Soapstone has been used for centuries for many household applications and is a popular option for kitchen sinks. Pairing a soapstone sink with soapstone countertops, a backsplash, and floor tiles brings a uniform look and elegant aesthetic to any home kitchen. Explore our top five reasons to choose beautiful, natural soapstone for your kitchen sink.
1. Soapstone Sinks Are Durable
Soapstone is a very durable, dense, and hard material, making it extremely resistant to chipping, cracking, and scratching—which is especially important for home kitchen sinks, which endure extensive wear and tear. Soapstone is so durable that it’s often preferred for tabletops, countertops, and sinks in commercial kitchens and laboratory settings where they may be exposed to harsh chemicals and acids and last through years of heavy use in these environments. Soapstone’s natural heat resistance means hot pots, pans, and dishes can be placed in the kitchen sink without scorching or causing damage.
2. Caring for a Soapstone Sink Is Easy
Soapstone is fairly low-maintenance, and caring for a kitchen sink is easy. Simply clean your soapstone sink regularly using a soft cloth or sponge and a mild soap and water solution, then rinse. Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive pads that can etch the surface of your soapstone sink. While soapstone sinks do not require special sealants or treatments, they may benefit from a light application of mineral oil to enhance the coloring. Soapstone is also antibacterial and naturally resistant to mold, making it a hygienic choice to keep kitchen sinks germ-free.
3. Soapstone Comes in Gorgeous Hues
Soapstone has a unique appearance that adds elegance to any kitchen; its smooth, matte finish creates a timeless and sophisticated look. Classic soapstone ranges from light gray to rich charcoal with white veining that varies in abundance and depth. To get your preferred soapstone kitchen sink look, simply leave it natural or apply an oil or wax treatment to intensify the background color and bring out the white veining pattern.
Some of the most popular soapstone varieties for a kitchen sink include:
- Manhattan Gray is a blue-gray soapstone that resembles freshly poured concrete when left untreated but turns black after mineral oil application.
- Santa Rita soapstone features a veining pattern similar to traditional marble with a gray background that turns dark blue-green after treatment.
- Belvedere soapstone features an ash-gray background that turns deep gray-green after treatment.
- Stormy Black soapstone is ash-gray with prominent white veins, the background darkens substantially after mineral oil application.
4. Get a Streamlined Look With a Soapstone Drainboard
In addition to a soapstone sink, you can also choose an accompanying soapstone drainboard. Soapstone drainboards offer many of the same benefits as soapstone sinks, including durability, stain resistance, and bacteria resistance. They also provide a convenient place to air-dry dishes and glasses. Soapstone drainboard styles include:
- Traditional Grooves – This soapstone drainboard offers a classic look with eight 16- to 18-inch grooves on a slope between 0 and ½ inch.
- British Style – A contemporary soapstone drainboard design popular in the UK, it features a flat surface—no grooves—on a ½-inch slope with a ¼-inch lip.
- European Style – Perfect for the minimalist, the European style soapstone drainboard surface is smooth on a ½-inch slope.
- European Style with Grooves – This soapstone drainboard is the same as the European style but with grooves for a traditional look.
5. Soapstone Kitchen Sinks Fit Standard Countertop Spaces
Soapstone kitchen sinks are available in a variety of sizes, including those designed to fit standard countertop spaces. M Teixeira Soapstone sinks are constructed from 1 ¼-inch soapstone slabs and come in standard sizes that fit most countertop spaces. Before you choose a soapstone sink, measure your countertop space carefully to determine the maximum size sink that will fit. If you require a different size sink to fit into your soapstone kitchen countertop, let us know and we can create a custom sink: Fill out our easy quote form and we can work with you to find the best size options for a new soapstone kitchen sink.
Note: Our soapstone kitchen sinks also fit our pre-cut DIY kitchen countertops.
Do Soapstone Sinks Scratch?
Soapstone is rugged but is soft enough to be scratched by sharp objects or abrasive cleaners. The good news is, soapstone develops a natural patina that helps hide minor scratches, and moderate scratches can be buffed out with a fine grit sandpaper orange treated with mineral oil for a like-new look.
Does Soapstone Get Water Stains?
Soapstone is a nonporous stone, meaning it does not absorb liquids, stain, or get damaged by standing water. Soapstone is also acid-resistant, perfect for a kitchen sink where it will be exposed to a variety of foods and drinks that could damage other types of natural stone.
If you’re looking for a durable, stain-resistant, bacteria-resistant kitchen sink, consider a standard or custom soapstone sink. For more information, request a quote or stop by one of our showrooms.