is no different in strength from products made from natural stone. And it’s not surprising, because the composition of these sinks contains 80% natural stone and 20% polymers. Polygran products are resistant to high temperatures and mechanical damage. Polingan stone sinks do not have to be rigidly attached to the tabletop; it is enough to “plant” them with glue. To install such sinks, kitchen countertops made of granite, wood or stone countertops. But it is worth remembering that the weight of each sink varies from 8 to 20 kg.
• kitchen sinks fotos. fotos products are chemical resistant, food safe and UV resistant. Even if these sinks are not handled very carefully, they will not suffer much damage, since they are impact-resistant and dirt does not eat into the surface. In addition, they are pleasant to the touch and visually beautiful.

Be sure to take into account the design of the kitchen when choosing

How to choose the right new sink

When choosing a sink, pay attention to functionality and physical indicators the material from which it is made. Modern decorative and fashion trends suggest installing a sink made of granite chips. Such sinks are not just beautiful and trendy, but also practical. They do not collect dirt, they are easy to wash off grease and are durable. Almost all granite kitchen sinks are works of art.

When choosing, be sure to take into account the design of the kitchen. For example, a light sink on a dark countertop looks contrasting and harmonious, and this combination of shades is pleasing to the eye.

When buying a sink, consider:

1. Depth and size of the bowl. The optimal parameter is 16-20 cm, which is enough to perform basic kitchen manipulations, and a sink with such a depth does not take up much space.
2. The color of the sink matches the overall color scheme of the kitchen.
3. Accessories that harmoniously match the product.
4. Mixer location.
5. Number of bowls and their location.
6. The presence of an emergency hole for draining excess water.
7. Is the sink equipped with a drainer?
8. Is there an opening for installing a separate faucet for filtered drinking water?

Properly selected colors and shapes will give the owners aesthetic pleasure, and the use of granite in the interior is an indicator of taste, because granite is a noble stone.

Quartz stone, which is used in the manufacture of kitchen furniture, is an artificial material. Kitchen sinks and countertops are made from it. Quartz sinks have big amount advantages. They are valued primarily for their durability and aesthetic appearance.

However, like any other material, quartz also has its disadvantages. Therefore, before you decide to buy quartz furniture, you should study all the pros and cons of this material. It would also be useful to study the reviews of those who already have experience in using quartz products. In addition, it is worth finding out about analogues - such as marble or granite.

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Manufacturing technology

The production process of quartz agglomerate is quite complex and multi-stage. The artificial stone is based on sand with the addition of natural quartz chips and various dyes. Polyester resins are used as a binding component.

1. Pre-crushed rock quartz is mixed with other components in construction mixers. In this case, the share of quartz chips directly is up to 90% of the total volume of the composition.
2. Next, the mixture is placed in a mold, where it is brought to a homogeneous state under a vacuum vibrating press to subsequently avoid micropores and cracks.
3. After giving the required shape, the product is fired in a kiln at a temperature of about 100 degrees. During the firing process, the resin hardens and acquires the very hardness for which quartz products are valued.

Like any other material, quartz agglomerate has its pros and cons. Let's consider the main advantages and disadvantages of this material.

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Positive sides

1. Quartz is particularly durable and is second only to diamonds and corundum in this indicator. It is resistant to chips, scratches and other mechanical damage.
2. A sink made of this material is not afraid of moisture and steam.
3. Unlike some natural breeds stone, quartz does not absorb odors and is impervious to stains from coffee, wine, oil and other food products. It is also not afraid of alkali-containing household chemicals.
4. Heat resistance. Products made from agglomerate are able to withstand temperature regime up to +280С. Therefore, you can safely lower a hot frying pan into the sink and pour boiling water.
5. Silence. Many reviews note that, unlike metal surface, water, as well as dishes, when in contact with a quartz sink, does not emit sounds that irritate many.

Gelcoat coating provides shine and visual appeal. Thanks to it, the sink will also remain insensitive to ultraviolet radiation. Quartz products have an expensive look and fit perfectly into any style. kitchen interior. The quartz surface can be given absolutely any color and texture that suits the furniture set. It can be a plain surface, or it can be a skillful imitation of marble or granite, or another type of stone.

