While looking for a countertop material, you may come across soapstone. Although not as common as other countertop materials, soapstone is one of the most functional countertop materials. It adds on a rustic, elegant and urbane feel, similar to that of slate or granite. Soapstone has some pros and cons to use it in your kitchen, let’s take a look at all of them but first
What Is Soapstone?
It’s a naturally occurring material made from a steatite stone, a naturally occurring stone that includes dolomite, magnesite and chlorite. And if you prefer natural countertop materials, then you will enjoy your soapstone countertop.
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Pros Of Soapstone Countertops
There are very few natural stone countertops. And soapstone is one of them, the natural stone beauty look and feel in a home is one that every natural stone fanatic dreams about. With each slab being unique, you get to have rarity in your home.
The fact that soapstone is not manufactured using synthetic chemicals means that it is environmentally friendly. Its extraction does not damage the earth not forgetting that it can be recycled. Having a natural soapstone countertop also eliminated the fear of food-unfriendly products due to the manufacturing process.
Soapstone is a non-porous natural stone. You will not have to worry about liquids sipping into the stone and staining it. While it may appear soft, soapstone countertops do not crack easily. This is however a problem when it comes to scratches. The softness makes it easily susceptible to scratches but protects it from cracking.
Since soapstone countertops do not crack easily, they are more durable than other countertops made of natural stone. Its non-porosity feature also means that your soapstone countertops can serve you for a long period without requiring sealing.
Since soapstone is non-porous, it is easy to clean. However, you need to use mild soap and a soft sponge. When it comes to maintenance, soapstone countertops need regular oiling to maintain their natural look.
If you constantly find yourself placing hot materials on kitchen countertops, then a soapstone countertop is ideal for your space. Soapstone countertops are heat resistant. As such, you do not need to worry about discolorations or damage from heat.
Soapstone does not decrease in value. As such, once you install soapstone countertops, the value of your home will increase. And if one day you choose to sell your home, you could even get a 50% return on your soapstone countertop investment.
Natural stones are harder to install than man-made stones. But with soapstone, the ease of installation makes it cheaper than other stones. However, the cost of the slab can be on the higher end compared to other natural stones.
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Cons Of Soapstone Countertops
The cost of a soapstone countertop varies based on the talc content of the stone and where it was quarried. Professional installation can significantly raise the cost of a soapstone countertop.
Since soapstone is a natural stone, it does not have a lot of patterns and colors. It comes in a few shades of grey, blue and black. Also, it is difficult to get an exact matching pattern for two pieces when creating something like a waterfall countertop. Nevertheless, contrasting soapstone countertops can create a curious and interesting look in a space.
While soapstone is non-porous, oily substances can significantly darken soapstone countertops. It is advisable to spread mineral oil on the surface of the slab. This darkens the entire soapstone countertop hence preventing dark patches.
While the soft nature of soapstone is beneficial in preventing soapstone countertops from cracking, it makes them more susceptible to scratches. Simple things such as throwing a spoon on the soapstone countertop can cause significant scratches. However, these scratches are easily removable with the use of sandpaper.
After applying mineral oil on the soapstone countertop, the texture may change to a soap-like, leathery feel, hence the name. It is impossible to change this non-slick texture and you may have to endure it if you do not like it.
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