Because it lasts forever and offers a timeless look, your new soapstone countertops will never become dated. It looks stunning with all different types of cabinets, from the stark white cabinets in a traditional or farmhouse kitchen to stained wood cabinets in any style.
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.
Although not as common as other countertop materials, soapstone is one of the most functional countertop materials. It adds on a rustic, elegant and urbane feel, similar to that of slate or granite. So, why is soapstone uncommon?
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.
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.
Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either. However, Bleach is not needed, since the soapstone's natural high density will not harbor bacteria of any kind. Simple soapstone and water or vinegar and water. Will work wonderfully well and clean any surface bacteria just as well as bleach or harsh cleaners.
Soapstone, being softer than granite and marble, is also more prone to scratches. The great advantage is that any scratches can be easily removed with a light sanding and/or mineral oil. Light scratches can be hidden by lightly applying some mineral oil.
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.
If moisture gets inside natural stone, it weakens the strength properties of almost all types of stone. If a stone gets wet unevenly, it can bend. Soapstone's high density prevents moisture and chemicals from entering the stone, and it is therefore not prone to the previously-mentioned problems.
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.
The Durability of Soapstone
While not as hard as granite, this material is more pliable. That means it is less brittle, so it won't crack unexpectedly from stress or weight. In addition, soapstone is very non-porous, another important strength that sets it apart from granite, sandstone and slate.
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.
Quartz countertops cost on average $3,500 to $4,900 for fifty square feet of countertops, significantly higher than soapstone countertops. Materials cost between $2,900 and $4,100, and installation is on the costly end, ranging from $600 to $800.
Unlike other mineral stones, soapstone comes in limited color options. Its typical color options are green, black, white, bluish gray, and gray.
Scratch the surface of the stone with your fingernail. Soapstone is very soft; it is assigned a rating of 2 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that simply by drawing your fingernail across the surface of the stone you should be able to mark it.
Patina is how your soapstone naturally ages. It's why quarried traditional soapstone, in its natural state, is light blue gray or darker grey. Typically the darker soapstone is harder, with less talc. Soapstone countertops will age (patina) or darken naturally.
Soapstone when first mined is typically bluish/gray.
After the scratch has been sanded out, apply a light coat of the mineral oil or soapstone enhancer to the sanded area. The mineral oil application should be repeated 2-3 times over a 2-3 day period until the sanded area matches the coloration of the rest of the stone.
Pour mineral oil onto a clean cloth, and rub the cloth over the soapstone surface. Make sure the surface is covered with a thin layer of mineral oil, and let it seep into the surface. Repeat this process every eight weeks to prevent new stains from showing up.
SOAPSTone (Speaker, Occasion, Audience, Purpose, Subject, Tone) is an acronym for a series of questions that students must first ask themselves, and then answer, as they begin to plan their compositions.
Soapstone is the common name for the mineral steatite. Steatite is at least 50% talc combined with other minerals, mostly magnesite, that have been geologically metamorphosed into stone through a combination of heat, pressure and time. It is called soapstone because the talc gives the stone a soapy feel.
The most common size of a soapstone slab is approx 70” x 118” and 3cm (1-1/4” thick).
Darkening With Oil or Wax
To care for soapstone, we recommend applying dry-wax, mineral or baby oil to the surface of your soapstone 24 hours after it is installed. We do not automatically apply anything because all the silicone and caulks used during installation need to cure for 24 hours after installation.
Walnut oil is one of these. Despite increased popularity, it does not optimize the look and feel of soapstone, and it's allergenic. Additionally, do not use the common household olive oils: they will go rancid and start to smell.
Add a few drops of dishwashing liquid to a bucket (or sink full) of warm water, working it until suds form. Wet your sponge or cloth with the soapy water and wipe the soapstone surface thoroughly. Rinse out your sponge or cloth with plain water and wipe away any sudsy residue from the soapstone surface.