Is soapstone worth the price?

Author: Mr. Jeramy Schumm DDS  |  Last update: Thursday, November 2, 2023

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.

What are the disadvantages of soapstone?

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.

Is soapstone high maintenance?

Soapstone is used because it's heat resistant and needs little maintenance.

Why is soapstone so expensive?

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.

Does soapstone crack easily?

Soapstone does not crack easily

While it may appear soft, soapstone countertops do not crack easily. This is however a problem when it comes to scratches. The softness makes it easily susceptible to scratches but protects it from cracking.

SOAPSTONE COUNTERTOPS | Your questions answered!

Is soapstone low maintenance?

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.

Can you put hot pans on soapstone?

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.

Does soapstone need to be sealed?

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.

What are the disadvantages of a soapstone sink?

Disadvantages: Architectural-grade, made-to-order soapstone sinks can cost much more than other sinks. This material's soft nature means it can accumulate nicks and scratches over time too, although those can add to the patina.

Which is better quartz or soapstone?

Quartz Countertops are your most durable option for New Stone Countertops. Scratch-Resistant, Chip Resistant, and Stain Resistant without ever having to Seal your Countertops.

Can you use Clorox wipes on soapstone?

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!

Why do people love soapstone?

The nonporous, stain-resistant properties of soapstone make it ideal for kitchen surfaces. This dense material doesn't harbor bacteria, so you can easily wipe germs and contaminants from your countertop, sink, and backsplash.

What is the best countertop for your money?

Quartz Countertops

Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.

Is there asbestos in soapstone?

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.

Is soapstone still popular?

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.

Does soapstone emit radon?

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.

Is soapstone low grade?

Soapstone in general has a ranking between 1 and 5. Most soapstone counters rank between 2.5-3.5 depending on talc content, with a similar hardness to marble countertops. Quartz counters, comparatively, have a Mohs ranking of 7.

Is soapstone timeless?

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.

Is soapstone better than granite?

Hardness: Granite is hard and able to stand up to a great deal of wear and tear. This makes it an excellent choice for high-traffic kitchen countertops, bathrooms and other frequently used areas. Soapstone, on the other hand, is much softer and will show scratches, chips and gouges more easily.

Does soapstone get water stains?

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.

What happens if you don't oil soapstone?

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.

Does soapstone turn black?

Soapstone is a gorgeous natural surface. When left as-is, it's a light gray slate-like shade. And while soapstone will gradually darken over time, some prefer to have the darker look straight out of the starting gate. By adding oil or wax, the result is a shiny onyx-hued black with a bit more richness.

How can you tell if soapstone is real?

Examine soapstone samples and put them to the test to ensure the stone is stainproof and acid-resistant—if the sample section stains or if undiluted white vinegar left on the surface for an hour causes etching or damage, it's not authentic soapstone.

Is soapstone good for bathroom countertops?

We strongly recommend soapstone in the bathroom because it's much easier to disinfect than other stone options — something with major value in a space as potentially germ-infested as the bathroom!

Can you roll dough on soapstone?

Just turn out the dough and get to it; the soapstone countertop is ideal, especially for larger products that might expand beyond a cutting board or piece of parchment paper.

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