When it comes to selecting a countertop for your kitchen or bathroom, there are many options available. One option that has been growing in popularity in recent years is soapstone. This natural stone offers a unique look and several benefits that make it an attractive choice for homeowners.

But what goes into the selection process when choosing a soapstone countertop? To help answer that question, we spoke with experts at Arena Marble and Granite, a leading supplier of natural stone countertops in the United States.

Understanding Soapstone

Before diving into the selection process, it’s important to understand what soapstone is and what makes it unique. Soapstone is a natural stone that is quarried from the earth. It’s primarily composed of talc, which gives it a soft and smooth texture. Because of its composition, soapstone is naturally resistant to heat, stains, and bacteria.

Another unique characteristic of soapstone is its coloration. While most natural stones come in a variety of colors and patterns, soapstone typically only comes in shades of gray or green with subtle veining.

The Selection Process

When selecting a soapstone countertop, there are several factors to consider. According to the experts at Arena Marble and Granite, here are some key considerations:

1. Appearance

While soapstone may not offer as much variety as other natural stones when it comes to coloration and patterns, there are still variations within each slab. Some slabs may have more pronounced veining or different shades of gray than others. It’s important to view multiple slabs before making a decision.

2. Durability

As mentioned earlier, one of the benefits of soapstone is its durability. However, not all soapstones are created equal. Some varieties may be more prone to scratching or chipping than others. It’s important to ask your supplier about the specific type of soapstone they’re offering and any maintenance requirements.

3. Cost

Like most natural stone countertops, soapstone can be expensive compared to other materials such as laminate or solid surface options. The cost will depend on several factors including availability and quality.

4. Maintenance

While soapstone is relatively low-maintenance compared to other natural stones like marble or granite, it still requires some upkeep to maintain its appearance over time. This includes regular oiling to keep the stone looking dark and even-toned.

5. Installation Process

Installing a soapstone countertop requires expertise due to its heavy weight and potential for cracking during transportation or installation if not handled properly by experienced professionals.

Why Choose Soapstone?

With all these considerations in mind, why choose a soapstone countertop over other options? According to Arena Marble and Granite experts:

Unique Appearance: While limited in color variation compared with other stones like granite or quartzite, no two pieces of soapstones are identical.

Durability: Soapstone stands up well against heat damage.

Resistant Properties: Resistant against staining from acidic substances like lemon juice.

Low Maintenance: Only needing periodic mineral oil applications every few months.

Eco-Friendly: Natural material quarrying methods emit less carbon footprint than synthetic counterparts used in engineered materials such as quartz countertops.

Conclusion

Soapstone countertops offer homeowners something unique when it comes to their kitchen design while also providing practical benefits such as durability and resistance against heat damage/staining/bacteria growths while being eco-friendly compared with engineered alternatives that use synthetic materials like plastic resins mixed with ground-up minerals (quartz). By understanding what goes into selecting this material for your kitchen counters you can make an informed decision about whether or not it’s right for you based on personal preferences along with practical needs/preferences surrounding appearance/maintenance costs/longevity concerns etcetera.