When purchasing a new sink for your kitchen there are a lot of things to consider like the colour, material it is made from, size of the sink and how you want it mounted. These are important things to discuss with your partner, designer, and cabinet maker. If you have a change of mind after it is installed you can’t easily take it out of the kitchen, put it in your car and return to the store and say you want another one. Sinks are made from a variety of material options and here are two of the most popular. Talk to an expert at Designer Bathrooms Plus when you are ready to do you kitchen and we can advise you on the best sink options for your home.
What is Fine Fireclay?
Fine Fireclay is a a 100% natural organic and recyclable material used by craftsmen. The sinks are fired to temperatures that reach 1200°C until the clay transforms into a durable, impact-resistant dense material. The special glaze coating that is fused with the fireclay body during firing gives fireclay sinks a non-porous easy to clean, uniform surface that will not rust or stain over time and is highly resistant to scratches. This makes it less fragile and brittle than standard ceramic, and therefore much more resistant to impact. Fireclay sinks are mostly chosen because of their authentic beauty, and ease of cleaning. Often their large size makes them very practical too. Fine fireclay sinks are particularly popular in farmhouse, Hamptons and coastal style kitchens.
Pros of Fine Fireclay:
- Easy to clean (Especially white is easier to clean than white composite sinks)
- Very impact resistant – Non-porous, therefore stain proof – High temperature tolerance
- Matte black fireclay is a true deep black
Cons of Fine Fireclay:
- Higher cost than stainless steel – Can show metal marks (which can be cleaned off)
- Less colour options
What is Composite Granite?
Granite or Quartz composite sinks are made different ratios of granite stone dust or quartz stone dust, and acrylic resin. They have emerged in the market with people wanting black, white or grey sinks rather than metal finish sink.
High-quality granite composite forms a durable material that is non-porous and durable. Natural granite sinks are carved directly from granite stone as a full, seamless sink or one side at a time that are bonded together.
Pros of Composite Granite:
- Looks more upmarket than stainless – Good variety of colours, sizes, and shapes – The reputable brands models have a high temperature tolerance – Look of natural stone at a fraction of the price
Cons of Composite Granite:
- Can chip easily – Shows water marks and stains – White is particularly hard to keep clean due to rough finish – Higher cost than stainless steel – The colour of the sink can look washed out/faded over time with use
If you would like a cost-effective coloured sink you might want to look into the granite sink ranges. If you are looking for an easy to clean, premium material you would want to look into a fine fireclay sink.
Talk to an expert at Designer Bathrooms Plus for your next kitchen sink and we can guide you through the myriad of options on the market and supply the best sink for your home.
