Are Soapstone Counter Tops Right For You?

A soapstone kitchen counter with a sink.

Soapstone is one of the most precious countertop materials, although it is relatively rare compared to other countertop materials. It has a rustic, elegant, and classy feel, similar to slate or granite in appearance.

Is Soapstone challenging to come by? This is a naturally occurring material, as opposed to manufactured countertops. This product is made from steatite, a naturally occurring stone composed of dolomite and magnesite. Soapstone countertops are a beautiful natural material to use for your counters.

Before deciding on soapstone countertops, think about the pros and cons of each kind. These considerations may assist you in making an educated choice about a purchase, including how much time and effort it will take to maintain the item in question.

Pros Of Soapstone Counter Tops

1. The beauty

There are just a few natural stone countertops on the market. Natural stone beauty in a home is a dream come true for anybody who appreciates natural stone, not just those who like Soapstone.

Soapstone countertops’ natural attractiveness ensures they won’t overshadow your kitchen’s aesthetics. Even though it may seem basic, the rustic nature of the piece contributes to its charm and versatility as a piece of home decor. The uniqueness of each slab ensures that you’ll have a one-of-a-kind collector’s item.

2. It is eco-friendly

Countertops made of Soapstone are a great place to reduce your carbon footprint. Soapstone is environmentally friendly, and its extraction has no negative impact on the environment.

3. Soapstone Is Stain-Proof

Soapstone is nonporous. Liquids soaking into the stone will not cause discoloration. Pore size is important. Vinegar and coffee do not affect soapstone surfaces.

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4. Soapstone Is Hard To Break

Soapstone seems squishy, yet it is impervious to fracture. Because of its suppleness, it is easily scratched, yet its tensile strength prevents it from breaking. As a result, scratching is a severe problem.

5. Cleaning And Maintenance Is A Breeze

The nonporous nature of Soapstone makes cleaning a breeze. Cleaning will need mild soap and a soft sponge, which you may get at your local hardware store. To maintain its natural beauty, soapstone countertops must be oiled regularly.

6. The Ability To Withstand Heat

Soapstone countertops are ideal for kitchens because hot objects are often used. Soapstone counters are cool. This material is resistant to discoloration and heat damage. This makes soapstone countertops ideal for most kitchens.

7. A High Rate Of Return

The value of Soapstone never diminishes. Consequently, adding soapstone countertops to your home will increase the value of your home when it comes time to sell. And, if you ever decide to put your property on the market, your soapstone countertop investment may even make a return on your investment.

8. Installation Simplicity

The setup of natural stones is more complex than installing artificial stones for apparent reasons. As a result, the slab may be more expensive than other natural stones in the same category. Soapstone, however, is less costly than granite since it is less difficult to install.

Should You Buy Soapstone Counters?

Soapstone is an excellent choice if you want a countertop that will look beautiful over time and develop an antique patina.

Soapstone has various benefits as a countertop material beyond its welcoming appearance and comfortable feel. Dent and scratch-resistant soapstone surfaces constitute a significant downside. However, Soapstone’s lifespan may be increased by using cutting boards and other protective materials as a cover.

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You can utilize soapstone in any kitchen design; however, it is best suited to more classic designs. These worktops will be easier to maintain than most other natural stone, synthetic stone, or engineered stone counters because of their unique look.

A kitchen with soapstone counter tops and wooden cabinets.

Soapstone Counter Tops Care

Soapstone counter tops are reasonably low-maintenance materials since they do not need sealing. Your new countertop’s superb aesthetics may last for many years with no maintenance.

  • Mineral oil should be used to the surface of your counter once or twice a week and massaged in well to help the natural darkening process forward. After the mineral oil treatment, the patina will appear more uniform. On average, it takes seven to nine months for the patina to form on a countertop.
  • Once the patina has completely developed, apply mineral oil to the countertop to restore its gloss and luster.
  • If you have soapstone counter surfaces, clean them using an all-purpose kitchen cleaner or a gentle soap and a dishcloth.
  • Smooth cookware, such as a cast-iron skillet, on the bottom, won’t scratch the countertop, but direct heat from the stove will do the job. Take advantage of trivets to protect your surfaces!
  • Prepare your meal on a cutting board rather than on your countertop or tabletop.
  • Fill in any chips or dents that occur using a permanent marker and mineral oil, and then reapply the mineral oil to seal the surface.
  • Remove spills as soon as possible, and if necessary, dab an oil stain with acetone (nail polish remover would work well) to diminish the stain’s appearance. It will not be a problem until your countertop has established a deep patina that will make oil discoloration a problem.
  • You can get a more uniform patina appearance on your soapstone countertop if you sand the whole surface with fine sandpaper before applying the mineral oil process described above.
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Bottom Line

Finally, the choice between quartz and soapstone counter tops comes down to your taste, level of maintenance inclination, and financial constraints.

To be fair, though, soapstone is an excellent choice for kitchen countertops. It doesn’t take a lot of upkeep and is quite stain resistant.

Quartz, on the other hand, offers certain advantages. This is an excellent alternative since it’s less costly and more scratch-resistant than soapstone if you’re worried about scratches.

Before making a final selection, consider all the benefits and downsides and your unique style and demands. Get a significant sample of each and try them out in your kitchen to better understand the materials and how they will appear in your area.

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