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

A faucet for a kitchen should have not only excellent performance, but also an aesthetic appearance, because it is an integral part of the kitchen interior. These requirements are fully met by a mixer for a stone. Of course, elite taps made of natural stone have impeccable propertiesHowever, high prices significantly restrict demand, and analogs made from artificial materials are becoming a good alternative to natural options.

Previously, all faucets were offered in metal, so these products were boring and monotonous. With the development of technology, it has become possible to create mixers in unusual shapes and with interesting designs. Artificial stone options allow for the production of aesthetic models, with manufacturers offering products in a wide variety of colors. The texture of this mixer has a matte surface.

The product is based on natural marble or granite in the form of grains, mixed with various additiveseg polyurethane resin or acrylic. An additional element is a dyeing component, which makes it possible to produce products in interesting colors. The highest quality mixer is considered, in which granite and additives are contained in a ratio of 80 to 20, respectively. All raw materials used in production are mixed under high pressure.

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

An artificial stone kitchen faucet can have both advantages and disadvantages. Let's consider the advantages of a mixer using 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 a shade that is most suitable for a particular kitchen.
• The style of the kitchen and the faucet complement each other. So, the kitchen room, equipped with an elegant granite model, looks more noble and elegant, but not pretentious, but strict and aristocratic.
• This material perfectly withstands any temperature conditions.
• Granite taps do not absorb food grease, and stains remaining on the surface can be easily removed without the risk of damaging 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 mildew, and also easily withstands the effects of household chemicals when cleaning the sink.
• It is not difficult to take care of the coating - it is enough to remove all moisture from the surface with a soft cloth.

Before becoming the owner of a stone-look kitchen faucet, study the disadvantages of this product.

• High price. It is not as transcendental as when buying a natural stone faucet, but it is also not available to everyone. Moreover, stone mixers look aesthetically pleasing only with the same sinks, that is, you have to pay for both stone products.
• A specimen made of artificial stone is not so resistant to cuts. For example, when washing knives, forks or other sharp utensils, the surface can be scratched.
• Often, dusting is erased on the tip of a kitchen faucet 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. Externally, both samples look noble and stylish. Kitchen faucets are available as two-lever or single-lever. The second option is more modern and convenient. Two valves, coupled with a noble stone faucet, are not always suitable for modern kitchens. Also, specimens made of artificial stone can be classified by spout:

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

You can divide plumbing products by the type of installation. Installation in a sink or countertop is possible. The most classic option is sink mounting. To do this, the tap is inserted into a special hole that most kitchen sinks are equipped with. When installing in a worktop, 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 negatively affect the condition and appearance of the worktop.

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

According to some owners of tall faucets, this instance is also not always convenient, since the strong pressure of water leaves a lot of splashes 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 the ingress of debris, while the filter can be removed, cleaned and reinserted;
• rigid or flexible connection to the device - it is recommended to give preference to the flexible option, it is convenient when the sink is far from the water supply;
• a watering can for cleaning sinks and tall pans;
• the function of a storage boiler, which provides access to hot water at all times.

The buyer pays for each option additionally. Owners do not always need these functions. For example, for a kitchen equipped with a dishwasher, there is no need to purchase a pull-out shower head for washing bulky dishes, and buying a mixer 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. Brown, white, beige specimens, sand granite-colored taps would also be a suitable solution. For an Art Nouveau room, an arcuate faucet built into an oval or round sink is suitable. It is better that these are models in white or smoky shades, but if the kitchen is decorated in pastel colors, then choose bright mixers: red, green, blue.

For a high-tech kitchen, choose a diagonal tap or any other unusual geometric shape., recommended shades - white, black, gray. A slightly ridiculous stone faucet will look in the kitchen in an 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.

For information on which mixer for the kitchen is better to choose, see the next video.