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Give Your Sink A Granite Upgrade

Jan 2019

When it comes to a kitchen sink, you want one that has a look you love and that will last. From your kids’ bad habit of cup tossing to your spouse’s endless piling, your sink must put up with what you throw at it every day. And even if you’re the only one that actually cares about its aesthetic, your sink needs to withstand daily wear from the entire family. 

You know granite countertops are a smart investment as a top selection for their strength and beauty. But what about granite sinks?

Granite is naturally created from molten rock deep within the earth. Like granite countertops, granite sinks provide soft beauty with superior strength. 

There are two types of granite sinks: Natural Granite & Granite Composite. No matter if it’s natural or artificially formed, a granite sink is durable, long lasting and hardwearing. But there are a few differences between the two. 

Each piece of natural granite has its own one-of-a-kind look, based on its naturally formed blend of minerals. The varying blends come with natural beauty and flaws, with varying thickness and shade. The mineral irregularity impacts the strength of natural granite. Though high in quality and durability, it’s prone to damage as well as stains without a proper annual seal, especially if acids, coloring agents or oils are involved. Failure to properly seal will result in a gradual breakdown of the stone. But extra sealing means extra work and expense for you on top of the cost of the sink itself, which is typically quite expensive. Pure granite sinks are some of the most expensive available. 

Composite granite, on the other hand, is manufactured with 95% natural stone and 5% resin. Like natural granite, each piece of this manufactured material has its own blend of natural stone crystals, which are heated and molded into a solid surface. Engineered stone is ideal for creating consistent design and even, balanced strength. In fact, composite granite is harder and heavier than its natural counterpart, though exponentially less expensive. And, it will maintain its look and strength well, thanks to its non-porous, stain-resistant nature.

So which is better? Each material has some promising attributes:  

 Granite… 

    • Resists heat  

 

    • Has a unique design in every piece 

 

  • Is resistant to scratching and stains when properly sealed 

 
While granite composite… 

    • Also resists heat  

 

    • Comes in countless design options that can be made uniform with a range of matte color options  

 

    • Is resistant to scratching, stains, acid, chipping and water spots, when cleaned properly  

 

  • Provides the look and durability of natural stone at a fraction of the price  

But the drawbacks of natural granite overshadow its positives.   

 

Granite… 

    • Is very heavy, which leads to additional installation costs and a need for extra support systems 

 

  • Is more prone to chipping 
  • Has a non-porous material that requires annual sealing and proper care   

While granite composite…  

    • May require extra support for installation 

 

  • Requires simple routine maintenance   

With more Pro’s and fewer Con’s, we at Sinkology recommend granite composite as the premier choice for everyday use. In fact, it’s ranked as the most popular form of granite kitchen sinks available. Why?  

    • It’s luxurious, but not so high-maintenance that it needs a yearly seal.  

 

    • It’s strong enough, but not so strong that it will shatter a glass when it’s tossed in the basin.  

 

  • It’s easy to maintain with no preventative maintenance required to keep the sink functioning flawlessly, only simple, chemical-free cleaning is needed.  
  • It’s a high-end investment without the hefty price tag of a 100% pure granite sink.  

 Granite composite sinks are an ideal long-term investment with a reasonable price tag. You’re guaranteed years of resilient use with maintained beauty. But how do you choose the right granite composite kitchen sink for you and your family?  

 

First, Design.   

 If you’re swapping out an out-of-date sink for a newer, stronger model, consider the current color scheme and finishes already throughout your kitchen. If you’re doing a complete remodel, it’s a bit easier to design. In both situations, consider how you’ll use your sink on a day-to-day basis.  

At Sinkology, we design our products with you and your needs in mind. Our JOURNEY Collection features a specialized granite composite material that combines the natural beauty of granite stone with the reinforcement of acrylic resin for enhanced durability with a smooth surface. The smooth surface is complete with a flawless matte finish available in Canvas White, Matte Black, and Graphite. 
 

Our JOURNEY Collection features two 33-inch sinks: single bowl Camille and double bowl Whitney. Each sink is artfully designed, and appropriately named in honor of celebrated female sculptors who demonstrated their dedication to mastering their art. No matter what you choose, the contemporary lines and clean design will perfectly complement transitional and modern kitchens alike.  

 No matter which you choose, you can be confident that their beauty will last. Sinkology’s JOURNEY Collection requires minimal maintenance thanks to its engineered ingenuity. Our complete line of granite sinks was intentionally created with a solid, nonporous surface. While granite is a naturally porous rock, our granite composite material is reinforced with acrylic resins to ensure a sleek, uniform surface that is easy to keep clean. In daily use, it resists damage from heat, heavy pots and pans, and kids’ aggressive tosses.  

 While it can stand up to scratches and heat, granite composite does require careful maintenance to keep up its appearance.  Be mindful that lighter colors are more prone to stain than their darker counterparts and may dull faster if not regularly cleaned. No matter the shade of your sink’s matte finish, we recommend that you:  

 

    • Clean your sink regularly with hot soapy water and a soft cloth, moving in circular motions. This is much easier and more preferable to the sink finish than infrequent ‘heavy’ cleaning.  

 

    • Create a mix of 50/50 water and white vinegar to remove lime scale deposits. Be sure to rinse your sink thoroughly with fresh water after treating it with vinegar.  

 

    • Never use abrasive powders or pads on a granite composite sink — they will dull and scratch the surface, making it more susceptible to stains.  

