9 Reasons to Choose Soapstone for Your New Countertops
Of all the countertop options available to homeowners today, soapstone is becoming a favorite. This natural stone option has many advantages, including a natural resistance to stains, low-maintenance needs and beautiful colors and textures.
As you consider the type of countertop options that are best for your needs, consider this elegant and sophisticated natural stone. Soapstone might surprise you.
1. Soapstone Is Lovely
Soapstone is a lovely gray, ranging from light gray to a deep charcoal color. Often, soapstone has a marbled appearance with white veins that streak across the surface in beautiful, jagged lines.
The texture of soapstone is entirely unique. In fact, the name soapstone comes from its texture, which has the soft, matte feeling of a dry bar of soap.
When oiled, it has a wet, almost-polished quality. When left un-oiled, soapstone looks dry and leathery. Its appearance is rustic and different from nearly all other kinds of stone.
2. Soapstone Requires Minimal Maintenance
Some natural stone, like granite and marble, needs to be sealed on a regular basis. Soapstone does not. Homeowners can make the choice to oil their soapstone, to encourage development of the natural patina. Oiling your counters on a regular basis will darken the color and ensure an even coloring over the entire surface. Oiling is not required – it’s optional.
In fact, the only maintenance that your soapstone requires is regular cleaning, to ensure your food prep surfaces are free of bacteria. Cleaning soapstone is easy! Simply put warm, soapy water on a dishcloth and wipe down your counters. Wipe away soap residue with a damp cloth, then you’re finished!
3. Soapstone is Non-Porous and Stain Resistant
Most natural stones are porous, which means they can absorb spilled liquids like wine and oil. Spills on porous stone can cause stains. Soapstone isn’t porous at all, so it’s naturally stain resistant. Therefore, you don’t have to seal soapstone: because it naturally repels water and avoids staining.
4. Soapstone Can’t Be Etched by Acid
Most stones are easily etched by acid, which means that their surface can become dull and even stained when they’re routinely exposed to acidic liquids like lemon juice and tomato juice. Soapstone can’t be etched by acid, so you don’t have to worry about spilling lemon juice, vinegar, or other acidic liquids on your counters.
5. Soapstone is Heat Resistant
Some countertops can crack, melt or be warped by heat – but not soapstone. Its superb heat resistance means you’ll never have to worry about damaging your countertops with a hot pan. One important thing to note: soapstone can be scratched, so it’s smart to put a cork pad underneath items with a sharp or rough bottom.
6. Soapstone Retains Its High Value
Like all natural stones, soapstone is high value. You can expect a good return on investment when you install this type of countertop in your kitchen. It also lasts a lifetime. The longer you have soapstone, the more worthwhile the investment.
7. Soapstone is Environmentally Friendly
Soapstone doesn’t require any chemical sealer to remain beautiful, and the oils used to treat soapstone is natural. Your soapstone counters are eco-friendly because they’re made of simple stone, nothing else.
8. Soapstone is a Naturally Flexible Style
Soapstone looks just right in kitchens decorated in a variety of styles. Its rustic beauty makes it the perfect addition farmhouse-style kitchens. Soapstone also has a rough-hewn, primitive quality that makes it perfect for industrial-style kitchens. And its minimalistic, lightly veined appearance makes it the perfect addition to a modern, European-style kitchen. Wondering if it’s right for your home? Pick up some samples today.
9. Soapstone is Unaffected by Chemicals
Soapstone is chemically inert, which means it’s not affected by chemicals. You don’t have to worry about damaging your soapstone if a cleaning chemical, acidic solution or something unexpected gets dropped or spilled on your counters. Simply wipe up the spill, clean your counters like you normally would, then go about your day.
Buy Your Soapstone Counters from a Reputable Dealer
Something to keep in mind when you’re purchasing natural stone: soapstone varies in appearance from one quarry to another. It can be dark or light, have many veins or few veins. Its longevity and beauty depends on where it comes from.
When you’re purchasing soapstone counters for your home, it’s important to buy your soapstone from a reputable dealer. A good countertop dealer and fabricator will only choose the best soapstone, so you can rest assured that you’ve purchased a quality product.