Soapstone Countertops: Why Soapstone is a Popular Choice | Soapstone International, Inc.

Soapstone countertops are increasingly popular among contemporary customers and home owners. This is mainly because of the multifarious advantages provided by these countertops. Soapstone countertops have a natural surface that are considered immensely superior to granite, marble and quartz countertops. Soapstone countertops provide top notch durability, density and aesthetic appeal in addition to enhanced workability and eco-friendly attributes. 

 

There are multiple hardness variations for this type of rock and the softest variety is mainly used for sculptural purposes while harder types are used for tables, surfaces, and tiles. Soapstone countertops are designed to last long due to their inherent attributes. They are resistant and impervious when it comes to most chemicals and liquids also. Soapstone countertops last for an entire lifetime without any cracks, chinks or other wear and tear and this is the biggest advantage they provide for home owners.

Aesthetic appeal is another USP of soapstone countertops and they come in a plethora of styles and designs. Home owners are assured of possessing only unique countertops without replication in other homes. Stone color usually depends on the area from where it is sourced and this includes pale green, light grey and even marble like veining in case slabs are imported from Brazil. The application of mineral oil to these countertops may help darken the texture a bit if you wish. The beauty of these countertops makes them a perfect fit for any high end, luxury home.  

Soapstone countertops are resistant to damages garnered from excessive heat. Stains do not sit on it for long and spills and other problems are not issues while cooking on these countertops. Only stainless steel comes close to them when it comes to hassle free usage in the kitchen and this is another benefit of using these marvels. Being naturally non porous, liquid absorption is a strict no-no. Simply wiping off acidic liquids is all you need to do and nothing else. High density levels negate the need for a sealant. 

As a result, bacteria and germs are naturally kept at bay by soapstone countertops and this provides a healthier living environment for family members. 
 

Soapstone countertops are also deemed to be environmentally friendly owing to their bevy of attributes. These countertops are painstakingly harvested and thereafter customized to fit kitchens. This makes them a great natural and recyclable alternative to other countertop types. You do not need to make use of toxic cleaners, chemicals or sealants when it comes to these countertops and this makes it eco-friendly for homes. The aesthetic appeal of soapstone countertops negates the need to use artificial and potentially harmful enhancements. 

 

As a result, soapstone countertops are immensely popular with customers in urban areas and more and more people are waking up to the benefits they offer. Cost effectiveness is but a natural benefit as well, going by the durability of these countertops and they make for a charming yet effective presence in any contemporary home and kitchen. 

 

For exact estimates, please contact us at info@soapstonintl.com

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. 

Soapstone is Cost Effective, Durable and Easy to Maintain | Soapstone International, Inc.

Soapstone International, Inc. offers a wide range of expertly crafted soapstone to fit your needs and your budget. We are the choice distributor for Southern California including: San Diego, San Bernadino, Orange County, Riverside, Los Angeles, Palm Springs, Redlands, Upland, Bakersfield and Santa Barbara.

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As Soapstone Specialists, our goal is to match your personal vision with our beautiful soapstone collection and surpassing customer service. We are proud and privileged to offer Barroca soapstone, [the classic look in Soapstone] Santa Rita Venata soapstone, Belvedere soapstone, Python soapstone from Brazil. We share years of experience in the soapstone industry with our supplier that travels the globe searching for quality Soapstone.

Soapstone is Cost Effective, Durable and Easy to Maintain

Homeowners are generally surprised how easy it is to care for their Soapstone countertops. Because Soapstone is non-porous, it is chemical; stain, and weather resistant. There are just a few things you should know before you buy and install soapstone kitchen countertops, soapstone kitchen sinks, soapstone fireplace mantles or soapstone bathroom tubs or showers from Soapstone International, Inc. if you have any questions, please 

call us at: 877-732-2180.

Use Soapstone for your Coutnertops: Soapstone is Durable and Easy to Maintain!

How to Care and Maintain a Soapstone Countertop

For those that want to enjoy the darker color of a soapstone countertop, mineral oil can be used to bring out the rich beauty of the stone. Once your soapstone countertop is installed you can follow these simple instructions:

1. Vacuum the countertop to remove any dust or dirt.
2. Clean the countertop with a clean cloth and 

denatured alcohol.
3. Once the alcohol dries, apply mineral oil to the 

countertop with a soft cloth. 
4. Wipe off any access with paper towel.
5. Continue to apply the oil twice a week until the desired color is acquired.
6. Follow-up with an application every 1-3 months to maintain the desired effect.

M. Teixeira Soapstone has available for online purchase a lighter grade of mineral oil perfect for maintaining a soapstone countertop. You’ll find this oil much easier to apply than the standard drugstore mineral oil. Visit our online store where you can purchase Soapstone mineral oil.

Soapstone International Inc. maintains a stock of grade A Soapstone from Brazil and India. Our inventory stock changes as we move the stone through our warehouse. We work closely with M. Teixeira Soapstone to bring you the best soapstone variety for your individual design preferences.

Click Here to get a FREE Soapstone Estimate Online!

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