Soapstone Countertops: Practical and Beautiful
Whether you plan on building a home or want to remodel your kitchen, you have many design decisions to make. One such decision is choosing your countertop material. Quartz, granite, and marble are classic selections, but these are not the only natural materials to consider.
Soapstone is another great, timeless option. Here is what you need to know about this unique substance and its properties that may make soapstone an ideal choice in your new kitchen.
What Is Soapstone?
Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock that consists primarily of the mineral talc, which is high in magnesium. Sculptors have been using soapstone with a high talc content for ages. For example, the ancient Egyptians used it to carve scarabs and other objets d'art.
Architectural soapstone - that which the building industry uses - has a more moderate talc content than sculpting soapstone, between 50 and 75 percent. While it is smooth and soft, feeling much like a bar of soap, the other minerals in architectural soapstone provide durability.
What Characteristics Make Soapstone a Good Countertop Choice?
The different natural material countertop options each have their strengths, and soapstone is no exception.
Soapstone Is Non-Porous
A kitchen countertop that is non-porous is a huge advantage when it comes to kitchen safety. Unlike porous materials, such as wooden cutting boards, soapstone cannot absorb any foods placed directly on it.
Soapstone's lack of porosity means it is antimicrobial and will not harbor bacteria like other natural materials might. Homeowners with soapstone kitchen counters will never need to worry their visibly clean countertop might be concealing harmful bacteria such as E. coli or salmonella.
Because soapstone is non-porous, it is essentially weather-resistant as well. This makes soapstone countertops an excellent choice if you are planning an outdoor kitchen. Rain, snow, and extreme temperatures won't affect the integrity of a soapstone countertop.
You also won't need to worry about stains. For example, if you spill a glass of red wine on a soapstone countertop and don't wipe it up right away, there won't be a discolored mark when you do get around to cleaning it. Likewise, acidic foods, such as coffee or tomatoes, won't etch the surface as soapstone is dense and solid.
Soapstone Is Heat-Resistant
Most kitchen countertop materials would never be able to withstand taking a hot pot off the stove and setting it directly on the surface. With soapstone, you don't need to worry about making sure you have a hot pad down first. Soapstone countertops aren't going to melt, burn, crack, or leave behind any evidence a piping hot dish was set on it.
Soapstone Is Maintenance-Free
Some kitchen countertop materials require regular maintenance to ensure they stay in good condition. For example, porous countertops need regular sealing to prevent deep staining or other surface damage.
Soapstone countertops don't need any special care or maintenance, although some homeowners prefer to wipe them occasionally with mineral oil to bring out the patina. Soapstone countertops also don't require the use of specific cleaners.
Soapstone Is Aesthetically Pleasing
Soapstone typically comes in varying shades of gray. Occasionally, a slab of soapstone may have a greenish tint or slight marbling. You won't find soapstone countertops in a wide array of colors like you might with other countertop materials.
But while soapstone may be less colorful than some of its countertop counterparts, its distinctive look makes it exceptionally ideal for some applications. For example, the modern farmhouse look is currently extremely popular in interior design and décor.
As soapstone countertops were often the material of choice in kitchens years ago, they make perfect design sense today if you are trying to recreate a vintage look. The clean, streamlined look of soapstone countertops are also at home in industrial-look décor.
Soapstone has many good qualities going for it, and soapstone countertops are especially ideal for serious cooks. Planning and designing a kitchen can be overwhelming with all the decisions homeowners need to make. Contact Best Marble & Granite Company today to schedule an appointment to discuss your countertop needs and options.
