Soapstone Countertops: Pros and Cons

Before buying a soapstone countertop, it is necessary to understand the soapstone countertop pros and cons fully. Care and maintenance are among the key factors that affect longevity.

While there are several materials to choose from to enhance your kitchen countertop, soapstone will probably fit best into your unique kitchen. This stone was first discovered around 1 million years ago. It can also be made from a stone that contains calcium carbonate.

If you prefer natural materials to a kitchen counter, then you will love your soapstone countertop. To know more about soapstone countertops, visit the Caesarstone website. Let’s discuss the pros and cons of soapstone countertops.

Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops

The pros and cons of soapstone countertops are listed here to help you become acquainted with them.

Pros of Soapstone Countertops

Durability

Soapstone countertops are naturally heat and stain-resistant, which makes them an ideal choice for modern kitchens. With a virtually impervious surface to the water, soapstone counters require minimal maintenance. Apart from marble, soapstone is the other kind of mineral that won’t react to vinegar from food preparations and the like.

Beauty

If you want a look of true elegance, then choose this type of stone. It resembles natural stones used centuries ago for cooking utensils. To achieve the look of soapstone, you’ll need a slab of marble or granite, which you can then seal with the same seal used on other stones. It has the appearance of marble yet, unlike stone, is easy to cut and manipulate. Soapstone comes in a range of colors, which adds to its allure.

Environment Friendly

Natural soapstone uses no harsh chemical compounds during production. It does not harm the environment or the environment by leaching into the soil. Soapstone can be recycled again and again. If you want to be earth-friendly, using natural soapstone is a good way to go. Additionally, soapstone is attractive because it has that nice grain.

Does Not Crack Easily

For a long time, soapstone counters have been considered superior to all surfaces that need to be sealed. Although now they become inferior in terms of porosity property, which means they are less porous to moisture, they are also extremely durable.

Easy to Clean

As a natural substance, soapstone is non-porous and easy to clean. Since the stone lacks pores, you also need mild soap and a gentle sponge. Oil should be used regularly to clean soapstone countertops.

One of the great things about soapstone countertops is that you do not need to spend much to buy them. On top of that, the stone is a relatively low-cost material. It is often sold at wholesale prices to kitchen manufacturers. This means that if you buy at wholesale prices for kitchen or bathroom countertops, you get to make a great purchase that will not drain your pocket.

For those who want to buy a unique soapstone countertop, choose the one that perfectly fits your needs. This is the objective of this post. If the benefits of a soapstone countertop outweigh the drawbacks, then go for it. But if the pros do not outweigh the cons, choose a soapstone countertop that is perfect for you.

Easy to Install

Soapstone countertop can be installed relatively easily. If you are a DIYer, you will not find it difficult to install the surface. But before you begin, note that some manufacturers provide the installation kit. Once you have obtained yours, just install it using the provided guidelines.

Appearance

The visual appearance of soapstone creates an elegant contrast to stainless steel and glossy surfaces. If you have always wanted a rustic, elegant kitchen or the appearance that granite and marble bring to a kitchen, then soapstone is perfect for your needs. Soapstone is always visually appealing.

Cons of Soapstone Countertops

Cost

The initial installation cost may be higher compared to man-made stones since it is natural stone. This makes the cost of a soapstone countertop more expensive compared to granite and other man-made stones. But the quality and durability of a soapstone countertop mean a high return on investment if and when you decide to sell your home.

Because it is a natural stone, soapstone cannot be manufactured with an infinite number of color options. Moreover, soapstone is naturally grey. So while a range of soapstone colors is available, it can vary from light grey to dark grey. But if you want a light grey countertop, you must purchase a slab with a higher level of talc to produce a uniform grey color.

Prone to Scratches

Soapstone does not scratch easily. But you still need to keep that in mind when choosing your countertop material. The non-porosity makes it less vulnerable to scratches when contrasted with other natural stones. But you have to be aware of any rough material like steel on the kitchen or other hard-to-reach areas in your kitchen.

Needs Proper Care

Soapstone countertops are the ideal choice of stone for busy kitchens. Natural stone countertops are hard to get rid of dirt. As such, you will have to be very careful when you use your natural stone to keep your countertops clean. If you have soapstone sinks, they are very susceptible to contamination.

You Need to Clean With a Light Touch

Bear in mind that soapstone gets dirty easily. However, it is vital to use the correct method for cleansing. Over-brushing tends to remove the minerals, making the natural soapstone sink look dull and lifeless. Furthermore, if soapstone is too wet, it can easily attract dust which can cause a significant impact on the appearance of the sink.

Conclusion

In discussing soapstone countertops pros and cons, It is worth noting that Soapstone is low-maintenance and long-lasting, making it an excellent choice for a kitchen countertop.

Although soapstone has a rustic appearance, the diversity of shapes and hues make it more versatile and affordable than other kitchen cabinets and countertops.

Since soapstone is an effective and easy material to work with, it works well to create a countertop without any problem or headache. This stone comes in various shades of colors, so there is a wide range of choices for you. We hope now you are fully aware of the pros and cons of soapstone counters