Non-Porous
Some stone materials have a porous texture. Spilling substances on these materials can result in deep stains that are impossible to get rid of. Soapstone is a completely non-porous natural stone so even when used as a material to cover a wood stove, should something splash up on the unit or be spilled on it, there is no risk of staining. The unit can look just as beautiful the first day it is installed throughout its potentially long life.
Healthier
Soapstone is not only used in stoves for helping retain heat but has proven popular in many other areas of the home as well. The material does not absorb bacteria like some materials in kitchen or bathroom worktops and splashbacks, so it is remarkably healthy for family use. The same thing can be said of a soapstone clad wood stove. No matter what is going on in the home, the heater will not absorb the bacteria. Some wood stoves have been taken out of homes and used in new ones without any issues because there is no risk of mould or mildew getting into the stone.
Environmentally Friendly
Having access to renewable resources for heating is what makes the world a better place. It is widely known that wood burning stoves themselves are remarkably environmentally friendly with clean burn innovative and wood burning being carbon neutral. Certified wood suppliers adhere to strict guidance and sustainability is an issue taken very seriously by stove manufacturers. Soapstone is equally a natural resource. The fact that the stone is a natural product means that your family do not have to worry about any bacteria or foreign materials within the stone. No matter how hot it gets, there is never a risk of bacteria, so it can be a great option for those that are sensitive to certain materials.
Heating Ability
The standard wood burning stove made from cast iron is able to get remarkably hot and hold the heat far past when the wood burns down. There is, however, the fact that the fire has to be continually stoked due to the naturally porous structure of the cast iron. Soapstone is a little different. The non-porous nature of the stone means that less heat is able to escape from the unit. The fire inside is able to burn much hotter and stay hotter for a longer period of time.
Within the fire box, the wood is able to give off its highest heating potential as the heat is concentrated within the space. That means that instead of pulling out partially burned wood when cleaning the stove, you will merely have fully used ash to sweep away.
Safe
Some people may be a bit cautious about this form of heat as it does get remarkably hot within the system, but the way that the soapstone stoves are manufactured means that they are quite safe. The interior is fully encapsulated within the unit and the entire unit is clad in soapstone, so the stone acts as an insulator rather than a conductor. The bulk of the stove remains relatively cool to the touch and therefore children playing around the unit will not be harmed by accidentally bumping into the system. It is only the space in front of the unit that remains hot, so it can be even safer than some of the standard wood burning and gas stoves comprised of other conductible materials.
With all of these benefits, it is no surprise that soapstone clad stoves continue to be a popular design statement and practical additional to a home. They have been designed to be a showpiece within the home rather than merely functional. No matter the décor of the home, you will be able to find a soapstone finished stove that is right for you, so contact your licensed stove installer today and enjoy the many benefits of this age-old technology.
