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 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.
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.
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.
Soapstone Countertop Cost
Soapstone counters typically run around middle-of-the-road pricing—less than marble but on par with quartz and granite. Soapstone countertops generally cost between $55 to $100 per square foot, depending on what you pick.
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, 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 quarried like marble and granite with most of it coming from Brazil. Composed of magnesite, dolomite, chlorite, and talc, soapstone is very soft yet extremely dense. It's heavier than graniteper square foot.
Stormy Black Soapstone
This low-talc soapstone variety is harder than others. Ash gray with prominent white veins before treatment, Stormy Black soapstone darkens dramatically after the application of oils.
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.
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.
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.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
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.
Quartz is actually harder than granite and thus, more durable. In fact, quartz is nearly indestructible, and because it isn't porous like granite, it's easy to keep your countertops relatively bacteria-free. Be careful with cooking pans though: Quartz can be damaged by excessive heat, so use heating pads at all times.
Quartz countertops are the easiest natural stone to take care of. They are engineered using ground stone and resin, so they don't require regular sealing they way most granite and marble countertops do. This stone is non-porous, so it does not easily stain or etch.
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.
Soapstone flooring is an excellent choice for wet spaces such as bathrooms and sauna rooms because it does not absorb water or become slippery. And the soft touch of soapstone tile feels good under bare feet.
Because it's a natural metamorphic stone, it almost always comes with random veining. The veins of color add a distinctive look. When first quarried, the stone is gray, but it gets darker with age as it begins to oxidize. My soapstone countertops, when wet or oiled, look a dark green.
Limestone, Soapstone, Sandstone Countertops Last 20-50 Years. Limestone, soapstone, and sandstone are all softer stone varieties that make elegant, solid-color countertops in modern kitchens. However, all three are very porous which means a high risk of scratches, stains, and even hidden mildew if not properly sealed.
Cost. 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.
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.
Therefore, practically any household cleaner can be used to clean soapstone. Unlike most natural stones, soapstone is not damaged by ammonia.
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.
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.