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Many aren’t as familiar with soapstone countertops as they are with other materials such as granite and quartz, but soapstone has many great benefits. The choice of a countertop will depend on several factors including price and style, but when choosing a countertop it is also important to choose it based on how you will use it. Compare the benefits of soapstone to the other countertop material choices to decide which is right for you based on your lifestyle and preferences.
Soapstone is a natural material that can be simply described as soft rock. It is found in nature and known best for its ability to sustain heat. Soapstone can be traced back to ancient times when it was used to create multiple items such as: bowls, pipes, pots, castings, and cooking slabs, among other things.
What are some of the Benefits of a Soapstone Countertop?
There are several benefits of soapstone that make it a desirable material to use for countertops. Benefits include:
Heat resistant: soapstone is heat resistant, which means you can place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without concern that it will damage your countertop.
Resistant to acidic substances: soapstone is not damaged by acidic substances such as cleaners, red wine, citrus, or other acids. This is a major plus for those that have children and worry about spills.
Durable: soapstone countertops are durable and will last many years with regular maintenance.
Non-porous: for a countertop this is a major benefit. Since soapstone is non-porous it will not soak up liquid. This means that spills can easily be wiped up and also provides the additional benefit of not being easily stained. Also, because soapstone is non-porous it won’t harbor bacteria in its surface.
Although there are several benefits of soapstone, there are also some drawbacks, which include:
Prone to scratches: because soapstone is a softer material it is prone to scratching. For those that would like to invest in a soapstone countertop, the best advice is to use a cutting board and to be careful when scooting smaller appliances, such as the blender or toaster on the countertop.
Needs regular maintenance: in order to keep it looking great for years to come, it is recommended that your soapstone countertops get oiled regularly. Also, if your countertop has been scratched, then a light sanding is also recommended to remove scratches from its surface.
Fewer design choices: soapstone has fewer design options available than other countertop materials. Also soapstone’s designs are not always consistent throughout a slap. Since it is a natural stone, it takes on a natural pattern that is not always uniform throughout.
If you’d like to learn more about some of the features and benefits of a soapstone countertop, then contact Lexmar today. They have a large variety of countertops, including soapstone, available.