Soapstone is gaining in popularity with many homeowners. Over the years, soapstone had a reputation for being delicate, but that is not true. Due to that misconception, many people have shied away from this natural material. If you are ready to take the leap and add soapstone to your home, here are a few ideas for you.
What Is Soapstone?
Soapstone is a type of metamorphic rock, mainly composed of talc. Major deposits have been found in Brazil, Norway, Canada, and the United States. You can find traces of magnetite, quartz, chlorite, mica, tremolite, and iron compounds in soapstone, with colors ranging from gray to green. When touched, this material has a “soapy” feel to it. Soapstone is resistant to both acid and heat, and it is impregnable to most liquids. However, since the material is composed of talc, it can easily develop scratches. Even a fingernail can scratch the surface of soapstone countertops.
Soapstone Uses
Today, soapstone is used to create gorgeous countertops for indoor and outdoor uses. In some cases, this material will line the interior of furnaces and other components to protect the electrical equipment. Over the past decade, this type of stone has gained favor with homeowners. There are many places in the home to incorporate this natural stone. You can use it for a kitchen sink or countertop combination. It is even installed as a vanity topper. Some manufacturers polish the soapstone to give it a more high-quality appearance.
Soapstone Advantages and Disadvantages
When you choose soapstone, there are plenty of advantages. This stone is completely non-porous. It doesn’t allow bacteria to grow on the surface. Soapstone is also ultra-resistant to any acid. You never have to worry about adding a sealer to the surface of this dense material. There is almost no maintenance required for this stone. To ensure the color remains vibrant, add a thin layer of mineral oil. Soapstone is easy to maintain and looks gorgeous. You can usually add this stone to any place in your home. If you want a worry-free material that looks beautiful, then soapstone is the ideal option.
Now that you know some of the benefits, soapstone does have drawbacks. Yes, this material is easier to scratch than others. You will have to make sure not to drop pans or ding the surface of the counter. However, repairs are easier with the help of specialty sandpaper.
Where To Use Soapstone in Your Home
If you are ready to bring home soapstone, here are a few places to use it. Soapstone slabs are a popular option, but you don’t need a huge piece in your home. Take those smaller slabs to install a backslash in your kitchen. Since the stone is non-porous, you don’t have to worry about cleaning up, especially in those hard-to-reach spaces behind your stove. You can even use soapstone to decorate an accent wall in your kitchen.
When you think of household soapstone uses, countertops are the first thing that pops into many people’s minds. There are many reasons to choose soapstone over other natural materials. Soapstone is the perfect choice for the kitchen. As you already know, these counters are stain-resistant, and they will not collect bacteria or germs like other types of surfaces. To clean up, all you have to do is wipe down the countertops. It doesn’t get any easier than that.
Many people don’t think to use soapstone for a fireplace, but it makes an excellent choice. This stone is a heat-resistant material. If you need to pull out a hot dish, you can just place it on the surface and not worry about damage. Those same heat-resistant qualities are great for a fireplace. Not only will it make a statement in your home, but it is a functional element that you will enjoy for years to come.
Unfortunately, soapstone has a bad reputation for being too soft. However, this durable stone can work well as a flooring option. If you want to place soapstone on the floor, choose architectural grade for a higher hardness level. Scratches don’t seem to show up as easily with this grade. Along with that, this stone is resistant to stains. Someone can drop liquids on the floor, and you will not have to worry about ruining the stone.
Soapstone shines in the outdoors. You already know that it is non-porous. For that reason, it is an excellent choice for any outdoor living area. You can use soapstone for an outdoor kitchen or as a flooring option. Since it is non-porous, this material can hold up to weather conditions, including heavy rain and high heat. In addition to that, soapstone is the perfect selection to add some rustic charm to those outdoor seating spaces and living areas.
Finally, don’t forget about using soapstone for a sink. Some homeowners use soapstone to create a rustic look for their interior spaces. With the wide variety of colors, you are bound to find the ideal shade for your decor. Use soapstone for those bathroom or kitchen sinks. Unlike other materials, it will not harbor bacteria. You can design a custom piece with help from soapstone.
There Are Many Home Uses for Soapstone
As you can tell, there are many places to use soapstone in your home. You can choose to add this stone to your countertops or place a slab down for a unique floor. Soapstone shines in all of your outdoor spaces. This versatile stone makes an exceptional addition to almost any space.
Now that you know that soapstone is a diverse material, you might want to consider it for your next renovation project. At Marble Concepts, our experienced team can help you choose the right materials for your countertops, sinks, floors, and more. We will provide tips on keeping this gorgeous natural stone looking great for years to come. If you are ready to get the room or home of your dreams, make sure to contact us.
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