Durability. A conscientious manufacturer gives a guarantee on sinks and other products made from quartz agglomerate for an average of 10 years. Thanks to special technologies produced, the quartz surface does not crack, so bacterial plaque does not form on it. This allows the use of quartz sinks not only in private houses and apartments, but also in public institutions - cafes, restaurants, industrial and school canteens, medical institutions etc.

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Flaws

1. First of all, the price. It is several times more expensive than the more affordable stainless steel option.
2. Large weight of the finished product. Therefore, there are some difficulties with its transportation.
3. The quartz surface not only creates a feeling of cold, but also feels cold to the touch. Therefore, you should carefully consider the color and design of the sink you order.
4. The composite agglomerate, despite its strength, can still be damaged. In this case, it is not possible to independently correct the chip on the surface, since polishing of quartz products is carried out on machines.
5. Difficulties at work. When processing quartz, diamond cutters are used, which heat up and must be periodically cooled in cold water.
6. Due to the need to apply complex Technical equipment during production finished products made of composite, it takes a lot of time to give them a certain shape. This must be taken into account when ordering a sink of a non-standard shape.

Variety of shapes and sizes

Artificial quartz sinks can be given any shape and color. Round-shaped products embedded in the tabletop with a reduced depth of 45 cm are very popular. Sinks with a wing for clean dishes are very convenient to use. For consumer convenience, some manufacturers do not make a hole for the mixer so that the wing can be turned in any direction.

As for sinks built into the countertop, they certainly look very beautiful and organic. But due to the difficulty of processing this material, there are a number of restrictions on their production. For example, ready-made quartz slabs are practically never made larger than 300 cm. Therefore, experts advise giving preference to individual mortise sinks than built-in. This makes it easier to repair and cheaper to replace.

If desired, you can order a sink with a rectangular or square bowl. In addition, modern manufacturers offer buyers a choice of sinks with two compartments. The main compartment is designed directly for dirty dishes– pots, plates, etc. kitchen utensils. An additional compartment can be used to store cutlery or fragile dishes: for example, tea cups, glass glasses.

The color range of quartz sinks, unlike metal ones, pleases with its variety. Depending on the color of the kitchen set, you can choose neutral white or deep dark. Quartz can replicate absolutely any texture - be it granite or limestone. There are absolutely fantastic colors with small splashes of glitter that transform the appearance of the kitchen.

Thanks to the wealth of choice color range quartz sinks can be used in the interior of any style - be it cold high-tech or democratic Provence. As for the texture of the artificial stone sink. This is mainly done matte. But glossy surfaces are also found, although their choice is not so diverse.

Despite their artificial origin, such products will fit perfectly into both Scandinavian and Japanese styles, known for their passion for all things natural. Besides, modern technologies allow you to choose faucets that match the color of the sink, so that both the sink and the faucet look like a single whole.

Care

To ensure that your sink pleases you for many years, it would not hurt to purchase additional accessories that will protect the surface of the sink from possible mechanical damage. This is especially true for inexpensive products, which may be inferior in quality to more expensive analogues.

The kitchen should not only be functional, but also comfortable and beautiful. At the same time, I would like not to spend a lot. Monolithic natural stone costs a lot. Therefore, the stainless kitchen sink was replaced by a sink made of artificial stone - we will describe its pros and cons in this article.

Artificial stone is a mixed material that includes several components:

• Stone chips (granite, marble or quartz);
• Polymer for gluing crumbs;
• The composition includes dyes in small quantities. With their help, artificial material accurately conveys natural shades natural stone or painted in other colors.

The composition described above includes natural stone. Therefore it is partly natural. But acrylic stone can be called 100% artificial. This does not exist in nature. It is made from acrylic resins mixed with aluminum hydroxide and polymethyl methacrylate.

Important: The strength of a kitchen sink made of artificial stone depends on the last component - reviews often contain information that the bottom of such acrylic sinks simply falls off. This means that the manufacturer spared polymethyl methacrylate, the most expensive substance.

