If you constantly find yourself placing hot materials on kitchen countertops, then a soapstone countertop is ideal for your space. Soapstone countertops are heat resistant. As such, you do not need to worry about discolorations or damage from heat. This makes soapstone countertops ideal in most kitchens.
Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.
Soapstone counters can scratch easily, and they require routine oiling to maintain their appearance. They also come in limited color options and are more expensive than other countertop materials.
Because of the talc in its composition, soapstone is more malleable and less brittle than other natural stones, so it does not crack or chip from temperature or pressure changes.
Soapstone has long been known for its ability to retain heat, which is why it is so commonly used in pizza ovens and masonry heaters. It is able to withstand direct flames indefinitely unlike many other stones.
Amongst all natural stones, granite offers the best heat resistance.
Soapstone is non-porous and, unlike marble and granite, does not need to be sealed.
With quartz countertops, you are assured of getting a countertop that rhymes with your home's aesthetics. Ease of maintenance and durability- Soapstone requires regular maintenance. Also, it darkens over time and will need mineral oil treatments regularly. But with quartz, the ease of maintenance is unmatched.
Soapstone is a little more expensive than granite, although not by much. The prices can be comparable, depending on the stone. A high-end soapstone may be very expensive but also improves property values significantly.
Low maintenance: Soapstone is relatively low maintenance and does not require regular sealing or special cleaners. Heat resistance: Soapstone is highly heat resistant, making it ideal for placing hot pots and pans directly on the surface.
Soapstone is used because it's heat resistant and needs little maintenance.
Talc and soapstone may contain asbestos. In a longitudinal study in Germany samples of materials used have been taken over a periode of 10 years. Only very small quantities of asbestos have been detected.
Limestone, Soapstone, Sandstone Countertops Last 20-50 Years. Limestone, soapstone, and sandstone are all softer stone varieties that make elegant, solid-color countertops in modern kitchens. However, all three are very porous which means a high risk of scratches, stains, and even hidden mildew if not properly sealed.
If you don't have a coating on your natural stone surfaces but are still worried about disinfecting, regular Clorox Wipes can be used to give your counters a wipe down in a pinch, but don't let them sit directly on the stone!
Soapstone surfaces need not be sealed, but we recommend treatment with mineral oil if consistent surface darkening is desired. Without treatment, soapstone will darken in uneven regions around surface areas most frequently used. Leaving the soapstone untreated will develop a patina of age that many people enjoy.
Soapstone does not emit radon. This make it desirable as a building material for homes because it does not release a toxic gas into the living environment of human beings. It is advantageous in that regard to granite which does emit radon.
Yes, Soapstone Will Scratch—But Maintenance Is Simple
Its nonporous nature means that caring for soapstone is simple: little more than water and a gentle cleanser is needed for regular maintenance. Despite the ease of maintenance, there is one thing to keep in mind when it comes to soapstone countertops.
Quartz is resistant to scratches, stains, and heat, plus it's non-porous. This makes quartz one of the most durable countertops you can buy for your kitchen or bathroom.
Slate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, with an approximate cost of $20 to $60 per square foot. It is a stunning countertop material that offers a variety of colors including blacks, greys, blues, greens, browns, and even reds. And because each slab is uniquely made, it provides uniform countertops.
Due to its beauty and durability, granite has been one of the most popular kitchen countertops for many years. When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design.
Depending on the amount of talc in the slab, soapstone is graded into high talc (artistic grade) and low talc (architectural grade) varieties.
Soapstone is on the high end of countertop materials and is significantly more expensive than granite and on par with quartz for the most part (the high end of the range for soapstone is more expensive than quartz).
Clean & Care Instructions:
1. Allow Soapstone Cooking Surface to cool before handling. 2. Wash with warm, soapy water and a soft brush, or place in dishwasher.
You should apply it with a clean cloth, then wipe the excess away—it's that simple. Although soapstone is naturally nonporous, it will benefit from a beautifying sealer like SimpleCoat to make the colors pop and protect it from staining. Water, oil and greasy substances can cause it to become discolored and stained.
Despite their name you can use soapstone whiskey stones in scotch, wine, beer, martinis, water, coke, or any other drink you want to keep cold without watering it down. Soapstone Werks has many things to offer. There is so much you can do with soapstone because of soapstone's unique properties.