 

    • Use a nylon scratch pad or toothbrush to remove difficult food or residue build up.  

 

    • Dry your sink after each use to delay future buildup and stains from hard-water deposits.  

 

  • Always rinse the sink with water after cleaning or preparing food.  

dish sponge kit

To make cleaning even easier, Sinkology offers everything you need to protect and clean your sink in our Granite CareIQ Kit. Your CareIQ Kit includes our exclusive Defend protective sealant for eye-catching shine, our effective Restore cleaning polish to remove scuffs and stains, and a gentle microfiber cloth for easy application. With easy-to-follow instructions and powerful products, Sinkology’s CareIQ Kits make maintaining your new granite sink simple.  

Next, Accessorize.  

 Every sink deserves perfectly fitted accessories that are both functional and fashionable. Sinkology has everything you need to protect and preserve your new granite composite sink. Our Sinkologists have perfect hand-selected accessories that will complement your Whitney or Camille granite sink. Most products are even backed by our very own Sinkology Everyday Promise. No matter what, all products come with complimentary access to our exceptional customer service team. A few of our favorite accessories include:  

 

  • Drains 

We believe in providing beautiful, purposeful sink designs down to the last detail, all the way to the sink drain. We offer both sink basket strainer drain and disposal flange drains to fit your sink needs. And, with antique copper and modern nickel finishes that perfectly pair with your cabinetry hardware, faucet and other sink accessories, you’ll easily find the right fit for your granite composite sink.  

sink stainless grid 

  • Bottom Grids 

Bottom grids help buffer sound while creating an additional layer of durable, heat-resistant protection. We love the look of a bottom grid and how it helps maintain the appearance of granite kitchen sinks long-term. Your sink’s finish will be protected from dishes that are left standing (perhaps a bit too long) by washing away debris that would otherwise get stuck to the base. Like a strainer, water and food grime easily run off the grid and flow down the drain. Sinkology offers an array of shades to fit with your granite composite sink’s color and design or faucet and accessory finishes.  

 

  • Camille All-in-One Sink 

We make it easy to accessorize for complete, cohesive design with our Camille all-in-one sink. The only decision you have to make is selecting the best expertly curated combination for you, from faucet to finish. All Camille’s come with a Pfister pull out faucet in nickel. Simply choose either a strainer drain or disposal drain with your preferred matte color, available in Canvas White, Matte Black, and Graphite.  

In addition to in-sink accessories from Sinkology, we recommend keeping your surrounding sink area as pristine as your granite composite sink with practical and visually appealing accessories. Some of our favorite additional accessories include:  

 

  • Over-Sink Shelves: 

Beautifully display your sponge and soap caddy beside succulents or fresh flowers. This pairing will transition your cleaning products from a necessary annoyance to pristine practicality. Available in materials ranging from natural wood to sleek stainless, an over-sink shelf accentuates without overpowering your kitchen design. We recommend placing directly behind the faucet, fit precisely to your sink’s length to accentuate the granite composite’s clean lines.  

sink sponge holder 

  • In-Sink Sponge Holder  

If you prefer to keep your sponge out of direct sight, an attachable sponge holder may be for you. With the help of suction cups, it easily adheres to the inner edge of your sink, keeping the dirty scrub sponge out of sight yet within reach. We recommend opting for a holder that coordinates well with your other accessories or blends in with the sink color.  

 

  • Under-Sink Turntable: 

For the most conspicuous cleaning storage, hide your cleaning products and sponges beneath the sink. With the aid of a rotating turntable, you can easily access all your cleaning products without using up valuable counter space or taking away from the beauty of your granite composite sink.  

 

  • Dish Drying Rack  

If you prefer hand washing your dishware and glassware but dislike drying, consider an in-sink dish drying rack. By transitioning from a countertop rack to sink, you’ll avoid excess clutter and damaging water puddles. There are many size and shade options available to blend in with your basin or pair with your faucet. We recommend opting for a size that fits in just a portion of the sink, like one side of your double bowl sink or half of your single bowl.  

 

  • Cutting Board 

For an excuse to stay close to that gorgeous granite even longer, consider adding a cutting board attachment. By moving your prep station to the sink, you can easily send scraps down the drain and into the garbage disposal, leading to a cleaner kitchen in the end. Boards can be placed directly on top of the entire sink, across one side of the double bowls or perfectly sized to flush within the entire sink.  

Now, select.   

You now know we love granite composite sinks, especially from our JOURNEY Collection. Granite composite provides the look you want and the strength you need. Our JOURNEY Collection features sinks that are fit for everyday use and are easy to clean. And, since each comes with pre-scored holes for up to five faucet and accessory configurations as well as two DIY installation and mounting options, everyone can fit granite composite for their needs.  

We at Sinkology believe that the kitchen sink is the center of every home. We’re here to help you upgrade your household hub from a basic cleaning basin to a beautiful centerpiece. Visit our website, www.sinkology.com. There, you can learn more about the benefits of granite composite, browse our exclusive JOURNEY Collection and contact us directly with any questions.  

So, are you ready for a new granite composite sink?  

 

If you have any questions during your search for the perfect copper sink, farmhouse fireclay sink or granite sink, our Sinkologists are here to help. Contact us or follow us on Facebook, Houzz, Pinterest, or Instagram for more helpful tips and design ideas.