Soapstone is a soft natural rock that has a high talc content, which gives it a soft soap like feel. It is usually mixed with quartz to create countertops, which help ensure the durability and strength of the stone.  It is critical to choose a strong quality material for your kitchen counters to ensure they stand up to the wear and tear over the years. Soapstone not only lasts but as it ages it gains a beautiful natural patina that works in any kitchen. Soapstone is a fantastic material for many reasons including the following:

Advantages of Soapstone 

• Soapstone is a softer material for counters but it is highly durable and scratches are very easy to sand out.
• Soapstone is softer than say marble but it is non-porous which means that it needs no harsh chemical cleaners and we recommend simply soap and water.
• Because soapstone is so dense, bacteria cannot penetrate the surface of the stone making it an ideal countertop for preparing food the clean up only requires soap and water.
• Soapstone is environmentally friendly and requires no harsh cleaners to remove stains like wine or orange juice. Its natural surface needs no harsh chemicals or toxic sealers before installation.
• The soapstone is completely heat resistant which means you can place pots and pans directly onto the surface of the stone.
• Soapstone requires very little maintenance but you can use Mineral Oil to shine and buff the surfaces of the counter.
• Soapstone does darken naturally over time creating a rustic patina on the countertops.
• Soapstone has a natural warm look that is incredibly versatile and blends well with any decor.  

Disadvantages of  Soapstone 

• There are a few disadvantages to Soapstone, it has a limited selection of colours available and it needs to be cut into smaller slabs so you may end up with seams that are more visible in your counters.
• Soapstone does have a softer texture, which means that your counter edges will lose their sharpness over time, and it can be easier to scratch and have small scuffs, but this softening of the soapstone leads to its more timeless appearance.
• You will have to use a sealer like mineral oil at least once a year on your Soapstone counters.
• Soapstone is more expensive than granite or quartz at about $70 to $120 per square foot; however, Soapstone does last a very long time.

Contact Orange Contracting for your kitchen renovation project or to get more information about natural beauty of Soapstone for yourselves.