When looking for a countertop material, you may come across soapstone. Although not as common as other countertop materials, soapstone is one of the most functional countertop materials.
Although soapstone can have a bit of veining, it does not provide that white look so many are looking for today. That's not to say it's not popular. It does impart an Old World, rustic feeling. And there are definitely fabricators who stock it regularly, Carbia says.
1. Quartz. Currently the most popular choice in kitchen countertops, homeowners choose quartz surfacing because of its many advantages. Quartz doesn't need to be sealed, and its seams blend very well.
Granite: Once found only in expensive, high-end kitchens, granite is more commonplace today and is by far the most popular natural-stone countertop material.
Soapstone is a Timeless Classic - While soapstone's popularity is growing, it is definitely not faddish. Because it lasts forever and offers a timeless look, your new soapstone countertops will never become dated.
When it comes to natural stone countertops, there are more options out there than just marble and granite. If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. It's durable, relatively low-maintenance, and has a lovely, old-world feel.
Since soapstone countertops do not crack easily, they are more durable than other countertops made of natural stone. Its non-porosity feature also means that your soapstone countertops can serve you for a long period without requiring sealing.
One of the most popular standard countertop edges is the Full Bullnose. This sophisticated edge profile is a timeless classic and will look great on your quartz countertops in the kitchen or bathroom.
Laminate countertops are the easiest kitchen countertop to maintain. Once installed, all you will need to do is clean them with mild soap and water. No additional maintenance is required.
Ogee Edge. The ogee edge is one of the more intricate countertop edge styles, and is popular for use in traditional kitchens and bathrooms.
Bullnose Edge. Also called a rounded edge, the bullnose edge is one of the most popular countertop edge designs, particularly for bathrooms. It creates a soft profile rather than sharp edges, contributing to a warmer, more inviting ambiance.
Options for marble, granite, and even engineered quartz made to look like natural stone are going to remain popular heading into 2022.
Quartz now comes in many colors, patterns, and finishing techniques that mimic's the look of natural stone. One of the most current and trending finishes right now is matte. In 2022, Quartz manufacturers will continue to impress us with manufacturing improvements to keep this countertops option king.
Natural soapstone colors come in a selection of hues. Typically, the color options range from a palette gray, green, black, or blue-ish gray. Additionally, there some options may have swirls of quartz and white.
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.
Thanks to its mineral composition and nonporosity, there is no need for soapstone to be sealed to keep moisture, bacteria and food particles from penetrating its surface, as is often required for porous stones such as granite and marble.
Solid surface countertops are a wonderful in-between for laminate and stone countertops. They are made from minerals and acrylic or polyester resin, giving them a nonporous surface that is easy to keep clean. They are heat resistant, seamless, and extremely durable without the need for regular maintenance or upkeep.
Crushed glass counters don't chip, scratch, stain, or burn. They're nonporous, so they don't need sealing, like granite. Crushed glass doesn't fade over time, like quartz. If you place something heavy on the corner of a crushed glass countertop, it may crack.
Square countertop edges are the perfect fit for a very modern, contemporary design. You may even choose a square edge if you want your countertops to look sleek and simple. Beveled edges are sleek and angled. They are popular with more contemporary designed kitchens.
An eased edge is one of the most popular quartz and granite countertop edges.
Bullnose edge
This countertop edge is fully rounded from top to bottom and is popular in families with young children. It tends to make the countertop look a little thinner, so some homeowners choose a half bullnose, which only is round on the top.
Mineral Oil is Your Friend
Having a dedicated routine to clean and maintain your soapstone can help minimize the chance for your countertops to get scratched over time. The most essential cleaning tool in your arsenal to help reduce any scratches or scuffing is finding and using the right mineral oil.
Soapstone is durable and heat-resistant, just like quartz and granite. Like quartz, soapstone is also non-porous — but unlike quartz, soapstone is naturally non-porous, so you do not need to worry about staining at all. There are no compounds that could get damaged and discolored.
Soapstone countertops cost between $70 to $120 per square foot. Not including installation, a completed soapstone countertop costs between $2,100 to $3,600. While the cost of installing soapstone countertops varies, expect to spend between $550 to $750 in labor to get the job done.