Soapstone, renowned for its durability, heat resistance, and antibacterial properties, is a popular choice for both vessel and integral bathroom sinks. While both styles offer similar aesthetics, they differ significantly in design and installation methods. Here, we explore the key differences between these two soapstone sink options, helping you choose the perfect style for your bathroom.
What Is a Vessel-Style Sink?
A vessel-style sink sits on top of a countertop and is reminiscent of an old-fashioned wash basin, making it a classic option. Though usually bowl-shaped, vessel sink basins also come in rectangle, square, and trough-like shapes. Soapstone vessel sinks are a bold focal point that can bring a classy, contemporary look to a bathroom. You’ll often find them in high-end restaurants and luxury hotel bathrooms, but even offices and homeowners are adopting the vessel-sink trend.
What Are the Benefits of a Vessel Sink?
While a vessel sink brings elegance to the bathroom, they offer other benefits as well. Vessel sinks are easy to install as they don’t require clips or cutouts: A small hole for the drain and silicone adhesive for stability are all that’s required, making it easier to install a vessel sink than other types, such as undermount style. By installing a vessel sink that rests on top of the counter, you also get more space underneath in the cabinet, perfect for storage and cleaning supplies. Vessel sinks come in varying heights so you can choose a height and style that works for all members of the household.
What Is an Integral Sink?
An integral sink, also called an integrated sink, is built directly into your countertop using the same materials as your countertop for a cohesive look. For example, if your bathroom countertop is made from soapstone, then your integrated sink will also be made from soapstone. There are no visible edges or seams on an integral sink for a clean, smooth finish and a modern aesthetic.
What Are the Benefits of an Integrated Sink?
Homeowners love the sleek look of integrated soapstone sinks in the bathroom, but another big selling point is that they’re easy to clean and maintain. Due to the seamless design, there are no crevices for germs and debris to accumulate. Other sink types are set in place with a silicone sealant that can degrade over time, leading to discoloration and mold growth and required replacement, but an integral sink doesn’t require sealant, so you get a clean look and less maintenance.
How Are Soapstone Sinks Constructed?
Our soapstone bathroom sinks are constructed from 1 1/4 inch slabs. We can design and customize a vessel or integral sink for your bathroom’s unique dimensions. We cut, construct, and finish all of our products from sinks to countertops using special tools and methods developed for this dense stone, including our state-of-the-art robot Saw Waterjet. Our team of highly skilled and experienced craftspeople ensure each soapstone slab is carefully cut to create the perfect sink for your bathroom.
Why Choose Soapstone for a Vessel or Integral Bathroom Sink
Soapstone makes an excellent material for a vessel or integral bathroom sink: It’s elegant, extremely durable, and heat resistant. Soapstone is also non-porous, meaning it doesn’t absorb liquids, acquire stains, or get damaged from standing water, and is antibacterial and naturally resistant to mold, making it a hygienic choice to keep bathroom sinks and countertops germ-free.
Soapstone’s distinctive appearance is a sophisticated choice to create a timeless look in any bathroom. Classic soapstone colors range from light gray to rich charcoal, with white veining varying in abundance and depth—and because no two soapstone slabs are alike, you’ll get a bathroom sink with a unique pattern and veining no matter what variety you choose. Though soapstone sinks do not require special sealants or treatments, a light application of mineral oil can enrich the coloring.
Some of our most popular soapstone varieties and hues include:
- Manhattan Gray – a blue-gray soapstone resembling freshly poured concrete when left untreated but turns black after mineral oil application.
- Stormy Black – ash gray with prominent white veins, this soapstone becomes deep and dark after treatment.
- Santa Rita – features a veining pattern similar to traditional marble with a gray background that turns dark blue-green after treatment.
- Fantasia – bold white veins dominate this soapstone but become even more dramatic after mineral oil treatment.
- Alberene – mined in Virginia, USA, colors range from light gray to near black and feature striking white veining.
If you’re looking for a vessel or integral sink that’s long-lasting, stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant, and looks stunning in the bathroom, then soapstone is the perfect choice for you. For more information, request a quote or stop by one of our showrooms.