In most every kitchen remodel we do at New Life Bath & Kitchen, the client replaces their kitchen sink. With so few options to choose from when selecting a sink (i.e. stainless steel, cast iron), people get excited when they find out there are new and exciting materials being used on the market, like granite composite. When you think of a sink being made of granite, it seems like it would be extremely durable, rich in appearance and very costly. With so many of my clients asking about these sinks, the following will give you a better idea whether a granite composite sink is right for you.
Some people say stainless steel is ugly and hard to keep shiny and clean. Others say cast iron, especially white, scratches too easily and can chip. Well for those of you who don’t like either and are interested in something new, granite-composite sinks have some great benefits but some downfalls as well. Granite composite is the most scratch resistant sink material on the market today.
Although you might pay a premium price for these sinks, they offer extreme chemical and scratch resistance. These sinks offer the highest level of durability thanks to an extremely high density of rock particles at the sink’s surface. They come in a range of colors, from black, gray, beige and white. And since granite-composite sinks are only available in matte finishes, consumers who prefer a glossy look should explore other options.
Although highly regarded, granite-composite sinks do have some negative characteristics. The only thing about the black or dark-colored sinks is it will show all soap scum and any off-white, blue or light colored residue. Also, if you have hard water, a dark sink will most likely show the residue as well. Granite-composite does have a risk of chipping if you aren’t careful with pots and pans.
Stainless steel is the most durable when it comes to abuse and is still the best in regards to being heat resistant. There have been instances where cracking has occured in granite-composite sinks when hot water and hot pans were placed inside the sink.
Check out your local plumbing store or call us at (805) 937-9836 if you are interested in finding out more information about sinks.