Soapstone Countertops: The Benefits and Disadvantages

Granite and marble are two of the most prominent stone kitchen countertop products. They supply the ideal equilibrium of durability and beauty that can make any type of kitchen stand out. Yet if you're searching for a various all-natural stone alternative that can offer the same level of toughness and appeal, soapstone could be the appropriate material for you.

Obviously, just like tsoapany type of various other countertop material, soapstone features its own set of benefits and drawbacks that you must recognize before deciding. In this blog post, we'll take a closer take a look at the benefits and drawbacks of soapstone countertops so you can determine if they're the right fit for your kitchen.

What is a Soapstone?

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that's quarried throughout the globe, with several of the biggest deposits being discovered in Brazil, India, and Finland. It's primarily composed of talc, but it likewise consists of small amounts of quartz, chlorite, amphiboles, and various other minerals.

Soapstone has actually been used for centuries in a range of applications, consisting of sculptures, fire places, and of course, countertops. Its name was stemmed from its soap-like feeling when it was first quarried. When polished, soapstone tackles a smooth, smooth structure that can include an extravagant feel and look to any kitchen.

Advantages of Soapstone Countertops

With any natural stone countertop, there are going to be some advantages and downsides. Soapstone is no different. Let's begin by taking a look at the benefits of soapstone countertops:

Visual

All-natural stone countertops like soapstone have an one-of-a-kind aesthetic that can't be replicated with man-made materials. The rustic appearance of soapstone can include character and appeal to any type of kitchen. And because it's a natural stone, each soapstone slab is special and will certainly have its own distinct capillaries and patterns. This rarity is just one of the reasons that soapstone counters have become so preferred in the last few years.

Environmentally-Friendly

Soapstone is a completely natural item that's quarried from the ground. That means it does not need any dangerous chemicals or processes to create. The worry of having unfriendly chemicals in your kitchen is among the reasons why many individuals are choosing soapstone over manufactured materials like laminate or concrete. And if you're looking to lower your carbon impact, soapstone is among one of the most sustainable countertop materials available.

Low Upkeep

Soapstone is an extremely low-maintenance product. It's non-porous, so it does not need to be sealed like granite or quartz countertops. And it's also resistant to stains and heat. That implies you will not have to worry about putting your warm pans on the counter or spilling merlot. Just a little soap and water is all you need to keep your soapstone countertops resembling brand-new.

Durability

Breaking, chipping, and damaging are all issues you may have with a kitchen countertop. However soapstone is a long lasting countertop material. It's heat-resistant and it will not chip or split easily. You can feel great that your soapstone countertops will certainly take on the damage of everyday usage.

High ROI

If you're planning on selling your residence in the future, soapstone countertops can really increase the value of your residential property. They use a high roi and can make your kitchen a lot more attractive to possible buyers.

Easy to Set up

As a reasonably soft stone, it's not as well hard to install soapstone countertops. Actually, it's typically simpler to set up than various other all-natural stone alternatives like granite countertops. It can be cut and shaped to fit any kind of kitchen, so you do not have to stress over finding the perfect slab

Drawbacks of Soapstone Countertops

Since we have actually taken a look at a few of the advantages of soapstone countertops, let's take a look at some of the prospective negative aspects:

Cost

As with any natural stone countertop, soapstone can be a little bit on the expensive side. The cost will vary depending on the quality of the stone and where it's being sourced from. And because it's a natural stone, the cost can fluctuate based upon availability. If you're on a tight spending plan, soapstone might not be the very best choice for your kitchen countertops. It is necessary to get a few quotes before you choose so you can find the most effective rate for your budget plan.

Color Restriction

Due to its unique structure, soapstone is only offered in a restricted range of patterns and colors. Gray, blue, and black are the most common shades you'll discover. And while some people enjoy the rustic look of soapstone, others might favor a brighter countertop. So, if you're seeking a countertop that is available in a wide range of colors, soapstone could not be the most effective option.

Soft Qualities

Talc is the major mineral located in soapstone, and it's a relatively soft product. This makes soapstone at risk to scrapes and etching. If you're not careful, your soapstone countertop can start to look boring and worn over time. An easy throwing of a spoon can trigger scraping to the surface. And while this can be fined sand out, it's something you'll need to remember when choosing soapstone for your kitchen.

Last Ideas

With any type of countertop product, there are advantages and downsides to take into consideration. Soapstone is a gorgeous, natural product that comes with a range of benefits. Yet it's also important to be familiar with the prospective disadvantages prior to you make a decision. Evaluate all your options and choose the countertop product that's right for your kitchen.

To give you more infomation with regards to soapstone countertops, feel free to check out this blog post from Denver Stone Plus.