Durability. Since soapstone countertops do not crack easily, they are more durable than other countertops made of natural stone. Its non-porosity feature also means that your soapstone countertops can serve you for a long period without requiring sealing.
Is soapstone fragile?
No, soapstone is not fragile. Even though it is softer than other stones, namely serpentinite, the mineral makeup creates a pliable material that isn’t brittle or susceptible to cracking. Its various grades make soapstone adequate for many uses, from artistic carvings to outdoor furniture, countertops, and floor tiles.
How strong is soapstone?
On the Mohs Hardness Scale, which ranks minerals from 1 to 10 based on hardness (with diamonds ranking 10 and talc at a 1), soapstone falls between a 1 and 5, according to Bobvila.com. Soapstone used for countertops comes in at about 2.5 to 3.5.
What are the cons of soapstone?
Soapstone Countertop Cons
- Scratches easily: Since it’s a softer stone, soapstone does scratch easily.
- Few color options: Soapstone most often comes in shades of gray and darker grays, but can come in whites, greens and bluish grays.
Is soapstone as durable as granite?
Soapstone is durable and heat-resistant, just like quartz and granite.
Will soapstone crack with heat?
The mineral talc has a very low thermal coefficient of expansion. So when it is heated and cooled, soapstone stays relatively static, and it is therefore much less likely to crack and spall than other natural stones like granite.
Does soapstone need maintenance?
Yes, Soapstone Will Scratch—But Maintenance Is Simple
Its nonporous nature means that caring for soapstone is simple: little more than water and a gentle cleanser is needed for regular maintenance.
What is the toughest countertop material?
Quartz
Quartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.
Can you get soapstone wet?
Regularly Wet Areas
On the upside, this means that soapstone doesn’t stain and it doesn’t need to be sealed — chalk that up to a point in the “low maintenance” column! However, the fact that soapstone is non-porous also means that it doesn’t absorb liquids that may be spilled or dragged across the surface.
Is soapstone more durable than marble?
Architectural soapstone ranges from one to five on the scale, depending on the talc content, while marble ranges from three to five. Overall, marble tends to be harder and more durable than soapstone.
Does all soapstone turn black?
Over time, soapstone naturally darkens in color. However, some people opt to speed the darkening process along by using mineral oil. Once the oil has been applied, you can expect to see the colors change to a dark gray or even a black.
Is soapstone cheaper than quartz?
According to HomeAdvisor, Soapstone costs between $20 and $70 per square foot for the material, and quartz costs between $15 and $70.
How long do soapstone countertops last?
It’s limited in color from white to charcoal – you won’t find pinks, blues or greens for example—but if that range fits your design scheme, this high-quality countertop material should give you 20+ years of attractive, hardworking performance.
Which natural stone is most durable?
Granite
Granite — Not only is granite beautiful, but it’s also more durable and resistant to freeze-thaw cycles than most other hardscape materials. In addition, granite has a low absorption rate and is highly resistant to fire and heat. Depending on the type, granite is rated six or seven out of 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
What is the most durable natural stone countertop?
Granite
Granite has long been the premier choice of designers and builders for countertops due to both its beauty and durability. Put simply, there is no better natural stone option for a countertop.
What is cheaper granite or soapstone?
Soapstone costs roughly $70 to $120 per square foot installed, making it pricier than many other natural stone countertop materials. Also a high-quality natural stone, granite will not cost you as much soapstone. The material typically costs in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed.
What happens if you don’t oil soapstone?
Without oiling, the wear on the stone will be uneven, and the stone will darken more quickly in the areas that get the most wear. This stone is ever evolving, so if you want your countertops to always be a uniform color, soapstone is not the material for you.
How often does soapstone need to be sealed?
To preserve the color of your soapstone, it should be resealed every three or four years. The frequency may depend on the amount of stress the sealant is exposed to; however, scratches on the surface of the sealant usually only require application to the affected area.
How often does soapstone need to be oiled?
once every month
When you’ve got a brand new soapstone countertop, it’s worth rubbing it down a day after installation. Before doing so, allow your counter to settle for a day so the silicon can set and dry. After that, you should plan to oil your stone once every month or when your counters start to get too light.
Can you use Clorox wipes on soapstone?
Soapstone has been used on chemistry lab tops for years because it is chemically inert. Chemical cleaners, acid ic compounds will not hurt the stone. Some people like to clean with bleach. Believe it or not, bleach will not harm it either.
Can you put hot things on soapstone?
Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.