Advantages and disadvantages

Before you have a stone sink for your kitchen, you will have to study the pros and cons from all sides.

Let's start with the advantages:

• Resistance to aggressive environments (the material does not react when in contact with chemicals, except abrasives);
• Moisture resistance ( closed pores make the surface waterproof);
• Water hitting an artificial stone does not make any noise;
• There are no white spots left from water;
• Resistance to temperatures 180-280 degrees (depending on the quality of the product);
• Lack of odor that appears when bacteria multiply on the walls of the sink;
• The color remains bright during use;
• The material is environmentally friendly;
• An assortment of multi-colored models is available;
• It is possible to manufacture a sink according to individual parameters;
• At proper care the sink retains its original appearance for up to 10 years or longer;
• If mechanical damage occurs, it remains possible to make repairs.

The disadvantages of artificial stone sinks include:

• High cost of products. Compared to the price may differ by 2 or more times;
• Low quality material does not tolerate sudden temperature changes;
• You cannot place very hot objects (with a temperature above 180-280 degrees) on kitchen sinks made of artificial stone;
• The products are quite heavy;
• Sinks combined with a countertop (monolithic) are often damaged, cracking so that they can no longer be repaired. You will have to replace both the sink and the countertop.

Sinks built into the countertop are more the best option compared to combined ones. Therefore, give preference to them. If you really want the sink and countertop to merge with each other, let them be made of the same materials, but be independent elements. If one of them is severely damaged, there is no need to replace the other.

Criterias of choice

In order for you to be satisfied with the wash, you need to decide in advance on the desired parameters. You need to take everything into account: the area of ​​the kitchen, its design, the estimated volume of dishes that you will wash. Not the last criterion that you will be guided by when choosing is the cost of the product. How to choose a sink for the kitchen so that you don’t have even a shadow of doubt about whether you did the right thing?

Stone composition

The strength of the sink and its stability depend on the composition of the stone and the ratio of its components. The ideal ratio of stone chips to polymers: 80% and 20%. The most durable sinks will be made from granite chips: they do not leave scratches, and they can withstand the fall of a body weighing 2 kg from a height of 150 cm. Quartz analogues are almost as good as granite ones. Marble sinks are capricious: scratches quickly appear on them, chips easily form, but repairing such a product is much easier.

Shape and size

A large sink made of artificial stone is a plus, the only minus is that it will not fit in a small kitchen. Therefore, when limited area choose narrow but deep (about 20%) shells without wings of a square or round shape. Good way out- purchase corner sink, which uses one of the corners of the kitchen.

For a large kitchen there are no restrictions; from above the bowl can look like a circle, oval, rectangle, square, and in corner options it can be in the form of a trapezoid. If the kitchen is spacious, then pay attention to the wings. It is convenient to place washed dishes on them for pre-drying.

And in a small sink combined with a dishwasher, it is convenient to put food for defrosting and vegetables and fruits for washing.

If you wash dishes in a special machine, the size of the sink may be small. It will only be used to rinse bowls and utensils while cooking. If the dishes are washed by hand, and the number of people living in the house is more than 2-3, then the sink should be wide and deep. Then it will hold enough dirty dishes.

Number of bowls

Large sinks may have one, two or even three bowls. This choice will be justified only when you cook a lot. In this case, you put the dishes in one bowl, and wash and clean the cooking products in the other. This is true for large families and cafes.

Color

Most sinks are matte, but there are some with a metallic effect. The color of a kitchen sink made of artificial stone is close to natural. Typically, manufacturers offer an assortment of 6-12 shades, but sometimes it is reduced to 4-6. The color palette may be small, but compared to stainless steel, which has no choice at all, is a plus.

Possible shades:

• Dark (anthracite or chocolate shades);
• Light (beige and white);
• Gray.

Note: If you want to purchase a colored sink for your kitchen, then pay attention to the products Russian production. From them you can choose red, green, blue: any color to your taste.

Price

Russian-made artificial stone sinks cost in the range of 3,000-8,000 rubles, depending on the size and composition of the product. Foreign analogues can be purchased from 5-6 thousand rubles. The price range here is wide - up to 100,000 rubles (these are sinks complex shape with several bowls). For apartment optimal range prices - 12-20 thousand.

