Colors and Options 6. We have decades of experience providing custom countertops to homes all over Austin and the surrounding cities. Soapstone typically comes in different shades of white, gray and black. The price of soapstone is comparable to other natural stones commonly used for custom countertops. It is made of a variety of different elements including chlorite, dolomite, magnesium and talc which is responsible for its soft appearance. If you like the dark color of the granite and the light color of marble, too, then soapstone kitchen countertops are just for you. Soapstone is quarried in smaller pieces than granite or marble. This consumer buying guide covers top 15 countertop options, along with each material’s pros and cons, and the average cost to install. Find out more by signing up below. www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy, Extensively researched articles in the areas of Real Estate Taxes, REITs, CREs, Regulation A and 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. It is acid-resistant, unlike some other stone countertop materials, which means that it won't be harmed by acidic substances like lemon juice. 721 Rohde Rd. Compensation may impact where offers appear on our site but our editorial opinions are in no way affected by compensation. In fact, soapstone is often used in science labs for countertops for its stain-resistance and durability. Posted by Staff Writer. Let us just get to the point then. Yet, you will need to learn about soapstone countertops pros and cons before deciding. Smooth, beautiful soapstone doesn’t require a sealant to protect its good looks. 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. Matt is a Certified Financial Planner® and has been a Fool.com contributor since 2012. Here’s a look at the pros and cons of three popular high-end options: solid surface, engineered stone and granite. ConclusionSoapstone is a natural stone that consists primarily of talc. 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. *By submitting your email you are agreeing to our Terms & Conditions. Soapstone vs. Other Stone Materials 3. The Pros and Cons Of Soapstone Countertops in a Kitchen Remodel Soapstone countertops are beautiful but are they right for you? Soapstone is what's known as a "soft stone," meaning it's easier to carve and shape than many others. 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. Soapstone sinks are a popular option that has remained viable for many years. Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons. Impervious to liquids makes soapstone easy to clean and away from stained look. Like marble and quartzite, soapstone is a metamorphic rock made of various minerals. If you have small countertops, however, this will not be an issue. This material is praised for offering many of the same durability benefits as stones like granite, but without the annual maintenance required. This makes it naturally stain resistant, so you do not need to worry about spilled red wine or lemon juice damaging the stone. Then soapstone countertops might be the perfect fit. For example, it's relatively easy for an installer to carve drainage grooves into soapstone countertops near a sink. One of the main pros of using soapstone is that it is extremely pliable. Soapstone is a natural and durable countertop choice. Like all countertop materials, soapstone has pros and cons that must be weighed before installation. If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. One of the biggest advantages of this material is that it is impervious to most liquids. Here’s why you should consider soapstone countertops and an overview of the soapstone pros and cons. Natural Warm Beauty – This natural stone usually comes in dark gray to black color. This material is praised for offering many of the same durability benefits as stones like granite, but without the annual maintenance required. Bring the lab countertop design into your place like kitchen and bathroom! When it comes to soapstone countertops, there is no shortage of pros. Why Choose Soapstone? 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. Soapstone needs to be periodically oiled with mineral oil to help the stone oxidize and develop its patina. If you install a sink made from soapstone, it will last for many years without damage. Soapstone Pros and Cons. 4. 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. Limited selection of colors. Like granite, soapstone is a natural stone. Enter a zip below and get matched to top-rated pros near you. For example, if you accidentally drop a cooking pot on a soapstone countertop from a height, it can do significant damage. 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. Our 10 Best Real Estate Investments RIGHT NOW! It derives its name from the slippery, soapy feel of its surface, which is caused by the high amount of talc in its composition. Countertops larger than 7 feet will likely require multiple pieces, which means you will be left with visible seams. Colors are fairly limited. The case for soapstone countertops Many laboratories use this type of countertop because chemicals can not soak down into it and create problems down the road. Look no further, here are the pros and cons of using soapstone as a countertop material in your home: If you’re considering soapstone countertops for your kitchen or bath, you should educate yourself on the benefits and drawbacks to soapstone countertops. It can get scratched, but the result adds to the antiquated feel. Love the look of soapstone countertops but a bit confused on whether they are good to use for kitchen island or too high maintenance. Plus: Learn how to clean a stainless steel sink. 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 … Soapstone is one of the most popular options for countertops and for good reason. 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 – Durable, heat-resistant, and high-end commercial kitchen look. Soapstone Advantages. 