For so many years, stainless steel has been the standard choice when it comes to kitchen sink material. It’s neutral, durable, and affordable. If you don’t have an idea about building a kitchen, you probably don’t know that there are other choices when it comes to kitchen sink because stainless steel is what everybody gets. If you’re seeking something different, quartz is a fabulous choice. You can never go wrong with reputed brands like bristan kitchen sinks.
Quartz sinks are steadily gaining popularity. They are not just for kitchen counter tops they are also excellent material as sinks. It doesn’t clang and clutter, and you can wash the dishes in it without scratching the sink. It also doesn’t spread germs from your dog’s leftovers. But often, what you can find on the market are made of quartz composite, which is quartz combined with acrylic resin. This makes the material highly durable and lower in price. If you want to learn how quartz is different from its more popular cousin, granite, read here.
Advantages of Quartz Sink
Quartz composite is a man-made material made of natural quartz with acrylic resin to make the sink more durable yet lower in price. Here are some of the reasons to choose quartz as your sink material:
- Durable. Quartz composite is built to last, as it’s one of the most durable sink materials available. It’s nonporous and smooth, making it easy to clean. It’s also resistant to heat, stains, scratches, chips, and dents.
- Smooth and nonporous. Quartz is a smooth substance. It’s nonporous, and it doesn’t have the risk of catching oils, food, or acid in pores. With the nature of cooking, exposure to substances is almost unavoidable for sinks. And since quartz doesn’t have a porous surface, it’s odor-resistant and very hygienic.
- Quiet. Quartz sinks are quieter than stainless steel due to its soundproofing quality.
- Maintains color. Quartz maintains its natural color on its own, even if you rattle your pots and pans in the sink frequently.
- It comes with several different installation options. Quartz composite sink can be top-mounted or under-mounted, with a wide array of options in size, shape, and bowl configuration.
- Flexible. Quartz is composed of different minerals, and it has a similar look and feel to stone. It can also be manipulated easily. It allows more flexibility as you design your bathroom and kitchen, and in finding a sink that matches your kitchen décor.
- It comes in different patterning options. Instead of having the typical gray slab as a sink, you can opt to have a sink with patterns and color variations with quartz. If the quartz material is coarsely ground, then the sink will have a flecked appearance. If you want a solid color, then finely-ground quartz is a good choice.
- Environmentally-friendly. Quartz composite is an environmentally0friendly product. No material is harvested from a quarry, and it’s made of waste byproducts that are part of other manufacturing or quarrying activities. You can also check out Quartz Worktops Greater Manchester for more great options.
Guide for Choosing Quartz Kitchen Sink
Choosing a quartz sink is much like choosing any other sink. Here are the things you must take into consideration when buying a quartz kitchen sink:
1. Quality
First of all, a good-quality quartz sink is heavier than a similarly-sized piece of plastic. Feel it, as it must be cool to the touch. Examine the consistency of color, and also determine the place of origin of the kitchen sink. This must come from countries that have a lot of naturally occurring quartz, like the United States and Brazil. Also be sure you understand the best options for a sink strainer which is an important component.
2. Cabinet size
Are you renovating the entire kitchen and installing new cabinets? If so, you have more options when it comes to choosing a new sink. But if in case you only want to update the sink, make sure you consider the size of your existing sink cabinet. Standard kitchen cabinets come in size in increments of three inches, such as 18”, 21”, 24”, 27”, and so on. You may need to know your kitchen cabinet size first before shopping for the new sink.
3. Number of bowls
The number of sinks that you prefer is your main consideration. A two-bowl sink has its own conveniences, while popular design trends nowadays often incorporate a large single bowl option into the kitchen design.
Single bowl
Single bowl sinks are popular for its functionality and its spacious size. Pots and pans, cookie sheets, and baking trays can be maneuvered easily in this kind of sink. If you want to maximize the space inside the sink, an extra-large single bowl is a good choice, given if you have ample counter space. But with this kind of sink, it will be hard to multi-task. Thawing out meat while you hand-wash dishes can be tricky in a single-bowl sink.
Double bowl
Double bowl sinks are sinks divided equally into two parts, containing separate drains. With a double bowl sink, it can be easier to juggle different kitchen tasks if you want to do them at the same time. Washing and rinsing the dishes can also be super comfortable with this kind of setup. However, if you have larger items and long-handled pots, it can’t fit in most double bowls.
Low divide bowls
To ease up the dilemma about double bowls, you can go for a low-divide sink. This kind of sinks combines the functionality of a single large bowl and the ability to separate tasks of a double bowl. The downside to it is you can only partially fill one of the bowls, so if you prefer deep water in your sink as you wash dishes, this may not be the sink for you.
Offset divide bowls
Offset double bowls offer one bowl with a slightly larger work area compared with an equal double bowl setup. The smaller bowl is great for jobs that don’t demand a lot of space.
4. Type of mount
Once you know the number of bowls you prefer for your sink, know the type of mount you would like it to be. Here’s to break down the features and benefits of each:
Apron-front sink
This features a large sink that makes a strong statement than a traditionally mounted sink. This style makes the sink protrude slightly from the edge of the countertop so you can see it more prominently. To pull off this look, you must look for very sleek sinks. It’s a bold look that works well for farmhouse-style homes, which benefits for a vintage look and feel.
Drop-in sink
Drop-in sinks have a lip or rim that rests on the countertop. This makes the sink easy to install than an under mount sink. It’s also one of the most popular sink styles available.
Undermount sink
This type of sink has a clean, seamless look, wherein the edge sits right on top of the countertop. It works well with stone countertops like quartz, that’s why you can find many quartz under-mount sinks in the market. It can be installed with a positive, negative, or zero reveal.
5. Bowl depth
Depth of kitchen sinks usually ranges between 7” to 10”. But sinks can still be deeper to allow more room for tall pots and vases. The downside to having deeper sinks is that it can be hard for your little ones to reach into.
6. Warranty
One that will quickly reassure you that the product is of great quality is the manufacturer’s warranty. Before completing your purchase, always make sure that the product has a favorable warranty.