Help needed on composite kitchen sinks - Granite and Quartz?

james_dean1986

I'm getting a little confused. Some websites are saying there are two types of granite composite sinks. One made from granite and one make from quartz (which I know forms granite). The granite ones are supposed to be better than quartz in the respect to being stronger and do not stain or discolour.

Most of the websites I'm looking at in regards to buying composite sinks state they are granite but when you look at the technical detail they are 80% quartz.

Can someone give me some advice regarding this because when I phoned one of the helplines they said granite composite and quartz composite sinks are the same thing.

I'm basically after a hard wearing 1.5 bowl, black granite composite sink that is not going to stain or discolour if my wife spills ammonia or bleech on it.

Cheers.

cyclonebri1

You won't find a solid granite sink, it would not be strong enough.
I think the advice you have about them both being the same is correct, they are all a resin/stone amalgamation, and by nature will be softer than granite.

Some very useful advice on here about granite and quartz in general, bit long but;


https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/1742805

james_dean1986

Thanks cyclonebri1, some useful information in that link.

Just to clarify Im not after a solid granite sink, Im after a composite one mixed with resin. I believe they are generally about 80% stone and 20% resin.

The part I'm struggling with is when you research sink types they list composite granite and composite quartz as two different types of sinks (like stainless steel to cast iron) stating that the granite composite is better than quartz composite.... however when I go onto websites that sell kitchen sinks and select granite they are actually made with quartz.

I feel as though I'm looking for a fictional product.

Any feedback on these types of sinks would also be appreciated.

ryder72

What you appear to be after is a composite sink made from resin and quartz. These are branded silgranit by blanco and fragranite by franke etc. Both good products but I don't think anyone is going to guarantee colour fastness against bleach or ammonia. There should be no reason to use such strong chemicals on a sink when gentler means of cleaning are available.

james_dean1986

I think that is what I'm going to end up having. The composite granite sinks do not appear to exist anywhere (or people just using different terminology), only the composite quartz which are labelled as granite..

In regards to colour-fast, the research that I had done suggested that the granite sinks were resistant to most things, whereas the quartz was more susceptible to discolouring. And definitely would not continuously use those chemicals, however my wife own her own salon and when doing her hair at home has sometimes put a brush in the sink with peroxide or colouring on.

cyclonebri1

james_dean1986 wrote: »

I think that is what I'm going to end up having. The composite granite sinks do not appear to exist anywhere (or people just using different terminology), only the composite quartz which are labelled as granite..

In regards to colour-fast, the research that I had done suggested that the granite sinks were resistant to most things, whereas the quartz was more susceptible to discolouring. And definitely would not continuously use those chemicals, however my wife own her own salon and when doing her hair at home has sometimes put a brush in the sink with peroxide or colouring on.

Maybe there is a case for sticking with stainless steel , in your case,? (in mine too), too much pain't/solvent cleaners etc)

Last thing you want is a triumph of style over function;);), been there many times

BertieUK

james_dean1986 wrote: »

I think that is what I'm going to end up having. The composite granite sinks do not appear to exist anywhere (or people just using different terminology), only the composite quartz which are labelled as granite..

In regards to colour-fast, the research that I had done suggested that the granite sinks were resistant to most things, whereas the quartz was more susceptible to discolouring. And definitely would not continuously use those chemicals, however my wife own her own salon and when doing her hair at home has sometimes put a brush in the sink with peroxide or colouring on.

Check out the following link of the FRANKE sink that we have fitted in our kitchen...

http://www.tapsuk.com/products/114.0067.718-franke-maris-1.0-bowl-graphite-kitchen-sink-mrg611.html?gclid=CJjz2I-r1LUCFczHtAodc2IAaw

jackyann

We have just completed a new build, and looked at those sinks because they are lovely. I can't remember much about the granite / quartz / composite issue. What I do know is that we decided to stick with stainless steel, as that the only material that really cleans up well and shrugs off mishaps. We have it set into a beautiful granite work top.

BertieUK

jackyann wrote: »

We have just completed a new build, and looked at those sinks because they are lovely. I can't remember much about the granite / quartz / composite issue. What I do know is that we decided to stick with stainless steel, as that the only material that really cleans up well and shrugs off mishaps. We have it set into a beautiful granite work top.

Best to stick to what you are most comfortable with every time I think, ours is set into a granite effect work top and it has certainly worked well for us since we put it in over four years ago.

The Franke sink is made from stain-resistant non-porous granite and acrylic resin and they are not immune to staining from mineral deposits, what sink is'nt, Franke recommends that after use it is best to dry the surface, which for some would be another unwanted chore, but... the result is certainly noticed and the sparkle which reminds me of the quartz that sparkles in Aberdeen granite is beautiful.

We have our Bungalow up For Sale at the moment and viewers have noted the sparkle from the sink as they view our kitchen.

Well worth the money and I do not work for Franke:)

cyclonebri1

BertieUK wrote: »

Best to stick to what you are most comfortable with every time I think

they are not immune to staining from mineral deposits, what sink is'nt, Franke recommends that after use it is best to dry the surface, which for some would be another unwanted chore, but...

Says it all really, they need care.;);)

ryder72

My personal sink material of choice is Stainless steel. Sure it discolours and scratches but you can pour any amount of bleach in it, take any scouring product to it and its virtually unaffected. Even scratches can be buffed out with a cleaning paste.

Just make sure you buy a good quality 18/10 grade steel. They cost more buy are much better.