These days, consumers are generally familiar with quartz, granite, marble and even quartzite countertops; but soapstone remains one of the more elusive surfaces in homeowners’ eyes. Soapstone has been quarried and used throughout the world for centuries, but there is recently renewed interest in using this material from designers and homeowners alike.
IRG’s Soapstone is a unique and long-lasting countertop choice. Read on to learn why this material is fast becoming a go-to surface for working gourmet kitchens and rustic homes.
1. non-porous and stain resistant.
Soapstone is extremely dense – even more so than granite or quartzite. Unlike other natural stone, acids and spilled liquids do not penetrate the surface. That means no stains! But be careful not to confuse density with hardness. While denser and unsusceptible to staining, soapstone is softer than granite and quartzite so it can scratch more easily. That hasn’t stopped extensive use of this impervious surface in laboratories and science classrooms as sinks, flooring and work surfaces.
2. It Takes the HEat!
Any natural stone will fare better with heat than engineered quartz (which contains resin), but using trivets under hot items on marble and granite is still wise. On the other hand, soapstone is the most heat-friendly natural stone. Traditionally used for colonial fireplace hearths and wood stoves, soapstone absorbs, holds, and radiates heat extremely well. So go right ahead and place hot pots from the stove or baking trays from the oven directly on your soapstone countertops!
3. Low-Maintenance.
If soapstone’s impervious and heat-absorbent qualities weren’t enough, the material doesn’t require any long-term maintenance. No yearly sealing or special cleaning rituals required: a simple wipe of soapy water suffices as regular cleaner.
Soapstone countertops will never fade with direct sunlight, but some homeowners choose to evenly darken the natural color with wax or mineral oil. If you do enhance the surface, there will inevitably be some follow-up waxing or oiling involved.
4. An Organic and Rustic Look.
The naturally-occurring patina on soapstone adds to its earthy and organic look. Soapstone works tremendously well in rustic spaces with wood elements, making it a wonderful inclusion in farmhouse kitchens and mountain homes. Even when enhanced with oil or wax, dark soapstone countertops with veining meld beautifully in nature-inspired spaces.
5. It’s Versatile.
Besides traditional kitchen countertops, soapstone is now being used in pizza ovens, outdoor kitchens, for architectural accents, thresholds and more. From country to contemporary, non-porous soapstone has a naturally lustrous silky soft feel. You will find slabs in dark greens and blues, from light grey to dark charcoal in color.
There is no better place to see and choose your own slab of soapstone than IRG. With vast California warehouses in Sacramento, Brisbane and Dublin, IRG’s stone experts can help you select the perfect soapstone for your space! Contact us to schedule your visit.