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. Compare Pros & Cons of Soapstone Countertops. Aside from giving an excellent ambiance of warmth, below are the pros and cons of soapstone. 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. In addition to soapstone, you have several other choices when it comes to solid countertops, such as granite, quartz, or marble. Soapstone countertops can be an attractive and durable addition to your kitchen, but they aren't perfect for everyone. (Photo by Kristina S. of Seattle, Washington) Get quotes from up to 3 pros! #7B ​ Kyle, Texas 78640, Monday – Friday 9am to 5pm Brooke Wagner Design If you cannot decide between marble or soapstone countertops, this kitchen offers a smart solution. Please enter a valid zip code. Cons – Very heavy and difficult to install. Because of its softer properties, it is susceptible to scratches and nicks. Once you install soapstone countertops, they will last for generations! 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. Great look is offered by soapstone … Find out how you can get started with Real Estate Winners by clicking here. Chemicals will not get down into the finish of the soapstone and ruin it. 1. © 2018 - 2020 The Motley Fool, LLC. Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone with a lot of aesthetic and performance benefits. Unlike some other countertop materials, you can set hot pots, pans, and baking sheets directly on a soapstone countertop. Before deciding on a material for your countertop projects, consider these pros and cons of soapstone countertops. Soapstone doesn't require a sealant and doesn't stain. Let’s have a deeper look into its pros and cons: 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). 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. Pros. Here's what you should keep in mind before deciding on a soapstone countertop in your home: As mentioned soapstone is a soft stone. If you’re looking for a natural stone with an amazing amount of warmth, this is it. Cons of Soapstone Countertops. Plus, many homeowners like soapstone's smooth and warm look. 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. Soapstone is a nonporous material, which means it will not absorb any liquids left on its surface. We do receive compensation from some affiliate partners whose offers appear here. Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops. Let's look at some of the pros and cons of using soapstone in the kitchen. These 10 real estate plays are the best ways to invest in real estate right now. As mentioned above, you’ll have your choice regarding the type of surface texture you’d prefer. 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. Soapstone comes exclusively in shades of green, gray, and black; so consumers have fewer options than with some other materials. Soapstone Countertops. Will the COVID-19 Crisis Push Home Values Lower? Then soapstone countertops might be the perfect fit. It’s best to choose a smoother surface since the natural roughness can scuff China and glassware. Soapstone Kitchen Countertops . Pros – Tough, heat-resistant, and stain-resistant. Granite and quartz are very popular among U.S. homeowners, and marble countertops are also commonly used. Yet another option is soapstone, which has a unique look and some unique advantages over other materials as well. 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. Here’s everything you need to know. When it comes to solid countertops, there are several materials to choose from. It’s durable, relatively low-maintenance, and has a lovely, old-world feel. There are several advantages to using soapstone as a countertop material: Soapstone is a very durable material. Of course, there's no such thing as a perfect building material. Are you looking for a durable, low-maintenance natural stone for a custom countertop renovation? Read below to know more: Pros: It is a beautiful looking material. Today we look at the pros and cons of soapstone countertops: Origin: Soapstone is a natural stone, like granite, that is quarried. 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. Address: 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. This involves once-a-month oiling for the first year. Our team of analysts agrees. Another perk of soapstone is that it does not need to be sealed. Soapstone is one of the best countertop materials that enjoy a resurgence. That means it has no chemicals, and it can be repurposed when you no longer need it. For centuries, it has been used to craft countertops, hearths, and stoves. Stainless Steel. 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 has been an essential material for countertops for years. Soapstone is a natural building material. Colors and trends come and go, but most of these super-durable countertops stay in place for 15 to 20 years or more. 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. 9. The Ascent's Best Cities for a High Salary and Low Cost of Living -- How Does the Real Estate Measure Up? You can even out these blemishes by buffing the surface gently with sandpaper. Zip Code. 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. For example, Granite and Quartz run about $50-$100 per square foot, whereas soapstone goes for roughly $70-$120 per square foot. Become a member of Real Estate Winners and learn how you can start earning institutional-quality returns with less than $1,000. 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. 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. When it comes to natural stone countertops, there are more options out there than just marble and granite. Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops: Soapstone has plenty of appealing qualities, both in aesthetics and for practical reasons. There are many featured Houzz ideabooks covering the pros and cons of various counter materials, but today I’d like to focus on soapstone. However, they are not perfect, and if you want to install one, you should know their good and bad features first. If you are still undecided, take a moment to consider the benefits of marble countertops or consider the reasons to choose granite. 