Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons List

Soapstone is a stone that is natural quarried. It is called soapstone because of the soapy or soft feel of its surface as a result of the presence of talc in the stone. There are two forms of soapstone that are available which are artistic soapstone which is softer and has an increased amount of talc and is suited for carving. The other type of soapstone is architectural which is more dense making it suitable for countertops.

List of Pros of Soapstone Countertops

1. Soapstone does not stain and is nonporous and dense, it darkens when liquid pools on its surface but it lightens when the liquid is cleaned off or evaporates.

2. Soapstone is inert and is therefore not harmed by acidic materials. This is the reason that it is popular as science lab tops.

3. Due to the density of soapstone, it is heat resistant and is a conductor of heat that makes it withstand very high heat with no damage. Hot pans put on it’s surface will not stain or scorch.

4. Maintenance of soapstone is cheaper because it is nonporous, therefore it will not need to be protected or sealed. It is also an environmentally responsible choice because it does not have chemicals.

5. It is easily adaptable and resilient and can also be used in sinks, flooring, fireplace surroundings as well as throughout the bathroom. It can also be used for outdoor counters and sinks as it does get affected by bacteria and the weather.

6. Soapstone is low maintenance because it’s nonporous quality makes it bacteria resistant there is therefore no need to use harsh cleaners when cleaning it. All that is required for cleaning is soap and water.

7. It has a hard surface although it offers a softer feel than the other solid stone surfaces.

8. Soapstone countertops can provide rich and deep color options for counter tops with an organic earthy feel. They are also made of difficult material which can endure constant cutting and washing.

9. Soapstone has a finish that is matte which enables it to blend in with the rest of the kitchen.

10. Any scratches on soapstone can be removed by using a piece of metal or fine sandpaper and then rubbing on it.

11. The countertops provide timeless and traditional beauty.

12. Soapstone is a stone that is easy to work with although it is dense, it is soft and can be easily shaped to fit any specifics of the kitchen.

List of Cons of Soapstone Countertops

1. It is prone to scratching and denting because it is soft.

2. Since soapstone is rarer than other stones that can be used in countertops, it is therefore more expensive.

3. It is in limited supply due to lack of it in the quarries when exhausted. This leads people to market a variety of stones falsely as soapstone.

4. Although it requires less maintenance than marble, it requires to be oiled regularly so that the shine can be retained.

5. Soapstone has limited color options as compared to other types of natural stones. The colors available are only greens, grays and blues.

6. Soapstone will darken when exposed to oils, water or grease. This can only be prevented by treating the surface periodically with mineral oil.