Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons | Soapstone Countertops Colors| Soapstone Countertops Cost
Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons | Soapstone Countertops Colors | Soapstone Countertops Cost
Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a natural stone that has been used as countertops and other surfaces for centuries.
Soapstone Countertops are an alternative to the more traditional Granite or Marble countertops. They are an excellent choice for kitchens or bathrooms that need to be easy to maintain and non-porous.
The color of soapstone can be found in many different shades, but the most common colors are gray, brown, green and black.
Soapstone countertops have become more popular recently because they’re known to last up to 100 years without any major problems.
They also resist stains from beverages such as wine or coffee which makes them easier to clean than other surfaces like granite or marble.
It’s important to note that these countertops can’t withstand heat sources such as stove tops, ovens and dishwashers though so if you plan on using your kitchen for those purposes it might be best not to use soapstone counters at all.
Soapstone is a natural stone which means it is free from pollution and harmful chemicals that other countertop materials are known to be dosed with.
Soapstone Countertops Colors
Soapstone is a natural stone, meaning it comes in a variety of different shades and colors. You can find soapstone countertops in shades of gray, brown, green and black.
These solid colors are the most popular choices for soapstone because they work well with many different design styles from traditional to modern.
Soapstone color is one of the most important factors to consider before installing this type of countertop.
Soapstone Countertops Vs Quartz
Soapstone is a common kind of stone. As a result, it is only available in light grey, soft white, and deep charcoal. Most soapstone countertops have mild veining, with some having green, blue, or Perl colors.
Quartz countertops, on the other hand, come in a range of colors. With quartz countertops, you can be confident that you will obtain a countertop that complements the decor of your house.
Soapstone needs to be maintained on a regular basis. It also darkens over time and will require mineral oil treatments on a frequent basis.
Quartz, on the other hand, is unrivaled in terms of simplicity of maintenance. All you need to do is wipe up spills right away and avoid placing hot things on the quartz surfaces.
Overall, while soapstone is a perfectly fine material for kitchen countertops, quartz is a far more elegant and gorgeous option.
Quartz countertops are also more contemporary, thanks to the cutting-edge production technique and the fantastic color options.
Soapstone Countertops Cost
Soapstone countertops can cost anywhere from $70 – $150 per square foot, but the material is usually more expensive than granite or marble.
You should also expect to pay more for extra features like edges and corners because they require more labor and materials.
Soapstone countertops range in price from $70 to $150 per square foot, not including installation. Granite may be purchased for as little as $40 to $80 per square foot.
According to HGTV, marble costs $75 to $250 per square foot, while quartz costs $55 to $155 per square foot.
Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons
Soapstone Countertops Pros
1. Soapstone is natural:
Soapstone countertop is a natural stone that is not processed at all. They come directly from the earth’s crust, which means no harmful chemicals or dyes are added to them during the manufacturing process.
This makes them safe for children and pets as well as environmentally friendly.
2. It is easy to work with:
Soapstone is easier to shape due to its softness, so it may be used for countertops as well as sinks, soap dishes, and drain boards for a seamless effect.
3. Durability:
Soapstone is extremely durable and can last for several years with very little maintenance.
It can withstand temperature changes, erosion damage and most acids so it is perfect for bathrooms or kitchens where certain chemicals are present on a regular basis.
4. Easy to Clean:
Soapstone is easy to clean because it is non-porous and does not absorb any liquids or odors. If spills do occur, they can easily be wiped up without leaving any marks behind.
5. Soapstone countertop is non-porous:
Soapstone is non-porous, which prevents bacteria and germs from building up.
Because of this you won’t need to sanitize your soapstone countertops on a regular basis like you would with granite or marble.
Soapstone is nonporous (no staining!) and doesn’t need to be sealed—another way it differs from marble.
6. It’s heat-resistant:
Soapstone is basically the same substance as granite, which means it can withstand heat very well.
You can use your stove or sink on soapstone countertops without worrying about the material being damaged in any way.
7. It’s eco-friendly:
Soapstone comes directly from the earth which makes it an environmentally friendly choice for your home.
Soapstone Countertops Cons
1. Soapstone is soft:
Unlike granite, soapstone is soft and can be very easily damaged by everyday uses.
If you constantly drop your dishes or objects on the floor, then soapstone will definitely not be for you because it is prone to wear and tear easily.
2. Soapstone is prone to scratches:
Because soapstone is softer than granite, it will scratch more easily than other natural stones like marble or granite.
You can avoid major damage by using care when using certain utensils like knives or wood carving tools on your countertops though.
3. Soapstone is expensive:
Because soapstone is a natural stone it’s harder to come by, which makes it more expensive than many other countertop surfaces.
You can expect to pay about $100 per square foot for the material if you want the best quality.
4. Soapstone requires sealing:
Because soapstone is softer than granite or marble you will need to seal it at least once a year to keep it looking shiny and new.
This is because soapstone does not absorb oil and it can become discolored with time.
5. Soapstone is more difficult to clean:
Unlike granite or marble, soapstone cannot be cleaned as easily as those stones. You will need to use special cleaners or sanitizers if you want to make your countertops non-porous and easy to maintain.
6. Limited range of color options:
Soapstone, as a natural material, has a restricted variety of color choices, all of which are dark, making it unsuitable for some of today’s trendy design trends.
