Standard soapstone sinks can range in price from a few hundred to over $1,000. The standard-size sinks at Vermont Soapstone run from $400 up to $1,000 for a 36-inch two-bowl sink. “Custom sizes will cost more,” says Bowman. “Our 36-inch two-bowl custom sink is in the $1,200 to $1,500 range.”
Incredibly Durable
Soapstone is resistant to chemical and water damage which makes it the perfect material for any kitchen. The natural stone also holds up well to heat, so you will never have to worry about a hot pan damaging your sink. Soapstone is a non-porous material, so liquid will never stain your sink.
The basics: Soapstone (also known as steatite) is impervious to chemicals, acid and water, making it an ideal material for kitchen sinks. The quarried metamorphic rock — made up of talc, chlorite and other minerals — is softer than most other natural stones.
If they are soapstone they will be made up of slabs so the inside corners will be square. If they look like they are all one piece with rounded inside corners they are most likely concrete. Some concrete scratches fairly easily.
Soapstone slabs generally weigh about 20 pounds per square foot of material, although that will vary depending on the thickness of the stone.
Cleaning Soapstone
Usually just wiping the soapstone with soap and water works just fine. A soapstone sink will stand up to any mild cleaner. Sink corners can be easily kept clean with the use of a small vegetable brush when needed.
Most stone dealers are aware of this problem, and only carry stone that is known to be asbestos-free. Some soapstone contains silica, which can cause silicosis when inhaled. This should likewise be avoided, but is not as serious a hazard as asbestos.
Things You'll Need
It doesn't stain easily, it's physically tough and most damage can be repaired with only a small amount of effort. Even unskilled hobbyists can successfully refurbish a soapstone sink.
Wrap 120-grit sandpaper around a sanding block to sand the hardened material over a flat surface. For surfaces that aren't flat, fold the sandpaper into a manageable size. Gently sand the repaired crack or damaged area to knock the small epoxy mounds down, to where they are flush with the surrounding surface.
Soapstone is stain- and heat-resistant, but can scratch easily. Typically, stains on soapstone are only on the surface and do not penetrate into the stone. A deeper, darker color does not indicate the sink is dirty; soapstone colors deepen as the sink ages.
Soapstone is typically gray, bluish, green, or brown in color, often variegated. Its name is derived from its "soapy" feel and softness. The name "soapstone" is often used in other ways. Miners and drillers use the name for any soft rock that is soapy or slippery to the touch.
Materials. Without labor, a new sink costs an average of $40 and $300. That said, there's a ton of variety in price when it comes to different sink types and installation areas. For example, a kitchen sink installation cost runs an average of $400, while the cost to install a bathroom sink is an average of $550.
When it comes to natural stone countertops, there are more options out there than just marble and granite. If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. It's durable, relatively low-maintenance, and has a lovely, old-world feel.
The Durability of Soapstone
While not as hard as granite, this material is more pliable. That means it is less brittle, so it won't crack unexpectedly from stress or weight. In addition, soapstone is very non-porous, another important strength that sets it apart from granite, sandstone and slate.
Since soapstone countertops do not crack easily, they are more durable than other countertops made of natural stone. Its non-porosity feature also means that your soapstone countertops can serve you for a long period without requiring sealing.
Soapstone is valued for it the way it helps one prepare for changes in life. It is also thought to promote truth, logic as well as rational and creative thinking. Soapstone's physical benefits are said to be balancing the digestive system, reducing irritation and skin rashes, sun burns and allergies.
Soapstone is functional, durable and beautiful. Even after 100 years of hard use, soapstone can be refinished to a looks-like-it-was-just-installed state.
Steps to Clean the Sculpture:
Mix a few drops of mild detergent with water in a small dish. Moisten a soft cloth with the cleaning mixture and rub it over the surface. Rinse the cloth and rub it over the surface with clean water to remove any excess soapy residue. Allow the piece to air dry.
Simple soapstone and water or vinegar and water. Will work wonderfully well and clean any surface bacteria just as well as bleach or harsh cleaners.
Clean scratches out of your soapstone sink by sanding with 300- to 400-grit sandpaper. Deep scratches may require starting with heavier grit sandpaper and then working your way up to the 300- to 400-grit.
Walnut oil is one of these. Despite increased popularity, it does not optimize the look and feel of soapstone, and it's allergenic. Additionally, do not use the common household olive oils: they will go rancid and start to smell.
Serpentine, soapstone, and greenstone may contain asbestos, which can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and stomach and intestinal cancers. During chipping and other carving, flying chips and pieces of rock may cause eye injury.
Inhaling any kind of hard dust, whether its the minerals of soapstone or concrete dust, causes irritation in the lungs. Dust particles scratch your lung's lining for a few days or even months before the body sheds them.
Soapstone is found throughout the world in relatively small deposits ranging from small rocks to seams, boulders and other deposits. Soapstone is found in the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia with significant deposits in Vermont and Virginia.