Stone faucets for the kitchen: features, varieties and selection tips

The kitchen faucet should have not only excellent performance, but also an aesthetic appearance, because it is an integral part of the kitchen interior. The specified requirements are fully met by a stone mixer. Sure, elite cranes made of natural stone have impeccable propertieshowever, high prices significantly limit demand, and analogues of artificial material are becoming a good alternative to natural options.

Previously, all faucets were offered from metal, so these products were boring and monotonous. With the development of technology, it has become possible to create faucets in unusual shapes and with an interesting design. Options made of artificial stone allow the production of aesthetic models, and manufacturers offer products in a wide variety of colors. In fact, such a mixer has a matte surface.

The product is based on natural marble or granite in the form of grains mixed with various additivesfor example, polyurethane resin or acrylic. An additional element is the coloring component, which allows you to produce products in interesting color schemes. The mixer is considered to be the best quality, in which granite and additives are contained in a ratio of 80 to 20, respectively. All raw materials used in production are mixed under the influence of high pressure.

Modern production technologies make it possible to produce stone products with a uniform structure without voids and other defects. At the kneading stage, coloring components are introduced, which ensures uniform coloring of the surface. The case of many models can be made of brass, and the coating can be continuous or combined.

An artificial stone kitchen faucet can have both advantages and disadvantages. Consider the advantages of the mixer on the example of a granite model.

• Granite options can be presented in a variety of designs. The hostess will be able to pick up a copy in the shade most suitable for a particular kitchen.
• The style of the kitchen and the faucet are complementary. Thus, a kitchen equipped with an elegant granite model looks more noble and elegant, but not elaborate, but strictly and aristocratic.
• This material perfectly withstands any temperature conditions.
• Granite taps do not absorb grease from products, and stains remaining on the surface are easily removed without risking damage to the surface.
• The coating is moisture resistant, and the appearance of the model remains unchanged with constant contact with water.
• Artificial stone is not susceptible to the formation of mold and fungi, and also easily withstands the effects of household chemicals when cleaning the sink.
• It’s easy to take care of the coating - just remove all moisture from the surface with a soft cloth.

Before you become the owner of a kitchen faucet under a stone, study the disadvantages of this product.

• High price. It is not as cloudy as when buying a crane made of natural stone, but it is also not available to everyone. Moreover, stone faucets aesthetically look only with the same sinks, that is, you will have to pay for both stone products.
• A specimen made of artificial stone does not withstand cuts so well. For example, when washing knives, forks, or other sharp appliances, the surface may be scratched.
• Often, spraying is erased at the tip of a kitchen tap under a stone, which spoils its appearance.
• A mixer made of artificial raw materials is not as reliable as a product made of natural stone, for example, it is easier to split.

Stone faucets can be granite or marble. It is believed that the first option is somewhat superior to its rival in terms of durability, strength and abrasion. Outwardly, both samples look noble and stylish. Kitchen faucets are dual-valve and single-lever. The second option is more modern and convenient. Two gates, coupled with a noble stone mixer, are not always suitable for kitchens in modern styles. Also, specimens of artificial stone can be classified by spout:

• high spout taps;
• with low;
• with retractable.

You can divide plumbing products by type of installation. Can be installed in a sink or countertop. The most classic option is to mount in the sink. To do this, the faucet is inserted into a special hole, which is equipped with most kitchen sinks. When mounting in a countertop, keep in mind that only a surface with increased resistance to moisture is suitable for this, but even in this case, constant exposure to water will adversely affect the condition and appearance of the countertop.

Important criteria for choosing a stone kitchen faucet are the height and length of the spout. As already mentioned, it is better to choose options with a high or retractable spout. If the kitchen has a low tap, then when washing containers with high walls, the hostess will have to run to the bathroom each time. As an alternative, installing a dishwasher, and then a tap with a low spout will not cause problems - it is quite convenient to wash the fruits and vegetables under it.

According to some owners of tall faucets, this instance is also not always convenient, since a strong water pressure leaves a lot of splash around the sink, so buy a faucet with a high spout for a deep kitchen sink. Before buying, study the additional functions of the mixer and decide whether they are needed in your kitchen and whether it is worth overpaying for them. So, some models can be equipped with:

• built-in aerator to reduce water consumption;
• backlight;
• a filter that protects the crane from debris, while the filter can be removed, cleaned and inserted back;
• rigid or flexible eyeliner to the device - it is recommended to give preference to a flexible option, it is convenient when the sink is far from the place of water supply;
• watering can for cleaning sinks and high pots;
• function of an accumulative boiler providing access to hot water constantly.

Each option the buyer pays extra. Owners do not always need these features. For example, for a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, there is no need to buy a retractable shower head for washing bulk dishes, and buying a faucet with this option will be a waste of money.

If the kitchen is made in a classic style, then give preference to a two-valve mixer made of black granite. Also suitable are brown, white, beige pieces, sand granite taps. For an Art Nouveau room, an arched faucet built into an oval or round sink is suitable. It is better that these were models in white or smoky shades, but if the kitchen is decorated in pastel colors, then pick up bright mixers: red, green, blue.

For a high-tech kitchen, choose a tap diagonal or any other unusual geometric shape, recommended shades are white, black, gray. A slightly ridiculous stone faucet will look in the kitchen in ethnic or rustic style. Loft and urban are also not very good directions for installing such a mixer, but if the product is made in an unusual color, then you can imagine it in these modern style directions.

See which video faucet is best for the kitchen.