Reports of difficult-to-maintain and low-quality artificial stone kitchen sinks - reviews from buyers on a small budget. Suspiciously cheap models are found from unscrupulous manufacturers who save on expensive materials, ensuring the strength of products. As a result of careless handling, cracks and chips form. And contact with hot surfaces leaves unsightly stains that cannot be hidden by anything.

Accessories

To extend the life of your sink, purchase accessories that will protect the stone surface from mechanical damage. Protection is especially needed for cheap options, the quality of which is almost half that of their expensive counterparts. You will need a basket that will prevent the sink from breaking if an object falls from a height. It is also convenient to wash vegetables and fruits. Buy additionally coasters that will protect the stone from hot dishes.

Rules of care

To keep your sink always looking like new, you need to use it correctly and take care of it regularly. Follow the rules:

• Start care from the day of installation;
• After washing the dishes, go over the walls and bottom with a sponge and detergent and rinse them with water. Then wipe dry;
• To place hot dishes, use metal or wooden trivets;
• To prevent cracks from temperature changes, turn on cold water before draining the boiling water.

Tip: If you don’t want to dry your sink often, buy a white, beige or variegated sink. Water will also leave a light salt coating on them after drying. But on light and variegated surfaces they are lost. Then care comes down to washing the sink only once a week.

Popular brands

• The German company Blanco produces products from silgranite;
• The German company Schock produces sinks made of crystallight;
• The German company Franke uses fragranite as a material;
• The German manufacturer Teka makes sinks from tegranite.
• The French company Benthor chooses between kermat and novoquartz when making sinks.

Silgranite, crystallight, fragranite and tegranite are the same thing: 80% granite chips and 20% resins. The names differ only because each company has its own patented technology for producing artificial stone. Each of them is unique, despite the same composition. The only difference is kermat and novoquartz, which contain quartz, fiberglass, rubber, acrylic and resins.

Kitchen sinks made of artificial stone are beautiful and practical. In order not to be disappointed in the choice, you just need to understand that a quality product cannot be cheap. Therefore, choose sinks from famous manufacturers, which collect only positive reviews from their customers.

Recently, kitchen products made from stone have become increasingly popular and in demand among buyers. This demand is due to the high performance qualities of the material. Strength, stability, durability - this is what stone products combine. Particularly popular are stone kitchen sinks, which fit perfectly into both classic and modern designs rooms.

Peculiarities

Basically, sinks made of artificial stone are more popular among buyers. Most often, the material includes several components in its base, which makes it possible to achieve high performance qualities.

The artificial look contains stone chips, polymer and a small amount of dyes, which provide an attractive appearance. Sometimes the material is based on natural components.

A special feature of sinks made from artificial stone is the presence of gelcoat. The product creates a durable protective layer on the surface of the product, completely closing the pores. Thanks to the presence of gelcoat, the material does not become dirty and retains its original appearance. Modern manufacturers often use protective options special antibacterial compounds. This allows you to get rid of pathogenic bacteria.

It is worth noting that in comparison with many modern materials which are presented on construction market, artificial stone has higher technical performance. It is based not only on mineral fillers, but also on various hardeners and plasticizers. The use of this technology in production allows us to obtain a durable and stable material.

Sinks made of stone can have a variety of shapes. The presence of decorative additives in the base provides a smooth and shiny surface, which is important in arranging a beautiful and aesthetic interior.

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Main types

Modern manufacturers produce a variety of kitchen sinks, which are based on a wide variety of materials. There are several main types of artificial stone sinks that are in high demand among buyers:

1. From Corian. The stone has no pores, has water-repellent properties and does not become dirty even with long-term operation. Sinks made from Corian are easy to clean. The material is easy to care for and retains its original appearance for quite a long time.
2. Made from granite. This synthetic type is based on fine stone chips and polymer resin. The more granite in the material, the higher the price of the product. Shells made from this type are smooth and resistant to aggressive influences. They can be easily washed using simple household products.
3. From liquid stone. A relatively new type of material that has high performance strength. The peculiarity of liquid stone is that it can be sprayed onto finished sinks. This increases strength indicators. The advantage of the material is durability.

