Stone can be used almost anywhere in the home. We see it used for flooring, back splashes, showers, countertops, and even as artwork. One of the hottest trends for stone in the home is in stone sinks. Sinks are one of the most utilitarian objects in our kitchens and bathrooms. You’d be hard pressed to find an appliance more important to the function of these spaces. Rather than designing around the sink, people are turning the sink into functional art by choosing stone.
Traditionally stone sinks are carved out of a solid piece of stone. These can be done in a farmhouse sink shape, which is very popular for kitchens, or a bowl shape, which is more suited for bathrooms. Another option is to fabricate a sink from stone slabs. This a a great choice if you want to match your stone countertops or just like a more boxy look with crisp corners.
In addition to choosing a shape for a stone sink, you must also choose a finish. Polishing the entire sink creates a sleek, uniform look that feels silky to the touch. You could also leave the exterior of the sink rough and natural. Letting the stone show off its raw beauty really makes it a focal point in a room.
There are quite a few choices when it come to what type of stone to use for your sink. The most classic choice is soapstone. It feels soft to the touch, but it won’t stain or etch, and it’s heat-resistant. Another option is granite, which is probably best suited to the slab-style sink and can easily coordinate with the rest of your countertops. You can also use marble, limestone, or travertine to create your stone sink masterpiece but be aware that they will require a bit more maintenance.
Whatever design you choose, there are a few things to keep in mind when adding a stone sink to your room. First of all, they are HEAVY. Some stone sinks can way up to 300lbs! It is critical that you make sure your cabinetry is reinforced to handle the load. Second, you should plan to regularly seal your sink. This should be done every 1-2 years depending on the density of your stone. We recommend a wax sealer as it makes the sink much easier to clean on a daily basis.