Soapstone Countertops FAQs
What is Soapstone?
Soapstone is a natural stone that comes in various shades of white, gray, brown and black.
They are durable and non-porous which makes them resistant to stains or scratches when compared to other types of stone.
The material is mined from the earth in Canada, Brazil, India, and Finland and imported into the United States, where it has been used for centuries by Native Americans in cooking pots because it absorbs heat well.
It’s also said to be an excellent fire retardant due to its low thermal conductivity so you can rest assured your stove will not cause damage if left unattended on top of soapstone counters!
Is soapstone expensive for countertops?
Soapstone countertops are the most expensive of all natural stone countertops, however they are still considered more affordable than many other countertop options.
You can expect to pay around $100 per square foot for soapstone, which is $20 – $30 more than for granite. When compared to marble, however, it is considered an inexpensive choice.
Soapstone can be found at a slightly higher cost per square foot compared to other natural stones like granite and marble.
What are the pros and cons of soapstone countertops?
As with other natural stone countertops, soapstone has a number of advantages. The material is resistant to staining and scratches, so you won’t need to worry about discoloration or damage to the surface over time.
Unlike marble or granite, soapstone will not absorb oil which makes it easier to clean and maintain. It doesn’t require sealing and scratches and viruses cannot penetrate its surface.
Soapstone countertops have few disadvantages too, however. The hardest advantage to achieve in the natural stone market is its color.
Most soapstone comes in shades of brown, gray and black which are not compatible with the majority of today’s designs.
If you are looking for a trendy look that’s dark enough to fit in with the latest trend then you have soapstone.
Soapstone is rather costly, costing $100 per square foot or more. Countertops that are longer than 6 feet will almost certainly require seams.
Soapstone is a somewhat soft substance that scratches easily. Soapstone is largely made up of talc, the softest mineral on the planet. It’s exceedingly soft, but it’s also highly thick, making it fairly durable.
Do soapstone countertops scratch easily?
Because soapstone is a natural stone and also softer than these other stones, meaning it can make it more vulnerable to scratches when exposed to everyday wear and tear.
If you frequently drop your utensils on the floor, then soapstone may not be for you because it can easily get scratched and damaged.
Are soapstone countertops easy to maintain?
Natural stone countertops are relatively easy to maintain, but if you want to maintain its natural color, you will need to seal the surface every so often to protect it from stains.
It is also relatively easy to clean as compared to other natural stones. Simply use a nontoxic solution of soap and water or a specially formulated cleaner for your soapstone countertops.
Is soapstone as durable as granite?
As with most natural stone materials, the durability of soapstone depends on what type of granite is used as a base.
Natural stone countertops are very durable, but if you want your soapstone to last longer, then the best option is to use granite or marble as a base.
Soapstone, while not as hard as granite, is more flexible. This implies it is less brittle, which means it will not fracture abruptly due to stress or weight.
Furthermore, soapstone is highly non-porous, which distinguishes it from granite, sandstone, and slate.
Which is better soapstone or granite?
Granite and soapstone have been the two most popular natural stone countertop materials for many years.
Granite is a harder material, that soapstone, but more durable if a granite.
Granite can also harbor bacteria and other forms of mildew because it is porous. Soapstone, on the other hand, is more expensive but less porous and easier to clean.
Because soapstone is non-porous, it has a slight advantage over granite because it will not need to be sealed.
In addition, granite is one of the most heat-resistant countertop materials available.
Placed hot pots or pans on the surface will not cause any damage.
Regardless, you should always use as much caution as possible while placing hot things on your countertop. If possible, use trivets or hot pads.
While soapstone may withstand some heat, granite is the more heat resistant countertop material.
Are soapstone countertops high maintenance?
Because of its non-porosity, soapstone countertops may last for a long time without needing to be sealed. Because soapstone is non-porous, it is simple to clean.
It therefore requires not as much high maintenance as granite or marble. While cleanliness is important, the maintenance process is not as involved as those other stones.
If you wipe it down with a damp rag and occasional application of a non-toxic cleaner then you’re all set!
Natural stone countertops are highly durable and don’t require much upkeep.
You can even seal them to prevent stains and enhance their look.
How long do soapstone countertops last?
Soapstone countertops are a relatively durable natural stone option. If you take great care of the countertop and clean it regularly, then it can last a long time!
If you chip or scratch them, then you can also simply buff them out.
Soapstone countertops will probably outlast granite by a few years if maintained properly.
Which is better soapstone or quartz?
Both are natural stones that are great for use as countertops. Both are fairly easy to clean, stable, heat resistant and non-porous.
Quartz is much more scratch resistant than soapstone though, it may not be more durable.
Does soapstone have to be sealed?
Soapstone countertops does not require sealing since it is non porous.
Alternatively, you can use soapstone countertops in natural kitchen or bathroom designs without sealing it up.
It is highly durable and relatively easy to maintain, making it an excellent option for those looking for a natural stone countertop.
Can you put a hot pan on soapstone?
Because soapstone is both chemical and heat resistant, you may place hot pots and pans straight on it without fear of breaking or burning.
Soapstone, on the other hand, is considerably softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz, thus cooking meals directly on your soapstone countertop might quickly scratch it.
