Take a tip from history and think about the natural beauty of soapstone to your new kitchen sink. This heavy duty material was used for centuries, and for good reason. Its soft texture works great in kitchens, but its dense nature means it remains free of stains and germs. These sinks have a low-maintenance and utilitarian look that lasts a lifetime. Soapstone may patinate over time, its color turning into a soft gray, or rubbed to a dark charcoal finish using coats of mineral oil.
Can a soapstone sink operate to your kitchen? Learn the fundamentals and prices here to check whether this tried and true substance is right for you.
Soapstone Werks
The fundamentals: Soapstone (also known as steatite) is impervious to chemicals, acid and water, which makes it an perfect material for kitchen sinks. The quarried metamorphic stone — made up of talc, chlorite and other minerals — is more thicker than most other all-natural stones. However, it is still denser than marble, slate, granite and limestone.
Cost: Soapstone slab sinks are less expensive than strong soapstone sinks. To get a conventional 36-inch sink, a slab variant is approximately $1,000, while a solid model prices upward of $2,000.
HBF plus Design
Advantages: Every soapstone sink is unique and hand crafted with one of 2 approaches: carved by one block of soapstone or constructed from 1 1/4-inch-thick soapstone slabs. Strong block soapstone sinks have the inside corners rounded, which makes them easier to wash and maintain.
Soapstone’s nonporous nature means that it is unaffected by heat, sink and bacteria stainers such as berries and red wine.
Kevin Martin
Cons: Architectural-grade, made-to-order soapstone sinks may cost a great deal more than additional sinks. This substance’s soft nature means it can accumulate nicks and scrapes over time too, although those can add to the patina.
La Pietra Tile & Stone
Carved Soapstone Sink – $2,600
Sustainability: Soapstone is a rather environmentally responsible material choice, as no chemicals are required for fabrication and maintenance, and it has a long-lasting nature. However, most soapstone is mined globally in Brazil and India, and also the transport affects the environment.
thea home inc
Care: Maintaining durable soapstone is a breeze — usually soap and water will do just fine. Untreated, organic soapstone is tender gray; nonetheless, applying mineral oil may enhance the inherent all-natural veining and evenly darken its color. Most scratches will disappear after a mineral oil treatment, while some may be buffed out with an extremely fine-grit sandpaper.
Buckminster Green LLC
Are you really a lover of soapstone kitchen sinks? Let’s discuss! Share your thoughts in the Comments section below.
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