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Soapstone combines the visual beauty and elegance of veined marble and honed granite. If you’re planning a makeover for your kitchen then check out these stunning pictures of soapstone countertops and get inspired!
This blog will help you cover all that you need to know about soapstone kitchen countertops, right from the basics itself. It will help you deliberate whether it’s worth investing your money in this natural stone to enhance your kitchen’s overall aesthetics. So, let’s take a look at it.
What Are Soapstone Countertops?
Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a metamorphic natural rock that has 60%-70% magnesium-rich mineral talc. Soapstone countertops are made up of architectural-grade soapstone (30%-50% mineral talc) that’s quarried all around the world, India and Brazil to name a few. This composition lends soapstone countertops its soft and dry soap-like feel. They are majorly grey in colour with veins of different hues like black, blue, brown, white and green unevenly spread in it.
Sometimes, soapstone countertops are also made up of a mixture of soapstone and quartz to achieve an ideal balance of softness and hardness in the final product.
How Much Does A Soapstone Countertop Cost?
Soapstone kitchen countertops are more expensive than granite and quartz kitchen countertops. Add to it the cost of installation and the price may further increase. Lucky that you have the option to DIY too (easy to cut + soft) so you save on money in that case. A slab of raw soapstone can cost you around Rs.3300 – Rs.6300 per square foot (on an average) depending upon where the soapstone has been sourced from.
Note the fact that you’ll never find any two soapstone slabs identical to each other owing to its natural process. So, the best way to decide on the color you want your soapstone kitchen countertops to have is to take samples from the showroom itself and see how the soapstone slab will look in your own kitchen lighting.
What Exactly Are The Pros And Cons Of Soapstone Countertops?
PROS
- The overall look is smooth, milky, natural, graceful and charming
- It gives a combined warm and cool feel to the cooking space
- It is heat-resistant and water-resistant so don’t worry about placing hot pans or hot liquids over its surface
- It is comparatively cheaper than marble countertops
- It is easy to clean and maintain them over the years as it doesn’t require a sealant to protect its surface
- It is versatile as it can be combined with other materials to lend a more cohesive look to the kitchen space
- It is a dense/hard material that doesn’t get stained or infected by bacteria
- It is eco-sensitive, durable and can last for over 20 years if taken proper care of
CONS
- It is more expensive than granite and other kitchen countertop materials so it might go out of your budget sometimes
- You may see seams in the surface of a soapstone countertop since they’re mined in smaller slabs as compared to other natural stones
- It is available in limited colors and shades only
- Soapstone naturally becomes a few shades darker as the years pass by, so keep this in mind while purchasing a soapstone countertop as per your need and preference. Some people prefer aged looks while some don’t!
- If you want to maintain the lighter and softer look of the soapstone countertop (originally purchased) then you will have to keep polishing it at preset intervals
- It is not scratch-resistant so be careful while using sharp objects/implements on its surface
- You can use cutting boards instead to protect the countertop’s surface
Now, the Most Daunting Question For Homeowners Is How to Clean and Maintain Soapstone Countertops? Just follow the tips below and it will be a breeze!
- You can use fine grit or simple sandpaper to remove deep scratch or dent marks from a soapstone countertop’s surface
- If the marks/dents are not that deep then just use some warm water, let it rest and then dab it off with a soft microfibre cloth
- Remove dust particles using a soft-bristled brush and wipe with paper towels if need be
- You can also use wax or specialised mineral oil to seal the original light color of the soapstone countertop and prevent it from aging further
- The frequency of this process can be as per your liking but ideally, it should happen once every six months
It’s now time to dig into some amazing photos of soapstone countertops that are doing the rounds among many interior designers in the field today.
Black Soapstone Countertop
This black soapstone countertop embellishes the grey and off-white kitchen like no other. It instantly makes the furniture pop out while lending a cool and cozy vibe to the kitchen interiors. The white veins on this black soapstone countertop look akin to the waves of the sea settling into its crevices. The distinctive hanging lights are the icing on the cake.
Brownish-Grey Soapstone Countertop
Wouldn’t you want to spend most of your time in this kitchen with your family? This brownish-grey soapstone countertop blends in quite well with the dark brown kitchen cabinets and the light grey flooring. The modern chairs, the extended breakfast table and the brass decor add an element of sophistication and style to the kitchen.
Green Soapstone Countertop
This green soapstone countertop has a subtle greyish-green touch to it. It looks quite traditional and reminds you of the earth’s natural green elements while working in the kitchen. It helps bring the outside in and balances out the overwhelming effect it might possibly emit. It matches perfectly with the white cabinets and the wooden island counter as well.
Light Grey Soapstone Countertop
This light grey soapstone countertop is gracefully enveloped between the off-white flooring and the olive green cabinets. The pipe-style industrial lights and the bar stools help accentuate the opulent beauty of this stone. Adding green plants here and there also add a splash of nature to the kitchen. Doesn’t it look irresistible?
That’s all folks! soapstone countertops are definitely worth a shot if you’re looking for durability, high-quality and good looks. Hope this blog (quick guide) will also help you make an informed decision when buying the perfect soapstone countertop for your cooking space.
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