Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Soapstone Countertops: Should I use Soapstone for my Kitchen or Bathroom? | Soapstone International, Inc.



Soapstone countertops, while its not the most well known stone around, its been around for centuries. Also, not surprisingly, soapstone is widely misunderstood. There are common myths about soapstone, but our soapstone specialists have answered the most frequently asked questions so you can decide which stone will fit within your needs.

Q: Is soapstone too soft to use for a kitchen or bathroom countertops? 
This is by far, the #1 question that our clients have about Soapstone. It is probably the word "soap" that throws everyone for a loop. The answer is "no," soapstone is not too soft—If you do have some surface damage that you want to remove, then pull out some 200-400 grit sandpaper, sand the area till the dent is removed. Then follow up with an oil of choice (coconut, mineral, olive) to darken the new light section. It's that easy!

Q: Where did the name Soapstone come from? 
The name Soapstone came from the high degree of talc in it. The talc gives soapstone a warm, soft feeling—a feeling that cold, hard granite certainly does not have. This is why many people use soapstone on their bathroom floors, bathrooms and showers.

Q: Which one is a better choice: Soapstone or Granite? 
We are soapstone specialists, so of course we are going to say soapstone! But really, which one is better? It depends on your needs, but one advantage to soapstone is that it is nearly impervious to staining, unlike granite. Soapstone is very dense and resists staining. If for some reason the stone appears to be a darker color, all you need is a little bit of sanding or a new layer of oil to renew the color. Few other kitchen or bathroom countertop materials can claim this.

Q: Does soapstone scratch and dent? 
Yes, but not as easily as you might imagine. This is why many college and high school campus' use soapstone in their chemistry labs! Owners of soapstone counters are divided on the issue. Some think that soapstone dents and scratches too much; others think it dents just enough. But no owner will ever claim that soapstone doesn't scratch and dent! That's pretty much a given. The selling point is that even though it dents and scratches, it is easy and doesn't cost more than $10 to fix.

Q: Do you need to seal soapstone? 
No. But you do need to apply mineral, coconut or olive oil initially and then follow up with (your preferred) oil treatments about once a month for a year. This is not sealing, since soapstone does not absorb the mineral oil (granite does require sealing). The mineral oil helps the stone oxidize and enriches the veins and color.

Q: What color is soapstone? 
Soapstone counters are light-gray at first. After application of oil, they take on a charcoal-gray color. There are several different types of soapstone, some have more veins than others.

Q: Is soapstone the choice countertop? 
Soapstone is the choice countertop for many homeowners for these reasons:
  • Soapstone does not stain.
  • Soapstone counters are not harmed by hot pots, citrus, wine, acids or chemicals.
  • The only maintenance recommended, not required, is the mineral oil treatment to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through and to ensure the soapstone darkens evenly. Mineral oil is not recommended to protect the soapstone, it does not need protection since it is naturally non porous.
  • Cleaning your soapstone countertops can be done with any of the common household cleaners, you don't need to buy special sealants or other "hard to find" often harsh chemicals.
  • The cost of soapstone is comparable to other natural stones.
  • Soapstone can be offered in a variety of different textures, unlike most other natural stones that are only available with a high polished finish. Some clients like the stone to feel rougher to the touch, others like it a little smoother and some like it in between, we can please all tastes by re-finishing the top of the slabs, at no additional cost. 

Q: Are soapstone countertops hard to install? 
No. No more difficult than granite. You can actually "Do it Yourself" to save the cost of installation. 

Q: Where can I find more information about soapstone counters? 
Please contact us at: info@soapstoneintl.com for more information about Soapstone Countertops

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