He’s a graduate of the University … Many laboratories use this type of countertop because chemicals can not soak down into it and create problems down the road. When it comes to solid countertops, there are several materials to choose from. One of the main pros of using soapstone is that it is extremely pliable. *By submitting your email you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions. For centuries, it has been used to craft countertops, hearths, and stoves. Soapstone is one of the best countertop materials that enjoy a resurgence. Since it's naturally smooth and nonporous, soapstone is naturally antimicrobial, as there are no imperfections or spaces for germs and bacteria to linger in. The Ascent's Best Cities for a High Salary and Low Cost of Living -- How Does the Real Estate Measure Up? Soapstone is an incredibly popular countertop … Let's look at some of the pros and cons of using soapstone in the kitchen. When it comes to soapstone countertops, there is no shortage of pros. Colors and trends come and go, but most of these super-durable countertops stay in place for 15 to 20 years or more. Countertops larger than 7 feet will likely require multiple pieces, which means you will be left with visible seams. How to Buy Your First Investment Property With 5% Down (Or Less), These REITs Are Immune to the Coronavirus' Impact, Cities and States That Have Paused Evictions Due to COVID-19, The Metros Where Retail CRE will be Hit the Hardest. Thanks to this pliability, it is difficult to break soapstone countertops. Cons – Very heavy and difficult to install. Soapstone is also heat resistant, which means you can place a hot pan directly on the counter without damaging it. That’s one of the reasons that soapstone countertops are a favorite in country kitchens, though they can be included in styles from traditional to modern to eclectic. The price of soapstone is comparable to other natural stones commonly used for custom countertops. Are you looking for a durable, low-maintenance natural stone for a custom countertop renovation? Like all countertop materials, soapstone has pros and cons that must be weighed before installation. Cons of Soapstone Countertops. All rights reserved. Soapstone is a bit more expensive than other materials. Chemicals will not get down into the finish of the soapstone and ruin it. 6 months ago. This Site is affiliated with CMI Marketing, Inc., d/b/a CafeMedia (“CafeMedia”) for the purposes of placing advertising on the Site, and CafeMedia will collect and use certain data for advertising purposes. However, granite countertop companies have introduced the most stylish look of granite which makes it a popular choice amongst the buyers. Soapstone darkens naturally over time, and if you don't want this to happen, you'll have to treat it regularly and/or polish it in order to maintain the original color. If you love the look and feel of soapstone, you can use it throughout your home for a unified look. Compare Pros & Cons of Soapstone Countertops. Soapstone Kitchen Countertops . There was a time when granite countertops ruled the day, but as tastes change and trends emerge, homeowners often look to other materials to give their kitchen a … Then soapstone countertops might be the perfect fit. Choosing the best countertop option for your bathroom or kitchen is tough, particularly with kitchens. Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons. Soapstone is one of the most popular options for countertops and for good reason. Address: If you’re considering soapstone countertops for your kitchen or bath, you should educate yourself on the benefits and drawbacks to soapstone countertops. Colors and Options 6. Soapstone is a nonporous material, which means it will not absorb any liquids left on its surface. Compensation may impact where offers appear on our site but our editorial opinions are in no way affected by compensation. Soapstone Pros and Cons. Matt is a Certified Financial Planner® and has been a Fool.com contributor since 2012. Our commitment to you is complete honesty: we will never allow affiliate partner relationships to influence our opinion of offers that appear on this site. This is significantly higher than the typical cost of granite ($50 to $100), so soapstone might not be the best choice if you're operating on a relatively tight budget. It is also important to note that soapstone will gradually darken in color over time, though some believe this adds to the rustic character of the material. Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops: Soapstone has plenty of appealing qualities, both in aesthetics and for practical reasons. If you install a sink made from soapstone, it will last for many years without damage. If you are weighing whether or not soapstone is a good choice for you, you’ve probably already decided you like the look and that it fits your budget, and now you’re navigating the practical concerns. Plus: Learn how to clean a stainless steel sink. Let’s have a deeper look into its pros and cons: Cost: $75 to $125 per square foot, installed. It’s durable, relatively low-maintenance, and has a lovely, old-world feel. Here’s why you should consider soapstone countertops and an overview of the soapstone pros and cons. One of the biggest advantages of this material is that it is impervious to most liquids. If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. ConclusionSoapstone is a natural stone that consists primarily of talc. For example, Granite and Quartz run about $50-$100 per square foot, whereas soapstone goes for roughly $70-$120 per square foot. Aside from giving an excellent ambiance of warmth, below are the pros and cons of soapstone. If you are still undecided, take a moment to consider the benefits of marble countertops or consider the reasons to choose granite. It can get scratched, but the result adds to the antiquated feel. 721 Rohde Rd. Granite and quartz are very popular among U.S. homeowners, and marble countertops are also commonly used. Seamless Countertop; Fully recyclable Cons Of Stainless Steel Countertops Expensive; Makes Noise; Fabrication can get expensive May dent easily; Cutting can not be done . Soapstone doesn't require a sealant and doesn't stain. If you’re looking for a natural stone with an amazing amount of warmth, this is it. Most countertops are light-gray at first, then take on a charcoal-gray color with vague green tints. Moving forward, let us uncover the pros and cons of this mineral, for you to have a better grip about it before installing soapstone countertops. For example, if you accidentally drop a cooking pot on a soapstone countertop from a height, it can do significant damage. We have decades of experience providing custom countertops to homes all over Austin and the surrounding cities. Because of its softer properties, it is susceptible to scratches and nicks. Great look is offered by soapstone … Soapstone is durable and heat-resistant, just like quartz and granite. Soapstone Countertops Cost Installed, Plus Pros and Cons of Soapstone Tops A natural stone, soapstone is made up predominantly from mineral talc, which gives it that soapy feeling – and the basis for the name. 1. Here’s a look at soapstone countertop pros and cons. Before deciding on a material for your countertop projects, consider these pros and cons of soapstone countertops. Soapstone typically comes in different shades of white, gray and black. When it comes to natural stone countertops, there are more options out there than just marble and granite. Impervious to liquids makes soapstone easy to clean and away from stained look. Soapstone countertops can be an attractive and durable addition to your kitchen, but they aren't perfect for everyone. Soapstone Countertops pros and cons. Soapstone has been an essential material for countertops for years. Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone with a lot of aesthetic and performance benefits. I have read that if you like a deeper less ashy color to treat with oil and that any scratches can be sanded out. Think twice before specifying that bright blue top. Smooth, beautiful soapstone doesn’t require a sealant to protect its good looks. 9. Pros and Cons 5. Will the COVID-19 Crisis Push Home Values Lower? Look no further, here are the pros and cons of using soapstone as a countertop material in your home: Once you install soapstone countertops, they will last for generations! It is wise to know the benefits and setbacks of this stone so you will have a more concrete idea if it is worth your time and investment. Here's a rundown of the pros and cons of this natural stone as a countertop material to help you decide whether it's worth considering for your next kitchen renovation. Once identical with antique houses, soapstone is now preferred in modern kitchens. Then soapstone countertops might be the perfect fit. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. Average Cost to Install Soapstone Counters 2. We do receive compensation from some affiliate partners whose offers appear here. It is naturally impervious to liquids and you do not have to periodically use a sealer on it. Closed Saturday & Sunday, Three Things I Wish Customers Knew About Using Natural Stone, A Deep Dive Into the Properties of Quartzite, Six Advantages of Custom Laminate Countertops, 5 Tips for Adding Value to Your Home with Custom Countertops, Four Myths About Natural Stone (And Why They’re Not True). 4. Another perk of soapstone is that it does not need to be sealed. According to HomeAdvisor (NASDAQ: ANGI), soapstone countertops generally cost between $70 and $120 per square foot. The Beauty of Soapstone. Brooke Wagner Design If you cannot decide between marble or soapstone countertops, this kitchen offers a smart solution. Unlike some other countertop materials, you can set hot pots, pans, and baking sheets directly on a soapstone countertop. beesting94. Millionacres does not cover all offers on the market. Soapstone Advantages. There are some drawbacks to consider and we'll look at why soapstone is a material that you'll either love or hate depending on what you're looking for. Here’s everything you need to know. Soapstone is a natural and durable countertop choice. Soapstone vs. Other Stone Materials 3. This consumer buying guide covers top 15 