Advantages and Disadvantages of Quartz Composite Sinks

The sink may be the epicenter of a nice kitchen. It often gets the prime position sitting right beneath the window with a great view to the outdoors. Or, it will be highlighted on an island. There are many sink materials, such as porcelain, stainless steel, lava rock, copper, concrete, composite stone, and quartz.

Quartz is a composite material composed of a variety of rock particles and resin. It has the look of stone and is just as durable.

This is not to be confused with quartzite, which is a quarried stone available in slabs. Quartz is a fabricated material.

When deciding if quartz is the right choice for your kitchen sink, there are some pros and cons or quartz composite sinks to consider. Let’s explore this further.

What is a Quartz Composite Sink?

Quartz is an engineered product made by grinding natural quartzite stone and minerals into small particles.

The ground material is combined with an acrylic resin that can be formed into a variety of shapes and sizes. Pigments can be added to customize the color and add veining to mimic the look of marble.

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A quartz sink is a single piece, similar to a porcelain or stainless steel sink that lacks seams and may have additional design features, such as 2 bowls and a dish drainage surface.

Holes for drains, faucets, sprayers, and soap dispensers are formed during the fabrication process.

Let’s now discuss some Pros and Cons of Quartz Composite Sinks below:

Pros of Quartz Composite Sinks

There are quite a few advantages to choosing a quartz composite sink for your new or remodeled kitchen. These include:

• Customizable: Because quartz is an engineered product formulated and molded in a controlled environment, it is possible to choose the size and number of bowls you want. You can also opt for a drainage surface for a dish drying rack. Moreover, there are many options for colors and enhancements in the design. You can get a quartz sink in either a drop-in or undermount installation style.
• Sanitary: One of the most desirable properties of a quartz composite material is that it is non-porous and doesn’t have seams. Quartz does not encourage the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria, or viruses on the surface or in any crevices, making it very hygienic. This material is smooth and extremely easy to wipe clean.
• Quiet: If you have ever listened to water hitting the basin of a metal or acrylic sink, you will enjoy how quiet a quartz composite sink is. This material naturally absorbs sounds to deaden the noise of running water and clanging dishes.
• Durable: In addition to quartz being crack, scratch, and stain resistant, it is also incredibly strong and unlikely to break. As well, the composite is designed to withstand temperatures up to 535°F.

Cons of Quartz Composite Sinks

There are a few disadvantages to consider when choosing a quartz composite sink. These include:

• Synthetic Material: Quartz is a man-made composite material that poses some limitations in appearance compared to natural stone. This may turn off some homeowners who are looking for something a little less uniform and contemporary in look, especially for a traditional kitchen.
• Unforgiving: Because the surface of a composite quartz sink is very hard, like stone, it is possible to shatter a dropped crystal glass or delicate china plate.
• Matte Finish: Quartz composite sinks are only available in a matte finish. You don’t have the option for that glossy surface that comes with glazed porcelain or polished stainless steel.

Cost Of Quartz Composite Sinks

A quartz composite sink is actually a good return on investment, despite the initial expenditure. A good-quality composite sink can last 25 years or more.

You can purchase a standard quartz sink from one of the larger plumbing supply houses for as little as $290.00.

It will be a fairly basic, entry-level sink. This is about the same as a basic stainless steel sink that does not have sound-deadening material applied to the underside of the steel basin.

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If you are looking for more of an interesting design with 2 bowls, you could pay $600.00. An apron front farmhouse style sink will be more like $800.00.

For a highly customized sink that is fabricated to your designer’s unique specifications to compliment your kitchen, you could spend up to $1,700.00.

Do Quartz Composite Sinks Crack?

Quartz is one of the hardest and most durable sink materials on the market today. It is a composite of 70 to 80% quartz stone and 30 to 20% acrylic resin that offers both strength and pliability.

This combination of materials makes the sinks resistant to chips, dents, scratches, and cracks. This is true even when exposed to high heat.

Which is Better Quartz or Granite Composite Sink?

A similar sink product to quartz is a granite composite sink. Granite composite is also composed of rock particles that are processed under high pressure and then mixed with acrylic resin to make this a formable product to use in the fabrication of kitchen sinks.

Granite sinks are available in many colors, just like quartz. Quartz can have a variety of designs, such as veining to mimic marble.

With granite, you will only get the look and color of whatever natural rock particles are in the mixture. Despite this limitation, there are many variations and colors of granite available to make the composite.

Both materials are sanitary and resistant to stains, scratches, cracks, and high heat. Quartz and granite composites are both durable and non-porous.

While both are very strong, granite is considered by the industry to result in a harder composite material. Though, this could make the sink even less forgiving if you drop your delicate or fine china and glassware in the sink.

Granite and quartz composite sinks are very similar in cost, so the choice may be mostly based on aesthetics.

Summary

When thinking about your kitchen sink, there are many options available and it is worth visiting a showroom to see the difference in materials in person.

Quartz composite sinks should be on your list of materials to consider. Quartz is customizable, sanitary, quiet, and durable. As well, quartz is relatively comparable in cost to other premium sink materials.