Kitchen Sinks: Soapstone for Germ-Free Beauty and Durability
Stains and bacteria? Not on soapstone's watch. But this sink material's benefits don't come cheap.
Take a tip from history and consider the natural beauty of soapstone for your new kitchen sink. This heavy-duty material has been used for centuries, and for good reason. Its soft feel works great in kitchens, but its dense nature means it stays free of germs and stains. These sinks have a low-maintenance and utilitarian look that lasts a lifetime. Soapstone can patinate over time, its color turning into a soft gray, or rubbed to a dark charcoal finish with coats of mineral oil.
Will a soapstone sink work for your kitchen? Learn the basics and costs here to see whether this tried and true material is right for you.
Will a soapstone sink work for your kitchen? Learn the basics and costs here to see whether this tried and true material is right for you.
Advantages: Every soapstone sink is unique and hand crafted using one of two methods: carved by a single block of soapstone or constructed from 1 1/4-inch-thick soapstone slabs. Solid block soapstone sinks have the inside corners rounded, making them easier to clean and maintain.
Soapstone's nonporous nature means that it's unaffected by heat, bacteria and sink stainers like tomatoes and red wine.
Soapstone's nonporous nature means that it's unaffected by heat, bacteria and sink stainers like tomatoes and red wine.
Disadvantages: Architectural-grade, made-to-order soapstone sinks can cost much more than other sinks. This material's soft nature means it can accumulate nicks and scratches over time too, although those can add to the patina.
Carved Soapstone Sink
Sustainability: Soapstone is a fairly environmentally responsible material choice, as no chemicals are needed for fabrication and maintenance, and it has a long-lasting nature. However, most soapstone is mined internationally in Brazil and India, and the transportation affects the environment.
Maintenance: Maintaining durable soapstone is a breeze — usually soap and water will do the trick. Untreated, natural soapstone is soft gray; however, applying mineral oil can enhance the inherent natural veining and evenly darken its color. Most scratches will disappear after a mineral oil treatment, while others can be buffed out with a very fine-grit sandpaper.
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Compare more kitchen sink materials
Compare more kitchen sink materials
Cost: Soapstone slab sinks are more affordable than solid soapstone sinks. For a standard 36-inch sink, a slab version is approximately $1,000, while a solid model costs upward of $2,000.