Maybe you’ve had your eye on a beautiful granite composite sink, but you’re second-guessing yourself. You’ve heard of the horror stories associated with these sinks, like deep-set stains or a sink falling through the cabinet and buckling the countertop. So, now you’re a bit dubious (rightfully so!) of these sinks.
Should you invest in a granite composite sink, or will it give you more headaches than it’s worth? We’re here to break it down, so continue reading to learn more!
What Are Granite Composite Sinks?
Granite composite sinks are a close relative to natural stone sinks due to their natural stone content, but they look entirely different. Instead of using natural stone slabs to make these sinks, manufacturers use crushed granite.
They utilize finely ground granite stone dust and acrylic resins, which bind together to create the finished product. Once they mix the ingredients, they pour the mixture into molds to shape the sink. After it cures, the material is ready to be finished and sent out.
Due to the crushed stone composition, these sinks look considerably different from natural ones. In natural granite sinks, you’ll see different colors, veins, and patterns randomly throughout each slab. With a granite composite sink, the color is even and consistent.
If you’re hoping for a natural granite look-alike, composite granite isn’t the best option. However, it shares many of the same benefits as natural stone, such as durability, heat resistance, and more.
Pros And Cons
Granite composite sinks, like any other material, have a few pros and cons. A few upsides of these sinks include:
- Consistent finish
- Wide variety of sizes, styles, shapes, and colors are available
- Durable
- Heat resistance
- Less expensive than natural stone
On the flip side, a few drawbacks of granite composite sinks include:
- Hard on dropped dishes
- Doesn’t look like natural stone
- Pricier than other options
- Hefty
5 Common Granite Composite Sink Problems
Like every other sink material, granite composite isn’t without its problems. Although granite composite offers numerous benefits and serves as an excellent sink material, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are five of the most common problems with composite granite sinks:
1) White Haze
A white filmy coating is a typical visitor to composite granite sinks. Although this problem plagues other sink materials, it’s usually more noticeable on composite granite sinks, especially darker-colored sinks.
In most cases, these sinks develop a white haze as a result of mineral deposits left behind by evaporated water. When the water evaporates, it leaves behind lime and calcium. Generally, this wouldn’t be a problem. However, if you scrub your sink with abrasive pads (or there’s more damage to the surface), the deposits will build up in the cracks and chips, creating a hazy surface.
Of course, this problem is easily fixable with regular care and maintenance. And when the haze does appear? Tackle it with white vinegar, then keep the sink dry after each use.
2) Chips and Cracks
Given the inherent durability of stone, chips and cracks aren’t usually a problem with these sinks. However, they do appear, so it’s a worthwhile mention. Generally, chips and cracks occur when you drop a heavy pot or pan in the sink. Or, maybe one of your kids stands or jumps in the sink, which could also cause a crack.
When cracks and chips do occur, they’re usually fixable, provided they’re not too bad. The worse the break, the more expensive it’ll be to fix it. You might be able to fix minor chips as a DIY project, but it’s best to leave the deep chips and cracks to the professionals.
3) Weight Problems
Like its natural cousin, composite granite is heavy. So, when you install these sinks, you’ll need to figure out a support system to ensure the sink doesn’t fall into your base cabinet. If you don’t install proper support, the sink could put too much stress on the countertop, causing it to break or buckle.
This problem is entirely avoidable – when installing the sink, ensure you do it right. Add additional support to the base cabinet to ensure the sink doesn’t strain the counters, and as long as the supports are sturdy, the sink should be just fine!
4) Stains
Due to the nonporous surface of composite granite, these sinks are typically stain-resistant. However, the key word here is resistant. They’re not stain-proof. So, if you leave brightly colored foods or juices in the sink (think wine, fruit juice, tomatoes, etc.), they could leave you a little brightly-colored surprise.
This is especially true for lighter-colored sinks, as stains are far less noticeable in darker hues. Again, this problem is entirely avoidable. Avoid leaving pigmented foods and drinks in the sink – always rinse out the sink when you’re done washing away residue from these foods to ensure no stains take hold.
However, if stains due occur, you can try to remove them. Deep-set stains can be tricky, but a bit of baking soda and vinegar can work wonders (bonus: it won’t damage your sink!).
5) Cleaning
If the thought of regularly cleaning your sink sounds like a nightmare, a granite composite sink might not be your best option. These sinks require special cleaning to avoid damage, so you’ll need to be careful what you use to cleanse the surface.
For example, you should avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive scrubbers, as these can scratch and strip your composite sink, leaving it susceptible to stains and damage. In a sense, these sinks are easy to clean since they don’t require fancy cleaners.
Instead, stick with basic, natural cleaners like baking soda and vinegar. Or, use mild dish soap and warm water. It doesn’t have to be fancy; just make sure you follow the manufacturer’s cleaning recommendations!
Are Granite Composite Sinks Worth The Hassle?
We think granite sinks are 100% worth it – but they’re not for everyone. The key with composite granite sinks is understanding the dos and don’ts. As long as you do everything right (even if you don’t, it’s usually fixable), the common problems associated with composite granite sinks shouldn’t give you any grief.
That said, there might be a better fit for your home. For instance, let’s say you’re looking for a replica of natural stone sinks. Since these sinks are evenly colored and are a far cry from natural stone appearances, this might not be your best bet. But if you’re looking for an inexpensive alternative to natural stone that shares the same benefits, granite composite could be the perfect fit.
Ultimately, the choice is yours! If granite composite will be a great fit for your home, then go for it! Or, if you don’t appreciate certain aspects of these sinks, continue looking – there’s a perfect fit for your kitchen out there somewhere!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does A Granite Composite Sink Last?
Granite composite sinks have an impressive lifespan of 50 years or more with the proper care and maintenance. As long as you install them with plenty of support and there are no major accidents, your granite sink could last decades.
Are Granite Sinks Hard To Clean?
Although granite sinks require special cleaning, they’re not hard to clean. In fact, they’re pretty easy to clean – all you need is warm water, a soft sponge, and mild dish soap. Simply wipe down the sink with the sudsy solution and a soft sponge, then rinse away the residue. Once the sink is clean, dry it thoroughly with a clean towel, and just like that, your sink is clean!
What Is The Difference Between Granite And Granite Composite Sinks?
As you browse for the perfect kitchen sink, you’ll probably find a few granite and granite composite sinks. Since the names are similar, you might write them off as the same thing. However, they’re quite different, even though they both consist of granite.
With a natural granite sink, the stone is in its natural form. Generally, these sinks are shaped out of granite slabs, so they feature unique patterns, veins, and color variations. No two natural granite sinks are exactly the same.
With a granite composite sink, the stone is crushed and mixed with acrylic resin. The mixture creates an even color throughout the entire sink, creating an appearance that differs drastically from natural stone. Generally, composite sinks come in more shapes, sizes, colors, and designs, as manufacturers can easily mold the sink into the desired result.