Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone has recently become a popular option in natural stone countertops, especially in kitchens. You may be familiar with soapstone from your high school chemistry lab; the common black stone lab tables are made from soapstone. In fact, soapstone's virtual impenetrability (which makes it so popular for chem labs), is precisely what makes it so popular in modern kitchens. Soapstone countertops resist damage from cleaning chemicals, acidic liquids, and most other spills! You can even set hot pots directly on your soapstone counters with no potential for damage. Many StoneOne customers also comment on the soft, warm feel of soapstone as compared with other stone countertop materials.
Soapstone's incredible stain and heat resistance make it ideal for kitchen countertops, although it does scratch easily. Regardless, soapstone makes a great material for countertops because it's easy to care for and repair: Scratches can actually be buffed out with sandpaper, returning your soapstone counter to a smooth, even finish. StoneOne recommends soapstone counter installation for:
- Kitchen countertops
- Bathroom countertops and vanities
- Fireplace mantels
- Jacuzzi surrounds
- Bar-tops
- Custom tables and desks
- Shower surrounds
- Custom sinks
StoneOne provides sales and installation on a wide variety of soapstone countertops, from flat gray to strikingly veined black and white slabs. Soapstone's natural color is typically grayish blue, but darker grays and blacks can be achieved by treating the stone with mineral oil. Not only does this create the black tones that many homeowners prefer, it also helps hide scratches on your soapstone counter surface.