| |
|
|
By Anne Harvester [ 17/03/2009 ] Publishing Free Articles Zone articles is subject to our Publisher's Terms Of Service |
|
Soapstone is a rock that is made up primarily of talc, which gives it its soapy feel to the touch and name. Soapstone has been used for centuries for carving, and can be seen in various ancient carvings found in both India and Greece. Today soapstone is used to create gorgeous stoves, fireplaces, sinks, and counters. Soapstone is also used to make tiles, mosaics and even cookware.
Many homeowners choose an elegant soapstone counter for their kitchen or bath. There are many reasons why a soapstone counter makes a great choice for a surface you would want in your home. It is non porous. This means that liquids will ball up on top of them rather than soak into the surface. The rock also does not stain. This is a very important factor if you will be using a soapstone counter in a kitchen environment where it will get a lot of abuse through the everyday actions of cooking and food preparation. Because it does not stain, a soapstone counter also does not require a sealer be used, a cost savings over the years that the soapstone counter is in your home. Since the countertop is non porous, it also does not harbor bacteria, which is a crucial factor for keeping bathrooms and kitchens clean, because so much water is used in these rooms of the home. Due to the fact that soapstone is non porous, does not stain or require a sealer, and does not harbor bacteria, a soapstone counter is very easy to maintain in all of its beauty for years of service.
There are many different types and colors of soapstone from which you can choose your favorites for use as counters. Much of this top-quality stone originates in Brazil, and it typically features veining, giving it a look similar to marble. Certain stones are a pearl grey color with emerald veining. If the stone is oiled, it changes color and deepens to dark black with dark green veins, so this is an alternate look that might coordinate well with other aspects of your interior design. Other stones are medium to dark green with white veining. Oiled it turns a shade of dark black with dark green undertones, and this makes the white veining even more distinctive.
In addition to countertops, you might select soapstone for use as sinks. They will match the countertops, and offer the same easy maintenance and lasting beauty for years to come.
About the author:
Anne has worked on many home improvement projects with soapstone. Her specialties are redesigning ordinary kitchens into the extraordinary using soapstone sinks or a soapstone counter.
Article Source: http://www.Free-Articles-Zone.com