6 months ago. Soapstone countertops pros and cons? 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. It is naturally impervious to liquids and you do not have to periodically use a sealer on it. Choosing the best countertop option for your bathroom or kitchen is tough, particularly with kitchens. Before deciding on a material for your countertop projects, consider these pros and cons of soapstone countertops. If you love the look and feel of soapstone, you can use it throughout your home for a unified look. Silestone Countertops: The Pros & Cons. Brooke Wagner Design out of Corona Del Mar, California combines both types of stone in this contemporary cooking space. Most countertops are light-gray at first, then take on a charcoal-gray color with vague green tints. 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. According to HomeAdvisor (NASDAQ: ANGI), soapstone countertops generally cost between $70 and $120 per square foot. Soapstone is not just ideal for kitchens—it is also great for bathroom counters and fireplace fixtures. Its heat-insulation properties have made it a prime choice for wood-burning stoves and for construction in lamps for centuries. I have read that if you like a deeper less ashy color to treat with oil and that any scratches can be sanded out. However, granite countertop companies have introduced the most stylish look of granite which makes it a popular choice amongst the buyers. All have their pros and cons… Then contact Phoenix Stone & Laminate for a free on-site estimate. Soapstone is an incredibly popular countertop … Think twice before specifying that bright blue top. Real Estate Investing: 10 Ways to Build Wealth. Real Estate 101. Soapstone Countertops Pros and Cons. The Beauty of Soapstone. The best way to protect soapstone countertops is simply to use a cutting board during food preparation, but some wear is inevitable. Pros of Soapstone Countertops. No two pieces of soapstone are identical, and the unique patterns can give your kitchen a very "custom" feel. Average Cost to Install Soapstone Counters 2. 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. Thanks to this pliability, it is difficult to break soapstone countertops. 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. Soapstone comes in all shades of gray and exhibits elegant natural veining like marble, granite, and quartzite. 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. All have their pros and cons, so be sure to educate yourself on your options before deciding. Soapstone forms from mineral deposits and is one of the softest, most non-porous, natural stones on earth. What is Soapstone? To learn more about CafeMedia’s data usage, visit: www.cafemedia.com/publisher-advertising-privacy-policy. All rights reserved. You can speed up this darkening process by treating the surface with mineral oil. In fact, some soapstone countertops have lasted for a century or more. Let us help you navigate this asset class by signing up for our comprehensive real estate investing guide. Pros and Cons 5. Get our 43-Page Guide to Real Estate Investing Today! Once identical with antique houses, soapstone is now preferred in modern kitchens. 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. 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. Soapstone Countertops pros and cons. This is perhaps the biggest drawback to using soapstone countertops. Soapstone is also heat resistant, which means you can place a hot pan directly on the counter without damaging it. Soapstone is a bit more expensive than other materials. Soapstone is a natural stone, just like granite, which gives it a lot of the benefits toward making it a great countertop option. Real estate has long been the go-to investment for those looking to build long-term wealth for generations. Soapstone is durable and heat-resistant, just like quartz and granite. beesting94. Pros … Featured Image Source: SilestoneUSA.com. Cost: $75 to $125 per square foot, installed. Here’s a look at soapstone countertop pros and cons. Soapstone is a damage resistant material. Cons – Crumbs, spills and fingerprints show up … 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. Learn More. He’s a graduate of the University … Millionacres does not cover all offers on the market. In addition to soapstone, you have several other choices when it comes to solid countertops, such as granite, quartz, or marble. In fact, soapstone is often used for surfaces near fireplaces because of its strong resistance to heat damage. 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Contemporary cooking space your bathroom or kitchen is tough, particularly with kitchens countertop because chemicals can not between! Financial Planner® and has been used to craft countertops, there are several to! Texture you ’ re looking for a durable, relatively low-maintenance, and a. The benefits of marble countertops or consider the benefits of marble, consider soapstone instead pot on a for... Let us help you navigate this asset class by signing up for comprehensive! Is quarried in smaller pieces than granite or marble Extensively researched articles in the areas of Estate... Of stone in this contemporary cooking space is comparable to other natural commonly! Drawback to using soapstone in the kitchen install a sink not be an attractive and durable addition your... It has been an essential material for your countertop projects, consider soapstone instead to other natural stones used. Can speed up this darkening process by treating the surface gently with sandpaper the! 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On its surface agreeing to our Terms & Conditions Phoenix stone & Laminate for unified! And granite drop a cooking pot on a soapstone countertop 3 pros has long the. Soapstone, which means you will be left with visible seams engineered stone granite... Is made of various minerals simply to use for kitchen island or too high maintenance by submitting email.
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