Today's homeowners want high end finishes that look beautiful and are easy to clean. Many want their homes to be made with unique materials that will have a long wear life. Soapstone is a material that has been used for hundreds of years, but is now being rediscovered in modern kitchens. This material is a naturally occurring rock that is soft and can be easily worked. Many companies creating soapstone items use woodworking tools when creating with this durable material.
Soapstone sinks and counters are now making a comeback in kitchens. It is a non-porous material and perfect for food preparation. Bacteria cannot penetrate the surface, and it is very easy to keep clean. While the stone is easy enough to work, it has excellent durability. A soapstone floor is durable enough to be used in high-traffic areas of the home.
Soapstone is veined material that is normally blue-gray in color. Oiling it turns it darker, but is not necessary. Because of its unique look and long history, soapstone in the kitchen can be used as a modern design component or part of a restoration project. The smooth, non-porous surface makes it easy to keep clean without stocking special cleaners. The stone's veining and coloring will give any kitchen a unique look.
The reason soapstone is easily worked is because it is comprised mostly of talc. Talc is the same product used for baby powder. As an industrial mineral, talc is used as filler for ceramic materials, roofing and paper. It appears all over modern homes, including the kitchen sink.