countertop options, along with each material’s pros and cons, and the average cost to install. However, soapstone is a long-term investment that will last a very long time. The material has a deep color that adds the elegant look. Pros … All have their pros and cons, so be sure to educate yourself on your options before deciding. Soapstone comes exclusively in shades of green, gray, and black; so consumers have fewer options than with some other materials. Let us just get to the point then. Love the look of soapstone countertops but a bit confused on whether they are good to use for kitchen island or too high maintenance. Pros – Durable, heat-resistant, and high-end commercial kitchen look. As mentioned above, you’ll have your choice regarding the type of surface texture you’d prefer. Soapstone countertops pros and cons? Brooke Wagner Design out of Corona Del Mar, California combines both types of stone in this contemporary cooking space. Buying a Home in These 7 States Gives You the Most Bang for Your Buck, The Top 10 Hottest Demand Markets for Rental Investment in 2020. If you have small countertops, however, this will not be an issue. Before deciding on a material for your countertop projects, consider these pros and cons of soapstone countertops. In addition to soapstone, you have several other choices when it comes to solid countertops, such as granite, quartz, or marble. Zip Code. There are several advantages to using soapstone as a countertop material: Soapstone is a very durable material. In the end, soapstone is a great choice for those who are looking to invest in heat and stain-resistant surfaces with zero maintenance required. Soapstone comes in all shades of gray and exhibits elegant natural veining like marble, granite, and quartzite. Let us help you navigate this asset class by signing up for our comprehensive real estate investing guide. There are many featured Houzz ideabooks covering the pros and cons of various counter materials, but today I’d like to focus on soapstone. Like marble and quartzite, soapstone is a metamorphic rock made of various minerals. Learn More. You can speed up this darkening process by treating the surface with mineral oil. Read below to know more: Pros: It is a beautiful looking material. Please enter a valid zip code. Soapstone is not just ideal for kitchens—it is also great for bathroom counters and fireplace fixtures. It is acid-resistant, unlike some other stone countertop materials, which means that it won't be harmed by acidic substances like lemon juice. Soapstone is a natural building material. It’s composed mostly of mineral talc, which makes it quite soft, but soapstone used for countertops typically has higher percentages of quartz in it, which makes it harder and more suitable as a kitchen surface. Soapstone is a damage resistant material. This can make installation easier, as it carves easier than many other types of stone, but it also means that it can chip easily. All have their pros and cons… Colors are fairly limited. Become a member of Real Estate Winners and learn how you can start earning institutional-quality returns with less than $1,000. Because it is softer than many other natural stones, it is easier to carve, making it a popular choice for sculpture and highly customized countertops. Soapstone Countertops. Bring the lab countertop design into your place like kitchen and bathroom! No two pieces of soapstone are identical, and the unique patterns can give your kitchen a very "custom" feel. Find out more by signing up below. To learn more about CafeMedia’s data usage, visit: www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy. Pros. The Pros and Cons Of Soapstone Countertops in a Kitchen Remodel Soapstone countertops are beautiful but are they right for you? In addition to soapstone, you have several other choices when it comes to solid countertops, such as granite, quartz, or marble. For example, it's relatively easy for an installer to carve drainage grooves into soapstone countertops near a sink. Stainless Steel. This is a distinct advantage soapstone has over other natural stones like granite, marble, and quartzite, which all require resealing as part of their regular maintenance. www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy, Extensively researched articles in the areas of Real Estate Taxes, REITs, CREs, Regulation A and Natural Warm Beauty – This natural stone usually comes in dark gray to black color. © 2018 - 2020 The Motley Fool, LLC. Pros of Soapstone Countertops. This material is praised for offering many of the same durability benefits as stones like granite, but without the annual maintenance required. Plus, many homeowners like soapstone's smooth and warm look. If you like the dark color of the granite and the light color of marble, too, then soapstone kitchen countertops are just for you. This involves once-a-month oiling for the first year. Soapstone forms from mineral deposits and is one of the softest, most non-porous, natural stones on earth. Our team of analysts agrees. Like granite, soapstone is a natural stone. This is perhaps the biggest drawback to using soapstone countertops. Soapstone is a natural stone, just like granite, which gives it a lot of the benefits toward making it a great countertop option. Its heat-insulation properties have made it a prime choice for wood-burning stoves and for construction in lamps for centuries. In fact, some soapstone countertops have lasted for a century or more. #7B ​ Kyle, Texas 78640, Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm (Photo by Kristina S. of Seattle, Washington) Get quotes from up to 3 pros! Of course, there's no such thing as a perfect building material. Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons. However, they are not perfect, and if you want to install one, you should know their good and bad features first. Featured Image Source: SilestoneUSA.com. You can even out these blemishes by buffing the surface gently with sandpaper. The case for soapstone countertops Today we look at the pros and cons of soapstone countertops: Origin: Soapstone is a natural stone, like granite, that is quarried. Real Estate 101. Soapstone is quarried in smaller pieces than granite or marble. It derives its name from the slippery, soapy feel of its surface, which is caused by the high amount of talc in its composition. The best way to protect soapstone countertops is simply to use a cutting board during food preparation, but some wear is inevitable. Then contact Phoenix Stone & Laminate for a free on-site estimate. Soapstone has been used for thousands of years in art and architecture, but today it is growing in popularity as a material for kitchen and bathroom countertops. On the other hand, since it's easier to carve soapstone, the labor could potentially be cheaper, so check with your contractor for a better idea of the cost difference. Soapstone needs to be periodically oiled with mineral oil to help the stone oxidize and develop its patina. What is Soapstone? Here’s a look at the pros and cons of three popular high-end options: solid surface, engineered stone and granite. This material is praised for offering many of the same durability benefits as stones like granite, but without the annual maintenance required. In fact, soapstone is often used for surfaces near fireplaces because of its strong resistance to heat damage. Why Choose Soapstone? Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops. Soapstone is what's known as a "soft stone," meaning it's easier to carve and shape than many others. That means it has no chemicals, and it can be repurposed when you no longer need it. Our 10 Best Real Estate Investments RIGHT NOW! In fact, soapstone is often used in science labs for countertops for its stain-resistance and durability. Yet, you will need to learn about soapstone countertops pros and cons before deciding. Pros – Tough, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant. Limited selection of colors. By signing up to be a member of Real Estate Winners, you’ll get access to our 10 best ideas and new investment ideas every month. Yet another option is soapstone, which has a unique look and some unique advantages over other materials as well. These 10 real estate plays are the best ways to invest in real estate right now. When you use this as your countertop, you do not have to worry about it soaking up some liquid that you left on the counter and creating a stain. Posted by Staff Writer. Real Estate Investing: 10 Ways to Build Wealth. In fact, it’s the high concentration of talc that gives it its name, as talc softens the stone and gives it the texture of bar soap. Granite countertops; ... Soapstone countertops; What it is: Soapstone is a natural stone which takes its name from the soft, almost soapy feel of its surface. Soapstone sinks are a popular option that has remained viable for many years. Silestone Countertops: The Pros & Cons. It is made of a variety of different elements including chlorite, dolomite, magnesium and talc which is responsible for its soft appearance. The Pros and Cons of Soapstone Counters This completely natural surface has a lot of distinctive benefits that you won?t find in rivals such as marble, quartz and granite. Real estate has long been the go-to investment for those looking to build long-term wealth for generations. This makes it naturally stain resistant, so you do not need to worry about spilled red wine or lemon juice damaging the stone. Cons – Crumbs, spills and fingerprints show up … Get our 43-Page Guide to Real Estate Investing Today! Find out how you can get started with Real Estate Winners by clicking here. Here's what you should keep in mind before deciding on a soapstone countertop in your home: As mentioned soapstone is a soft stone. Soapstone countertops are gaining a lot of popularity these days but before blindly following the latest trend and selecting Soapstone countertops for your kitchen, you need to know the pros and cons of it so that you can decide what to do after considering both the aspects. It’s best to choose a smoother surface since the natural roughness can scuff China and glassware. Along with these amazing benefits also come various cons that you should know about before taking the plunge and making an investment in a new counter.