Granite Sinks Pros & Cons

When it comes to kitchen sinks, durability and good looks tend to top the list of must-haves. Granite sinks can stand up to heavy use, and they make an attractive addition to the kitchen. If you’re considering installing a sink, familiarize yourself with granite sink pros and cons.

Unlike granite countertops, which are generally comprised of 100 percent granite, sinks are usually composed of a blend of natural stone and resin. The mix contains approximately 80 percent granite and 20 percent acrylic resin. This results in a composite granite sink that has the beauty of natural stone yet a more uniform look than all-natural stone.

To decide if a granite sink is a good choice for your kitchen, keep the following granite sink pros and cons in mind.

Granite Sink Benefits

There are many pros to granite sinks. If you decide to get a granite sink for your kitchen, you can expect the following benefits:

• Durable and long-lasting. Granite sinks are resistant to the wear and tear that's common in the kitchen. A granite sink's durability is a plus in busy households. This sink material stands up to scratches, stains, chips and heat. It's more rugged than ceramic or stainless steel. Unlike regular granite, composite granite sinks don’t require sealing or other preventative maintenance.
• Consistent, uniform look. While an all-granite countertop likely has variations throughout the material, a part resin, composite granite sink features a consistent, uniform look throughout. The same color throughout the sink can make it easier to blend the sink with other design elements in the kitchen.
• Many design possibilities. Because they’re composed of a composite material, granite sinks offer the opportunity for many design options. You can have a granite sink formed into any shape you want, and the sink can be whatever size you wish. You can also choose between various color options, finishes and styles.
• Affordability. Granite sinks offer a luxurious look and durability without the high price tag. Because they aren’t composed solely of granite, composite granite sinks are less expensive. With a composite granite sink, you get the benefits of the granite look without spending a lot of money.
• Easy maintenance. Granite sinks are nonporous and resistant to stains, chips, scratches and heat. Unlike a granite countertop, granite sinks don’t require regular sealing.

Granite Sink Drawbacks

When considering granite sink pros and cons, it’s a good idea to consider the drawbacks. If you're thinking about getting a granite sink, keep the following in mind:

• Extreme hardness. Whereas some sink materials are somewhat forgiving, like stainless steel, granite sinks are hard enough to break any dishware that falls in them, including fine china. This can be problematic if you often wash breakable dishes.
• Extra expense. Granite tends to be more expensive than other sink materials like stainless steel and porcelain. Additionally, because granite sinks are especially heavy, they often require a special support system. This means a more difficult installation resulting in higher labor costs.

Granite Sinks vs. Stainless Steel Sinks

Stainless steel sinks are a popular choice. Like granite sinks, stainless steel sinks are durable. Unlike granite, however, it's lightweight. This makes installation much easier and less expensive than granite sinks. Stainless steel sinks are also more affordable overall than granite sinks.

On the downside, stainless steel sinks are more limited design-wise. The only color you can get with stainless steel is shiny silver. Granite sinks come in various colors and tones. Stainless steel sinks are also susceptible to scratching, and they'll lose their shine over time.

Knowing the pros and cons of granite sinks is helpful for kitchen renovation. By keeping these guidelines in mind, you’re likely to make the ideal sink choice for your kitchen.