Before installing a soapstone sink in your kitchen, know about soapstone sinks pros and cons, so that you don’t regret your decision later on.
A soapstone sink is a sink made out of soapstone, a type of rock that can be quarried in many regions of the world. In addition to being used for sinks, soapstone is used for countertops, mantels, fireplace surrounds, and many other applications because it is a very durable construction material with many useful properties. People can order soapstone sinks directly through companies that manufacture new ones and restore old ones, and they can also be ordered through home supply stores and contractors. A vintage soapstone sink can sometimes be purchased through a store that handles antiques or reclaimed construction materials.
Soapstone is inert. It will resist acids and other materials, including corrosive materials that might end up in a sink. It is also very strong, with examples of soapstone sinks in continuous use that are over 100 years old, illustrating the durability of this material. It comes in a range of colors and can be finished in different ways, creating considerable aesthetic flexibility. This material is not absorptive and will resist staining, a common problem with sinks that see hard use. The lack of absorptive properties also means that soapstone resists colonization by bacteria, making it an excellent building material for kitchen environments.
There are several ways to make a soapstone sink. Some companies carve their sinks out of solid blocks of stone. These sinks tend to be more expensive and can be readily customized for specific applications. The sink can be dropped into a countertop insert, mounted on a counter, and installed in other ways. Some sinks are designed with attached counters, creating a seamless transition from counter to sink.
Other sinks are fabricated with slabs of soapstone that are attached to each other. The seams on the finished soapstone sink are carefully treated so that they will resist separation and be as visually subtle as possible. Fabricated sinks can be less expensive than solid sinks. Companies may offer both options or focus on producing sinks in one particular style and most keep examples on hand for prospective customers to examine.
Oiling and sealing is often recommended for soapstone. When a soapstone sink is first installed, regularly wiping it down with mineral oil will help to condition it. In addition, oiling will buff out the scratches and scuffs that soapstone tends to collect over time, keeping it in good physical condition. However, oiling is not required, and some people prefer to leave their sinks untreated, allowing them to patina naturally with use. Older sinks can be restored with buffing and oiling if they start to appear scuffed or damaged.
Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a stone made of chlorite, talc and magnesium silicate. Soapstone is fast replacing granite as an option for a kitchen countertop, mainly due to its stain and heat-resistant properties. However, in the recent years, soapstone is even being considered for making sinks and water basins. So, are soapstone sinks good? If this is the question on your mind, you will definitely find the soapstone sinks pros and cons listed here to be very useful. Have a look…
Soapstone Sinks Pros and Cons
Soapstone Sinks Pros
There are certain features of soapstone, which make it great to be used as a sink. One of these features is that soapstone is highly heat-resistant. This means that you do not have to worry a bit, even if you keep hot utensils directly in the sink for cleaning. Soapstone can withstand heat to a large extent and thus, would not get damaged at all because of it! Another feature of soapstone is that it does not stain easily. So, any sort of chemicals, acids or ingredients in foods will not be able to spoil the look of a soapstone sink. Now, the best part about having a soapstone sink – soapstone is completely impenetrable. So, you can rest assured that no amount of water will be able to enter it and cause any kind of dampness.
Then there are many other pros of choosing soapstone sinks for your kitchen. Most important one being that this stone is very strong and durable. If you maintain it properly, it will last you for years. All you have to do with these is to treat them with mineral oil, every four to six weeks and they will look new for years to come! Cleaning soapstone sinks is pretty easy too. Once a week, simply clean them with soapy solution and water and you are done!
If you look around, you will be amazed to find the variety in terms of styles that soapstone sinks are available in. As soapstone is made from metamorphic rocks, it has a number of veins and grains running through it, which give it a beautiful look. Due to these very reasons, a soapstone sink can fit into any kind of decor, be it modern or traditional, and enhance the overall look of the kitchen.
Soapstone Sinks Cons
Now, let’s move on to know some of the drawbacks of a soapstone sink. This stone, as compared to the other stones like granite, has a tendency to scratch easily. So, if you wash some heavy utensils in the sink, there is a possibility that its surface will get chipped over time. On the brighter side, all such nicks on the soapstone surface can be taken care of by sanding it with sandpaper and then applying mineral oil on it. However, if the impact on the soapstone sink is huge, big cracks can develop on its surface and thus, you will have no other option, but to replace the sink all together.
Other cons of a soapstone sink are that if it is not oiled after regular intervals, its color will lose its evenness. Although, soapstone keeps darkening on its own, as years go by, mineral oil application is necessary to keep its appearance bright and vibrant.
As you can see, there are both pros as well as cons of using soapstone sinks. So, you have to consider all these pros and cons, think what kind of usage you will subject the sink to, and finally decide whether a soapstone sink fits into your needs and requirements or not!
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