When choosing the best material for countertops, granite, quartz, and marble are the most popular options. And while all of these work beautifully, they do not need to be your only choice.
One option you might want to consider is soapstone. Softer and warmer than most other materials, soapstone adds the right blend of old-school charm with a modern touch that can lend a unique look to your kitchen or bathroom. It’s also a natural stone but a less common choice that will immediately make it stand out, especially when you consider that it’s neither too showy nor too glitzy, but at the same time, thoroughly distinctive.
As far as aesthetics go, soapstone is a metamorphic rock. It gets its name because it imparts a soapy feeling when touched. Soapstone is naturally stunning and available in muted, subdued colors like gray, gray-blue, green, white, and black with delicate veining or speckles.
Over time, it will acquire an attractive patina. As for kitchens, soapstone countertops are a great choice since they can withstand heat. Soapstone is also non-porous, which means that it will not mark or stain, unlike marble. Even better, acid does not affect it, so you won’t ever have to worry about spilling vinegar, wine, or tomato juice on your countertop.
The softness of the stone gives it an added advantage when it comes to using knives on it – it wears beautifully over time. It can show scratches, however, on account of its softness. However, you can buff the stone or oil it periodically with walnut oil, mineral oil, or dry wax to keep the stone’s finish evenly dark.
Other Advantages of Soapstone
Other advantages include the fact that it is a highly dense material and is resistant to bacteria and chemicals, which would make it a good fit for either your kitchen or bathroom. In addition, the thermal conductivity of soapstone is a considerable benefit. Soapstone transfers heat and cold, allowing it to be used indoors or outdoors equally well.
Whether you choose to opt for natural stone or a solid surface countertop will depend on what you’ll be using the surface for, to what extent you’ll be using it, and how much time you have to maintain it.
Contact Us Today
Your kitchen or bathroom countertop can seem like such a tiny piece of the puzzle at first, but when you start to consider what will work, you realize that they require much thought to get right.
From the material you pick to how you use and maintain it, this decision can become quite the focal point of the space. But often, deciding what to choose can seem daunting.
Should you opt for a quarried stone like soapstone? At GranitePro, we make the decision easy for you by weighing the pros and cons after carefully considering the design, layout, and structure of your home and your specific needs and requirements regarding your countertops.
Once we narrow down exactly what you want, we install this seamlessly and efficiently to ensure it matches your vision. Contact us today to see how we can make your kitchen or bathroom look outstanding with the right countertop that perfectly fits your home.