The Kitchen Store

There are more choices around than granite and marble whenever natural stone countertops are taken into account. But, if you enjoy the black charm of granite and the white colors of marble, consider soapstone instead. It’s long-lasting, reasonably low-maintenance, and even has a beautiful Old World look. 

As recommended by most kitchen remodeling services, soapstone has been used in countertops for decades. Noted for its milky look that gives it a retro vibe, soapstone is a leading alternative as opposed to the modern and sophisticated look of granite or slate. The following points below will give you a clearer idea of the benefits as well as disadvantages of soapstone as countertops;

Environment-Friendly

Soapstone, like most natural rocks, are processed and obtained through mining and quarrying. On a softer note, quarrying soapstone appears to be kinder to the earth compared to other natural stones. Marble quarrying, as an example, requires drilling deep into the mountains while soapstones are contained much up to the surface. With that, although there is an environmental effect, it is minimal.

Durable

Although not as strong as marble, soapstones are much more pliable. This feature of soapstones implies that it would be less brittle because it won’t snap spontaneously from tension or weight. Soapstone is also very non-porous, an outstanding quality that distinguishes it from other natural stones used as primary materials or countertops. 

Stain-Free and Heat-Resistant

Soapstone is not likely to smear. This feature ensures it keeps looking great a lot longer, which is the reason why a dropped bottle of red wine is not as troublesome as it is for most moms.

Moreover, a professional kitchen remodeling expert would say that soapstone is heat-tolerant, which guarantees that you can place a hot pot down on it without fear of ruining your countertop.

Easy to Clean

Since soapstone is non-porous, it can be easily cleaned up with soap and perhaps a sponge or washcloth. It is a somewhat hygienic countertop and a perfect alternative for all those who love cooking fresh fruits, veggies, and meats that are often correlated with bacterias.

Furthermore, soapstones do not require the coating, so it is much less likely to smear as wine or oil is poured onto it.

The primary treatment that soapstone requires is regular oiling that holds it looking it’s most excellent and provides a natural sheen as the times go by.

Cons Of Soapstone Countertops

Despite the benefits homeowners can gain from soapstones as countertops, there are still some items which homeowners should recognize regarding soapstone countertops which could be regarded as a potential downside: 

• If you happen to pick a slightly lighter shade of soapstone countertop, it might well be darkened with time, a typical feature of a rock which is formed of it rather than a mistake.
• Just like any countertops, soapstone countertops aren’t upkeep-free. To maintain them looking and working most beautiful, they have to be oiled and sanitized on a relatively frequent basis. Neglecting to do so could render them vulnerable to fracturing over time, and thus the slight marks that might occur on and around the soapstone countertop might become a teensy bit noticeable.
• If your contractor or manufacturer does not provide the correct grade of soapstone, you can have serious problems. Some vendors use poorer decorative standard soapstone for countertops. These substandard materials are often smaller and would be much less reliable compared to an architectural grade one that has been utilized by homeowners for centuries and therefore, can withstand decades of usage.

If you love the look and feel of soapstone but aren’t sure if you’re ready for the cost and upkeep required, turn to the kitchen cabinet experts at The Kitchen Store for help. We’ll help you find the best option for your home. Give us call at (310) 572-7515 or fill out our contact form for more information. We serve clients in Los Angeles, CA, and other areas in California.