What are the Pros of Soapstone Countertops and why are they a popular countertop choice today?
First off, it's important to understand, what is soapstone?
Soapstone, also called steatite, is a metamorphic rock made from talc-schist, which means it contains talc, in this case around 50 percent. If you know your minerals, you know that one. What that means for soapstone is that it has a softer consistency than some other materials commonly used for countertops. In fact, it was named for its similarity to a bar of soap. However, within different slabs of soapstone, the percentage of talc can vary, so some are harder than others, and the slabs used for countertops fall in the harder range.
Soapstone's Pros:
*It imparts a dramatic, Old-World look.
*It is impermeable, so it is highly resistant to staining.
*Soapstone stands up to heat; you can even put a hot pan on it without damaging the stone.
*Unlike many countertop materials, soapstone doesn't need to be sealed, therefore, the natural stone has no chemicals.
*Soapstone can be repurposed, a.k.a. recycled!
*Due to its softness, soapstone can be easily carved, so it can be used for countertops, but also for sinks, soap dishes, drain boards for a seamless look. This also means that light scratches can be buffed out.
*Soapstone is antimicrobial. meaning, it doesn't hold bacteria.
For these reasons and many more, soapstone countertops continue to increase in popularity around the world.
Stop into our showroom and check out our Soapstone bundles we have available and see if this stone choice may be the right countertop fit for you.