Soapstone is a building material made from chlorite, talc and magnesium silicate. It is quickly becoming a popular alternative to granite in the kitchen, primarily because of its heat-resistant properties, and is now being used especially to manufacture sinks and water basins, as soapstone sink benefits become increasingly well known among the buyers of kitchen fittings.
The main soapstone sink benefits are that it is highly heat-resistant – meaning that you can put hot pans, trays and cooking utensils straight into the sink for cleaning without having to worry about them scorching the surface – and the fact that is also resistant to stains, protecting your sink from all kinds of chemicals and acids. Among other soapstone sink benefits is its total impenetrability, stopping any amount of water seeping into it and thus avoiding any dampness around the sink area.
Soapstone sink benefits don’t stop there. They also include its strength and durability. If you look after your soapstone sink correctly, it will last you for years. All you have to do is apply mineral oil every four to six weeks and then wash with soap and water about once a week.
Soapstone sinks come in a wide variety of styles. Its attractiveness stems from the fact that soapstone is hewn from metamorphic rocks that have a multitude of veins and grains running through them. Soapstone sinks suit any kind of kitchen decor, from modern to traditional, and will enhance the whole look of your cooking area.
Having looked at some soapstone sink benefits, let us consider some of the drawbacks of this type of sink. Like granite, soapstone does have a tendency to scratch easily if you wash heavy utensils in the sink. There is also the possibility that the surface will become chipped over time. On the other hand, these small scratches on the surface of a soapstone sink can be easily dealt with by rubbing them with sand paper and then applying mineral oil.
Now that you know all about soapstone sink benefits and drawbacks, you can make an informed decision about whether to buy one for your kitchen.