How Do I Choose the Best Look? Depending on the region where it's quarried, soapstone ranges in color from soft white and light gray to deep charcoal, with most types exhibiting gentle veining. Some contains hints of pearl, blue or green, but the most prevalent hues are whites and grays.
The variety- Soapstone is a natural occuring stone. As such, it is only available in shades of light grey, soft white and deep charcoal. Most soapstone countertops exhibit gentle veining, with some having hues of green, blue or Perl. However, quartz countertops are available in a variety of colours.
Many people are surprised to learn that soapstone, while somewhat softer than granite, is less porous and susceptible to staining, and its hardness can be compared to high-end marbles. Soapstone slabs are usually in creamy shades ranging from nearly white to dark gray, with subtle or considerable veining.
Maintenance: Soapstone doesn't stain, although it will naturally darken with use. Since soapstone is inert and non-porous, it doesn't need to be sealed, although it's sometimes treated with mineral oil to achieve a dark, even appearance.
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.
Depending on the region where it's quarried, soapstone ranges in color from soft white and light gray to deep charcoal, with most types exhibiting gentle veining. Some contains hints of pearl, blue or green, but the most prevalent hues are whites and grays.
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.
Unlike other mineral stones, soapstone comes in limited color options. Its typical color options are green, black, white, bluish gray, and gray.
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.
Luckily, the gorgeous and strong naturally sourced stone granite also has options available that look like soapstone. Granite, one of the top choices for countertops in terms of durability, has a few options available that match the aesthetic of soapstone.
The look of soapstone, but with the durability of granite. Many of these black granites are close in appearance to the quintessential soapstone. The field is a dark gray/charcoal to black, and it has white veining.
Over time, the patina of the stone develops gradual imperfections. Soapstone will never be the right choice for someone looking for a highly formal or shiny surface. It is is naturally matte and has an understated quality that quietly exudes style.
Visible seams: Since slate slabs are smaller than other natural stone materials, you're more likely to see seams on your countertops. Brittle: Compared to other stones, slate is much more vulnerable to chipping and cracking.
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.
Overall, marble tends to be harder and more durable than soapstone. The durability of marble has come into question mostly because of common misconceptions or myths about the nature of marble.
Soapstone Countertop Pros
Soapstone doesn't stain: Soapstone is non-porous, which means it won't stain and you don't have to worry about bacteria growing like you do with other countertop materials. It also doesn't react to acid, which often causes stains on other countertops.
Yes, the majority of imported soapstones have a greenish cast, and will turn a deep green when waxed or oiled. However, there is one variety (and it happens to be American) that you can count on to keep its sought after grey color.
Soapstone almost always has a muted gray, gray-blue, or gray-green color. It often has white veins running across the stone, and sometimes has swirls of white or quartz. Soapstone is quarried in many places around the world, and these locations each provide unique slabs.
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.
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.
The most common size of a soapstone slab is approx 70” x 118” and 3cm (1-1/4” thick).