Since the average kitchen renovation costs about $150 per square foot, it’s important that you make the most out of your money. To do that, you’ll need to invest in countertops that are natural-looking and durable. Both aesthetics and functionality are important, but with many materials, it can be tricky to get a balance of both.
Fortunately, soapstone countertops deliver on both these fronts (and many more). Read on to get an idea of why- and how- to use soapstone during your next kitchen remodeling job!
1. It’s Attractive
One of the reasons that soapstone is a great choice is that it’s incredibly aesthetically pleasing. This natural material looks sort of like a combination of granite and slate, but with a milkier and more rustic appearance than either of these stones. Soapstone naturally has talc in it, which produces its somewhat powdery look.
Additionally, no two slabs of soapstone are exactly alike. You can rest assured knowing that the coloring and veining of your slab is completely one-of-a-kind.
The texture of soapstone is also incredibly appealing. Unlike hard granite, it’s a bit softer to the touch than other stone materials. The smooth feeling is cool and calming, and you can tell that the stone is soft and pliable when you run your fingers over it.
2. It Comes in Multiple Hues
Soapstone isn’t just a completely natural material, but it’s one that naturally occurs in multiple hues. Many people choose no-fuss white or black soapstone, which looks amazing with monochromatic color schemes.
However, there are also several shades of gray to choose from. Some even have blue or green undertones, which really stand out when used with other cool-hued furniture!
The fact that soapstone comes in a multitude of hues makes it perfect for use with virtually any decor scheme. Contemporary kitchens that use a lot of sleek stainless steel look gorgeous with equally sleek jet-black countertops.
On the flip side, if you’re going to a vintage, mid-century modern, or antique decor scheme, you can get one in a light gray hue and use the lighting to bring out the stone’s cool undertones. Paired with green, blue, or even purple furniture and lighting, this is a great way to get a throwback to the comfort of the mid-20th century.
3. It’s Durable
You might fear that the soft and pliable texture of soapstone makes it an easy-to-break material, but this isn’t the case at all. In fact, the fact that it’s easier to manipulate means that it’s less brittle. It won’t crack when something is dropped onto it or when you bang on it too hard trying to open a can or bottle.
While it will not crack, soapstone is likely to scratch and chip if you don’t take preventative action. Don’t cut directly on the countertop and don’t be too rough on its surface.
Soapstone is also non-porous, which puts it ahead of granite and slate when it comes to staining. No pores are there to absorb spilled beverages or sauces, which means that spills can be wiped up without fear of stains setting into the counter.
Finally, soapstone is resistant to heat (including fire). It also doesn’t react to acid, which makes it common in chem labs and kitchens alike because there won’t be any weird chemical reactions when acidic foods spill onto it. Vinegar and citrus have nothing on the durability of your amazing countertops!
4. It’s Easy to Maintain
Soapstone is also much easier to maintain than slate and granite alternatives because it doesn’t need to be sealed. Since it’s nonporous, there’s no reason to apply a sealant that makes it stain-resistant. It naturally combats stains without any sort of coating.
To maintain a soapstone countertop, all you need to do is apply a little bit of dish soap to a sponge or dishrag. Make small circles over the entire surface area of the countertop using a medium amount of pressure. Make sure that you push down hard enough to clean effectively while not so hard that you scratch the soft surface.
Since soapstone is heat resistant, you can also place hot pans directly on the slab without creating a mess. Your countertop will remain clean so that you can chop vegetables and work with meat without any sanitation concerns. All in all, it makes your kitchen the perfect place to cook your favorite meals!
5. It’s Affordable
Generally, soapstone costs anywhere between $70-$120 per square foot. This makes it a bit more expensive than other countertop materials, but you can save on installation fees when you work with Rock Solid Creations. You can also adapt your countertops to ensure that they fit within your budget. To do this, schedule a free consultation ASAP!
In any case, soapstone is also affordable because it doesn’t need to be professionally maintained or replaced often. You will save a lot of money on sealant, since you won’t need to buy any of it and would spend money on it frequently with other stones. Additionally, soapstone can last for many years, which means that you won’t need o pay for a new countertop any time soon.
Install Soapstone Countertops Today!
While there are many materials that you can use for your kitchen and bathroom counters, soapstone is one of the best. It leads in aesthetics, durability, and many other factors that make a countertop the right choice for your home.
Now that you know the benefits of soapstone countertops, it’s time to begin the process of installation! Contact our specialists with any lingering questions that you may have about soapstone and its installation. Our experts are happy to help you find the best countertop for your needs, so we look forward to hearing from you soon!