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.
Soapstone is a terrific material for many applications, and especially makes a good alternative to granite, quartz, or marble countertops. Other popular uses for soapstone include sinks, tiles, masonry heaters, and wood stoves.
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.
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.
Native Americans were known making cooking stones. They would place soapstone pieces into a fire until they were scorching hot, then place them in stew to heat it through. The Native Americans also began to create pieces of art with the stone and would use it to trade with the settlers in Canada and the United States.
It preserves 98% of the nutrients in the food it cooks. The calcium and magnesium that are released from the soapstone vessels into the food are vital elements for our bodies. One of the best cookware for cooking acidic meals since it is acid and alkali resistant.
It has therefore been used for cooking and heating equipment for thousands of years. Soapstone is often used as an insulator for housing and electrical components, due to its durability and electrical characteristics and because it can be pressed into complex shapes before firing.
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 Countertop Lifespan
With the right maintenance, soapstone countertops can easily last for 20 years or longer. Scratches can be buffed out with mineral oil while dents and chips can get filled in relatively easily.
The Asbestos Quandary
Asbestiform laths are obvious in some of the soapstone that we see; however, the asbestos particles do not have to be visible to the naked eye or even magnifying glass to be harmful. It has been reported that roughly 40 to 50 percent of the soapstone contains some asbestos.
Effects of overexposure Exposure to soapstone may cause scarring of the lungs. Shortness of breath, cough, enlargement of the ends of the fingers and heart failure may occur with this condition. Workers exposed to soapstone have been found to have an increased amount of cancer of the lungs and pleura.
Answer and Explanation: 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.
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.
Soapstone is dense, without pores, does not stain, and repels water.
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.
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!
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.
Unlike other kinds of stone, soapstone doesn't require any sealant, making it easier for you to walk on even while wet. However, it would be best if you considered installing a showerpan with soapstone tile layered on top instead of solid slabs of the stone for your shower area.
You can make various natural soapstone cleaners with water and white vinegar, water and soap, water and lemon juice, or many other combinations. The key to choosing a natural soapstone cleaner that works best for your home is considering loved ones' health conditions.
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.
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.
Soapstone is found in the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia with significant deposits in Vermont and Virginia. Finland and Brazil are the largest international producers of soapstone.