It is worth noting that in addition to the above types, there are also a large number various products. No less popular are kitchen sinks made of natural stone. The peculiarity of these options is their high cost. The sinks have an expensive and presentable design.

Advantages and disadvantages

1. Kitchen sinks made of stone have many advantages over products made from other materials. The first and important advantage of sinks is the stylish and Beautiful design. The products fit perfectly into classic, modern and even ethnic interiors. A wide range of stone sinks allows you to choose suitable model in accordance with your own preferences and design features in the kitchen.
2. Sinks are produced in different shapes and shades. Each buyer can choose an option in accordance with the color prevailing in the kitchen interior. Models that are installed in the countertop look beautiful. The product, selected according to its shade, looks harmonious against the background of the kitchen set. Particularly popular are black sinks, which are most often used in creating modern interiors in the style of minimalism.
3. Another advantage of artificial stone is the absence of pores. This prevents the absorption of moisture and the appearance of dirt, as often happens with other types of materials. No grease accumulates on the surface of the sink. Due to its smoothness, the product is easy to clean using standard detergents. Contaminants disappear immediately if you rub with a sponge.
4. Particular attention should be paid to the performance qualities of stone sinks. In these indicators, the product is in no way inferior to common metal options. It is worth noting that some stone sinks even outperform many options. Artificial stone is not deformable due to temperature changes, retains its color and is resistant to mechanical stress.
5. It is worth noting that during use, the sound of water from the tap is practically inaudible. This is due to the massiveness of the products. It is known that when installing metal models, water creates a slight noise.
6. Another advantage of sinks made of artificial or natural stone is durability. They can serve you for quite a long period.

But, like any product, a stone sink has some disadvantages. The first and main disadvantage of sinks is the cost. Recently, the price of these models has fallen, but still, many people cannot purchase a similar option.

Another disadvantage is the defects that arise during the production process. Often there are microcracks in the base of the sinks, and during operation, through holes appear. It also happens that when you turn on hot water depressurization occurs. This defect can be eliminated using a special construction staff for processing seams.

How to install

Mostly, professionals install stone sinks. This is due to the fact that sinks are often mounted on a countertop made of the same material, and the process itself is complex. Specialists not only install the product correctly, but also make sure that the seams between the sink and work area completely invisible. It is not recommended to carry out installation yourself in such cases.

If you decide to install a stone sink in a regular countertop, you can do it yourself. All that is required from the master in this case is to follow the step-by-step instructions.

1. The first step is to cut a hole to fit the size of the sink. TO standard options These include overhead sinks 60x60 cm. At this stage you need to draw a contour to create a hole. To make all the markings correctly, it is best to use a template made of cardboard or paper. A jigsaw is used to create the hole.
2. After this, you need to process the edge using a sealant for this purpose. Often a special sealing tape is mounted on this part, which is also convenient. At the same stage, you need to process the perimeter from the top side. After this, the sink is slowly and carefully mounted into the countertop; special screws are used to secure the product. They are fixed on the bottom.
3. After installing the sink, you need to work on the faucet. It is fixed on the sink, after which it is connected to water pipes. A siphon is connected to the drain hole.

On final stage remove sealant residues. After this, the sink will be ready for use.

How to choose

Even when choosing such a universal option as a stone sink, you need to take into account several important features. Due attention must be paid to the stability, strength and moisture resistance of the surface. When purchasing, check whether the product has antibacterial properties.

An important point is the ability to recover in case of damage. The stone is one of the most sustainable material, but sometimes situations occur from which no one is immune. Mostly, artificial appearance It can be easily restored, which makes it superior to other options.

During the purchasing process, pay special attention to the depth of the sink. Check the distance from the front to the back of the sink.

Decide in advance on the type of installation. There are overhead and mortise options. To the most interesting and original types include integrated sinks.

Focusing on the style features of the interior, select the shape of the product. Round and square models look quite interesting. A rectangular sink would also be a good choice.