Granite vs. Soapstone for a Kitchen or Bathroom Countertop? | Soapstone International, Inc.

Soapstone International, Inc. - Soapstone is often, widely misunderstood. What is Soapstone? Should I use soapstone in my bathroom or kitchen? We have the answers to many questions people commonly ask us about Soapstone. 

Q: Is Soapstone too soft of a stone to use for a kitchen or bathroom countertop? 
No. Soapstone is not too soft of a stone for your kitchen or bathroom countertop. SSoapstone is often for carving and sculpture. The carving Soapstone is much softer and comes in more colors than the hard architectural Soapstone that is used for countertops. Soapstone is often used for carving and sculpture, and this may throw people off, too. But this is a different, softer type of soapstone, not the countertop material soapstone. 

Q: Why is it called soapstone? 
Soapstone, Soaprock, also known as Steatite has a high amount of the mineral talc and is rich in magnesium. A very long time ago it was decided that Soapstone feels much like a bar of soap to the touch. Hence the name.Soapstone is also known by other names depending on the region where it is from.   


Q: Soapstone vs. Granite—which should I choose? 
It depends on your needs, but let's mention one strong feature of soapstone: it is nearly impervious to staining. Many people feel granite is best type of kitchen or bathroom countertop material available, although, this reputation is largely unfounded because granite can stain very easily. On other hand, Soapstone is very dense and resists staining, altogether! Few other countertop materials can claim this.

Q: What does Soapstone look like? 
Soapstone varies in color and veining, depending on the soapstone slab you purchase. It's one of a kind! Which makes it unique - no one will have your same soapstone countertop look! View our current Inventory of Soapstone.  

Q: Does soapstone scratch and dent?  

Yes, Soapstone like other countertops can scratch or dent. The difference is that Soapstone 

Is not harmed by a scratch, chip or dent. It can be easily and quickly repaired or oiled/waxed 

to cover.  Anytime you want to make your countertop look like the day of installation, you would 

Lightly sand the entire surface and it will become the original color again. The counter will look new and you can oil/wax the surface of the Soapstone to darken.

Q: Do you need to seal soapstone? 

No. Soapstone should never be sealed. It is inert and sealed by nature. Oil or wax can be applied to enhance the colors already present on the surface. The oil/wax causes the surface to darken becoming black or charcoal gray in the background while the veining and anomalies become very visible against the darker color.  Oiling/waxing is not necessary to preserve Soapstone and it will darken with age gradually. Soapstone seems to love oil/wax and so whenever it comes in contact with oil/wax it darkens. Some persons choose to never oil, allowing Soapstone to patinate slowly and comfortably in its own environment without enhancement.

Q: What color is soapstone? 

Soapstone is a light to charcoal gray in its raw form. With oiling/waxing it will become a deeper charcoal gray to black in the background highlighting the veins and other swirls and ribbons of white, cream, caramel, green and brown in a beautiful way. It seems to say "I am Soapstone".

Q: Are soapstone countertops hard to install? 

Not for an experienced Soapstone fabricator. Some persons decide to go with the DIY route 

with Soapstone. This is fine under certain circumstances. Keep in mind that Soapstone weighs nearly 20 pounds per square foot so will be very heavy to maneuver. Soapstone International will be happy to recommend a skilled and experienced Soapstone fabricator in your area.

Q: Where can I purchase soapstone slabs for my countertops? 

Soapstone International, Inc.  has a selection of Soapstone slabs for purchase by the public.

We have a location in North San Diego County and Anaheim in Orange County.

Click Here to get a FREE Soapstone Estimate Online! 

Email Us at Soapstone International, Inc. for further questions or inquiry about your Soapstone needs.