The Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops
When natural stone countertops are discussed, most commonly granite is going to come to mind, maybe quartzite if you’re more knowledgeable. Soapstone is a far less commonly known natural stone, but is still a great option for stone countertops. This stone contains large amounts of talc, giving it the “soapy” feel and soft texture.
Pros of Soapstone
Soapstone comes in shades varying from beautiful whites to charcoal. Many natural stones are porous meaning that you should expect to seal the stone regularly to prevent staining from spills. A huge “pro” to soapstone is that it is a non-porous natural stone, and does not need to be sealed. Many people choose to apply an oil that brings out the color, but it’s purely for looks. Soapstone is a much softer stone than granite, but this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The stone is more pliable, meaning that it won’t chip or crack as easily as other stones. Soapstone countertops are extremely heat resistant, so you don’t have to worry about setting a hot pan on your countertop.
Cons of Soapstone
Having a softer stone means that is far more susceptible to scratches and knicks from dropped pots and other cookware. The simple act of throwing down your keys or moving pans or dishes on these countertops can lead to scratches. You need to use a cutting board because the soft nature of the stone will cause your countertops to scratch easily. These countertops also darken as they age, so if you want to keep the aging uniform, you need to apply oil periodically. If you’re looking for a material that comes in a wide range of colors and styles, you may want to explore other stones. Soapstone slabs only come in variations of grey, with a range from white to charcoal.
Soapstone is an incredible stone that will last for decades if treated properly, and should not be left out when considering natural stones. No stone is a clear winner out of all the different types, so it’s worth taking the time to learn about the different types and what styles are offered to determine what countertop material is going to fit best with your lifestyle and wants. There is different maintenance to be done with each different material. Visit a local showroom to get hands on with stone and start the process of transforming your home’s countertops.
