Should You Install Soapstone Countertops? The Pros and Cons
What Are The Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops
Natural stone countertops are on the top of many homeowner wishlists when remodeling the kitchen. Granite and marble are often the number one and two choices for natural stone among homeowners and interior designers. Both are beautiful, durable, and can add a luxurious look to your kitchen.
However, if you are looking for a beautiful material that will give your kitchen a unique look, consider soapstone. Soapstone is a natural material whose unique properties have caused it to be used in homes for centuries as countertops, fireboxes, fireplace surrounds, and sinks. It offers homeowners a beautiful milky appearance that gives it a rustic feel compared to the more urban look of granite or slate. However, when oiled, soapstone takes on a dark, luxurious look with contrasting natural veining that gives it a sophisticated movement.
Both homeowners and designers who have discovered soapstone love the natural charm, look, and feel that soapstone countertops bring to the kitchen. In this post, we will look at the pros and cons of soapstone countertops to help give you a better understanding of this beautiful material!
What is Soapstone?
Like granite or marble, soapstone is quarried. Soapstone is also known as steatite. Its composition also includes chlorite, magnesite, and dolomite. It often can contain quite a bit of talc giving it a milky, or powdery look and a soft feel. Slabs with a high talc content have been prized by sculptors through the ages for their softness. Steatite with less talc is harder and perfect for use as countertops and fireplace surround.
Soapstone ranks between 1 and 5 on the 10-point Moh's hardness scale. Today, the typical soapstone countertop ranks between 2.5 and 3.5 making it similar in hardness to marble. Hardness is desirable in a countertop for structural integrity and stability. However, what soapstone lacks in hardness, it more than makes up for in density. Soapstone particles are incredibly compact – more than natural quartz, marble, or granite – making it more sanitary, bacteria-resistant, and easier to wipe clean.
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Slabs are generally a medium grey and can appear to have a greenish cast. Soapstone is a unique material. When oiled, soapstone will develop a dark patina over time turning a deep charcoal gray/black. It can also feature a pronounced veining that is due to the quartz present in the stone.
These characteristics make soapstone a perfect and unique choice for your kitchen countertops. Soapstone countertops are visually stunning and work with any décor, from traditional or rustic, to modern and contemporary. While it is on the higher side in terms of price, it will last a lifetime. In fact, there are soapstone sinks, fireplace surrounds, and stoves from the 1800s that are still in use, and looking beautiful, today!
Making the Case for Soapstone Countertops
If you are looking for a unique material with tons of aesthetic visual appeal, look no further. This warmth is why soapstone countertops are a popular choice in country kitchens. They work in styles from traditional to modern to eclectic.
Soapstone countertops offer incredible design versatility. The presence of talc in the stone produces a material that is actually softer to the touch than most other natural stone countertops, including granite and slate. However, that does not mean that it will not stand up to the daily demands in the kitchen.
Depending on where your countertops are mined, the color of soapstone can range from almost pure white with slight marbling to charcoal gray with a nearly solid color. In between, you will find a pleasant range of whites, off-whites, pearls, and grays with rich marbling.
Some of the Benefits of soapstone countertops include:
Their Durability - While not a hard as granite, soapstone is more pliable, which means it is less brittle, so it is less apt to crack unexpectedly due to stress or weight. In addition, its density makes it non-porous, another strength that sets it apart from granite, marble, sandstone, and slate. It does not require sealing like those materials.
Stain-Proof, Etch-Proof, Heat Resistant, and Anti-Bacterial - Because soapstone is dense - not even bacteria can penetrate - so it will NEVER stain. Plus, soapstone is chemically inert, so acids like lemon juice, tomato juice, wine, or vinegar will not etch the surface.
Less Maintenance - Again because of its density, soapstone needs much less maintenance than more porous materials. The primary maintenance is periodic oiling to keep it looking its best. Rubbing it with mineral oil will produce a stunning patina as time goes by. In other words, maintenance is done for aesthetic reasons, not for performance!
Soapstone is Easy to Clean - Because it is so dense and non-porous, cleanup is a cinch. Just use a mild soap and a sponge or dishrag. Soapstone is bacteria-resistant, so it is an excellent choice for those who enjoy cooking with fresh fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Soapstone is a Timeless Classic - While soapstone's popularity is growing, it is definitely not faddish. Because it lasts forever and offers a timeless look, your new soapstone countertops will never become dated. It looks stunning with all different types of cabinets, from the stark white cabinets in a traditional or farmhouse kitchen to stained wood cabinets in any style.
If you are considering soapstone, make sure to ask for the architectural grade. It's slightly harder than artistic grade and will work better for countertops.
The Cons...
For some homeowners, soapstone's positive features may be considered drawbacks! For example, because it is talc-based, soapstone feels amazing to the touch, but it is softer than some stones, like granite. As a result, it's not a question of if it will scratch, but rather when. If you are looking for a perfect, pristine countertop, soapstone might not be the best choice. It is also prone to chipping, gouging and discoloration. Many soapstone lovers look at this as acceptable imperfections that add character. However, for some homeowners, it can be off-putting. Many of these imperfections can be minimized with more frequent oiling. Soapstone requires very little maintenance, but if you're looking for a completely maintenance-free material, soapstone isn't for you.
Soapstone gets big points as a green material because it can last for generations. However, today, most soapstone is mined in Brazil as the U.S. supply, predominantly mined in Vermont and Appalachia, has diminished. As a result, there are significant transportation costs in terms of the energy needed to bring it to the American market from Brazil.
The Bottom Line...
The bottom line, if you're looking for a timeless, stylish, and unique look for your kitchen, soapstone is an amazing choice. It's low-maintenance, durable, anti-bacteria, and will look great literally for generations. While it is limited in color - from white to charcoal (you won't find pinks, blues, or greens) if that fits your design palette, soapstone is a high-quality material that will give you years of performance and beauty.
If you are looking for top-quality architectural-grade soapstone countertops, Stonelink Marble & Granite now serves all of New England. Give the experts at Stonelink Marble & Granite a call at (508) 393-0720. Let us show you the beautiful selection of soapstone we offer to enhance your kitchen design!