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 is impermeable to heat, acid, and other alkalis and harsh chemicals as an inert material. You can use virtually any soapstone cleaner to care for this beautiful, indelicate product. Still, we recommend avoiding harsh cleaners that could exacerbate skin and sinus irritations in your guests.
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.
You don't need to worry about it too much as long as you seal it from time to time. On the other hand, granite is far more heat resistant than soapstone. You will need to be careful when putting hot pans on soapstone, but not when putting them on granite.
Soapstone's nonporous nature means that it's unaffected by heat, bacteria and sink stainers like tomatoes and red wine. Disadvantages: Architectural-grade, made-to-order soapstone sinks can cost much more than other sinks.
"It is a softer material, so it does scratch easier," Carbia says. Homes with children who drop things, or homeowners who prefer cutting straight on the countertop as opposed to using a cutting board, might damage soapstone.
Soapstone cookware can crack if it is exposed to a dramatic temperature change. It is not good for taking food from the freezer to the oven, for example. When cooking with soapstone cookware, preheat the pan gradually and cook using low heat.
Soapstone is used because it's heat resistant and needs little maintenance.
Soapstone costs roughly $70 to $120 per square foot installed, making it pricier than many other natural stone countertop materials. Also a high-quality natural stone, granite will not cost you as much soapstone. The material typically costs in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed.
Soapstone is a rare stone. This makes it relatively more expensive compared to man-made countertop materials. The average cost of soapstone countertops ranges between $70 to $120 per square foot, excluding installation.
6) Heat foods gradually when using soapstone cookware, and avoid sudden temperature changes. 7) Place soapstone in an unheated oven and adjust the oven thermostat to desired temperature (up to 500°F /250°C/10 Gas mark). This is very hot. Let the Stone heat for 30 to 50 minutes.
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.
Soapstone is non-porous and, unlike marble and granite, does not need to be sealed. You can purchase our specially formulated Soapstone Care Mineral Oil from our online store. This is a lighter-grade mineral oil, which is easier to apply than standard drugstore mineral oil.
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!
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.
The more important thing to note is that you can chop directly on soapstone, but you may not want to for the sake of your knives! Concerns about staining — If you're a fan of heavily colored dishes like curries or marinara sauce, staining is a real concern for most stone countertops.
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.
Because of its density, it is non-porous, making it an ideal kitchen surface. Here the soapstone is used for a kitchen island. Soapstone is very popular in kitchens today for a variety of reasons.
Because it lasts forever and offers a timeless look you don't have to worry much about your soapstone counters becoming dated.
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.
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.
To preserve the color of your soapstone, it should be resealed every three or four years. The frequency may depend on the amount of stress the sealant is exposed to; however, scratches on the surface of the sealant usually only require application to the affected area.
Once your soapstone cookware is seasoned, it will have a smooth non-stick finish. Before curing, wash with a sponge or brush in hot water only, and allow to dry thoroughly. To begin curing, amply grease all surfaces of your soapstone cookware with your choice of cooking oil. Use care in handling the oiled pieces.
In general, soapstone offers a good balance between cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal. For homeowners who don't want to pay the cost of quartz countertops but who are interested in the look of soapstone and the benefits of quartz, a soapstone-quartz hybrid may be an option worth considering.