Laboratories are famous for using soapstone countertops as the preferred choice of work tops. A durable and hardworking natural stone that is virtually maintenance free. Is soapstone too good to be true? We’ve done our research and test drives and created a soapstone primer to help you decide if this is the counter top material for you.
What is soapstone?
Soapstone is a natural quarried stone. It’s a metamorphic rock that got its name from the soft, or soapy, feel of its surface, which is thanks to the presence of talc in the stone. The two varieties artistic and architectural are differentiated by talc contact. Artistic-grade soapstone has a high talc content and is soft and easy to carve. Architectural-grade soapstone has a lower talc content (usually between 50 and 75 percent), which makes it harder and more suitable for counter top use. It’s not as hard as granite or marble, however, and can be easily cut, shaped, and installed. Unlike granite and marble, however, it’s typically quarried in smaller slabs, meaning that for counters longer than seven feet, several pieces (and visible seams) are necessary
Why should you use soapstone countertops in your kitchen?
1. It doesn’t stain. Soapstone is dense and nonporous; it does darken when liquid pools on its surface, but it lightens back up when the liquid evaporates or is cleaned off.
2. It can stand up to acidic materials. The fact that soapstone is chemically inert means it’s not harmed by lemon juice or cleaners that must be avoided with other natural stone surfaces. That’s why it’s so popular for use as science lab tops.
3. It’s heat resistant. The density of soapstone makes it an amazing conductor of heat, which enables it to withstand very high heat with no damage. You can put hot pans right on the surface without worry.
Do soapstone counters need to be sealed?
Because soapstone is nonporous, it doesn’t need to be sealed or protected. Not only does this cut down on maintenance (see below), the absence of chemicals in the fabrication and ongoing care leads many to consider soapstone an environmentally responsible choice.
Above: In addition to not requiring any sealer, soapstone stays looking good. Scratches and nicks are part of its character, but bothersome marks can be removed with sandpaper.
Is soapstone available in a variety of colors?
Soapstone is available in a range of shades on a sliding gray scale, some with blue or green undertones. Each slab is unique and varies from quarry to quarry. The widest variation in soapstone is in the quartz fleck and veining patterns. Some slabs have large but few veins; others have dense veining.
Where can you use soapstone?
Because of its resilience and adaptability, soapstone can be used for much more than countertops; it works well as sinks, fireplace surrounds (thanks to its heat resistance), flooring, and throughout the bathroom. It’s also a great choice for outdoor counters and sinks as it’s impervious to weather and bacteria.
How do you clean and maintain soapstone counters?
Low maintenance is the name of the game with soapstone. Soapstone’s nonporous quality makes it bacteria resistant, so harsh cleaners are not needed. Soap and water are all that’s recommended.
If there is one maintenance issue with soapstone, it may be its softness and susceptibility to scratches and nicks. You can protect the surface by using cutting boards. And the good news is that user-caused imperfections generally can be removed, as mentioned above, with a quick sandpaper buffing. No professional repairs required.