Soapstone is a type of natural stone that has been utilized for many years in countertops. It has a milky look that offers it a rural feel, unlike the elegant and urban appearance of slate or granite. A lot of homeowners prefer the natural look of soapstone.
If you’re planning to install a soapstone countertop, it’s better to understand the material first. Here are some benefits you can get from soapstone countertops:
It is Simple to Maintain and Clean
Since it’s not porous, soapstone cleans up with a combination of dish rag or sponge and mild soap. This is an extremely clean countertop. It’s an excellent option for people who love to cook with fresh meats, vegetables, and fresh fruits that are often linked with e-Coli bacteria.
The Durability of Soapstone Countertop
Though it isn’t as sturdy as granite, soapstone is more flexible. This means it’s not brittle. Therefore, it will not unexpected crack from weight or stress. Aside from that, this material is extremely non-porous. It is another vital benefit that sets it apart from slate, sandstone, and granite. It does not need the sealing that those materials require. Also, there’s less possibility for the stain to linger if oil or wine is spilled onto it.
The main care that this material need is a regular oiling. This maintenance task maintains the look of the soapstone. It also generates natural staining as time passes by. To make things simple, oiling is done for aesthetics instead of performance purposes.
The Appearance of Soapstone
This is perhaps the material you need if you are searching for a natural stone with a great amount of warmth. This is one of the reasons why this type of countertop is a preferred option in rural kitchens. However, they can be incorporated in styles from eclectic to modern to traditional. They provide great design flexibility.
The colors you will find in soapstone ranges from charcoal gray with an almost solid color to nearly pure white with a bit of marbling. In between, you will love a pleasant array of grays, pearls, off-whites, and whites with great marbling.
Natural Stone Countertop
This material is made from quarried stone. The stone is a steatite stone that includes dolomite, magnesite, and chlorite. Aside from that, almost every stone contains a little talc which accounts for the powdery or milky feel and look of the stone. Slabs with a lot of talc have been utilized by sculptors through the years for its softness. Steatite with less talc is sturdy enough to utilize in fireplace surrounds and countertops.
The presence of talc generates a material that’s softer to the touch compared to almost every natural stone countertop material. But, this does not mean it will not stand up to the day-to-day wear and tear of the kitchen.
However, you need to prevent directly from cutting on it since it is quite soft. Furthermore, you shouldn’t drop heavy cast iron pans or objects on it. While it may be nice to feel the soft nature of soapstone, it is also one of its drawbacks.
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