A Soapstone Sink,
The Classic Choice?

Soapstone sinks are an age old choice when it comes to durability and a long lasting option. They have been used for centuries in the kitchen. Most notably the soapstone farm sink that was used in many farmhouses across the US.

Made of talc and magnesium this stone is very dense and stain resistant. It's not the lightest of materials but considerably lighter than it's natural stone companions. Soapstone is very durable and beautiful. Soapstone also makes a great countertop.

The stone used for soapstone kitchen sinks has the great advantage of being easily tooled and shaped. What does this mean to you? Well, I'm glad you asked. Soapstone sinks can be made to your specifications by a stone sink fabricator. Why have the same old sink when you don't have to?

Are natural stone sinks harder to keep clean than other sinks? No, they are as easy to maintain and keep clean as the other sinks, such as cast iron and stainless steel. The benefit these sinks have over the other sinks is the fact that they only get better with age.

Soapstone hardness varies from very soft to very hard. Soapstone has been used in sculptures for many thousands of years. When it comes to sinks it should be made of the densest stones. A good test of this is to scratch the stone with your fingernail, if it scratches then it's too soft.

Many of the stone retailers say that soapstone is not a good stone to use in the kitchen. I disagree, soapstone is very much at home in the kitchen. Most of these stone yards want to sell you the more expensive stones such as granite and marble.

They will tell you that soapstone is porous and easily damaged in everyday use. False, false, false, soapstone has been used for many years and some of these sinks date back to the 1700's in the US. Some Colonial Age houses still have their soapstone farm sinks, it just goes to show you durable they are.

Soapstone kitchen sinks do have some drawbacks. They can be scratched, chipped, and require some maintenance if you decide to oil the surface. Scratches, I feel, add character, and can be sanded away if you don't like the look.

Chips can also be sanded away but these require more elbow work. Oiling is not necessary, some say it is, but it's not. The oil does not penetrate the stone. It just sits on the surface and gives an oily feel if too much is applied.

Overall a soapstone sink is a fabulous choice and one to pay you back many times over, in both beauty and durability.

Return From Soapstone Sink To Kitchen Sinks

Go To Kitchen Remodeling Ideas Home Page