Kitchen Renovations: Soapstone Countertops
Whether you’re renovating or building from new, stone countertops are an ideal way to add style and sophistication to one of the most frequently used rooms in your home. As you narrow down your choice of natural stone, why not consider soapstone. With its warm look and unique character, soapstone has become one of the top material choices for kitchen countertops. Here’s everything you need to know about using soapstone in your kitchen remodel.
What Is Soapstone?
Soapstone, also known as “steatite,” is a metamorphic rock that contains chlorite, dolomite, and magnesite. Soapstone also contains mineral talc, which gives it a soft and soapy feel and a powdery look. Soapstone with a high talc content is often used by artists and sculptors while soapstone that has a lower talc percentage is used to make countertops for bathrooms and kitchens.
Softer to the touch than other stone countertop materials, soapstone is more pliable and resistant to cracks than other natural stone countertop materials.
Natural and Unique
Soapstone has the natural look of quarried stone. This means that no two slabs are the same, with each piece having its own unique veining and flecks of quartz throughout the stone. This uniqueness gives you a great deal of versatility in matching the design of your kitchen. You’ll be able to select soapstone to fit every style, from modern to contemporary to traditional.
You can also choose from a wide selection of shades and colours. Every slab of soapstone is unique to the region where it’s quarried, giving you a wide variation in finding just the right stone for your kitchen. Some of the colours you’ll find in soapstone include:
Soft whites and off-whites for a bright and spacious look.
Light greys and pearls with deep, rich marbling throughout.
Deep charcoal with blue, green, and pearl tones.
Durable and Strong
Although not as hard as granite, soapstone is less brittle, so it won’t crack as easily as other countertop materials. Soapstone comes with even more pros when it comes to durability and functionality in the kitchen:
Heat resistant – Soapstone is denser than granite or quartz, making it efficient at conducting high heat without damage to the surface.
Stands up to acid – Unlike marble countertops, soapstone stands up to acidic materials such as citrus, tomatoes, vinegar, and wine.
Resistant to stains – Soapstone is non-porous so it’s resistant to stains. Although the surface will darken a bit when liquid gathers on the stone, the appearance will lighten up again after cleaning and removing the liquid.
Care of Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is easy to clean and maintain:
For cleaning, just wipe with a soft cloth or sponge and mild soap. The nonporous quality of the stone keeps the material resistant to bacteria so there’s no need to clean with harsh cleaners. Another reason that soapstone is so low maintenance is that, unlike granite and quartz, it doesn’t require sealing.
One thing to keep in mind is to use a cutting board when cooking. Due to the softness of soapstone it can be susceptible to cuts and scratches.
Ready to renovate and design with the beauty of soapstone? Contact Granite au Sommet and talk to the experts who have the knowledge and experience to help you find the best countertop for your kitchen.