Soapstone for Kitchen Counters
74Using Soapstone for the Kitchen Counter Top
Soapstone is an ideal option for kitchen counterops. If you are planning to redo your kitchen or just change the counter tops, you may want to consider soapstone. I researched several options for renovating my kitchen and so far soapstone rates very highly.
What is soapstone?
Soapstone is made up of a several different minerals including quartz, talc and a variety of other minerals. It has all been compressed over millions of years. Soapstone, in its natural state, is light gray and has moderate to heavy veining. Each piece varies.
I've bought decorative accessories made from soapstone. Is this what is used for counter tops?
There are two types of soapstone: the architectectural soapstone and the artistic soapstone. Architectural soapstone is used for counter tops because it is denser and harder. It is the artistic type that is used in carvings and decorative pieces.
What are the benefits of using soapstone?
A soapstone counter top is not damaged by wine, acids, citrus, chemicals, or hot pots if you place them on the counter. The soapstone counter top will not stain.
The famous Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil is made from soapstone and concrete.
Can it have different edges?
A soapstone counter top can have a variety of different edges. This includes a bevel, an ogee, the full bullnose, an eased edge, or a straight polished edge.
What about maintenance?
To maintain the soapstone counter top you need only use a mineral oil treatment. This treatment will also enhance the natural darkening process. Special sealants ae not necessary.
For other home options including heating, remodeling and green living, see links below:
Heating and Cooling Options Including an Outdoor Boiler
- Facts About Outdoor Wood Burning Boilers
Need to heat your home in the country as inexpensively as possible? You may want to consider an outdoor wood boiler. The boiler is a relatively new technology for home heating and offers an alternative to... - About Tankless Water Heaters
Tank or tankless hot water heaters - which to buy? Surely, as I retire and move to the country, I don't want to spend all my money supporting a house, including heating it. Heating water in the home is likely... - Using an Attic Fan: 6 Tips
An attic fan is designed to exhaust hot air from the attic. With proper installation and use, the fan will cool a hot attic by pulling in outside air that is cooler and pushing the hot air outside. This will...
Housing and Green Roofing
- What is a Living Roof?
Living roofs are what is known as a - Manufactured Housing: 6 Benefits of Buying
As I search for retirement housing options, the idea of manufactured housing made me think the worse. How well I remember those long boxy, railroad types of trailers from many years ago. But after doing a bit... - Mortgage Assistance Programs in Georgia
Down payment assistance programs are available for buying a home in the historic city of Decatur, Georgia. Decatur is located between downtown Atlanta and Stone Mountain, Georgia. Even though the program is... - Planning a Greenhouse
A greenhouse can make so much sense if you are an avid gardener. Greenhouses are built to maintain the right environment for growing plants, and for the comfort of the gardener or farmer. But which kind to...
CommentsLoading...
This is a winner! I do have concerns about granite outgassing or whatever it is doing. And yes, the prices have dropped a lot which make me wonder - why?
Soapstone gives you that nice dark natural stone look. I'd chose this.
Thanks a million. Rated up!
I should consider this in my next remodel! I love the look of it!
Soapstone is so nice to touch talc! I believe that is absorbs and retains heat very well, soapstone bed warmers and such drug over the sheets before entering the bed. Nice hub!
BkCreative Level 6 Commenter 18 months ago
I heard on tv that granite counter tops emit a certain gas and should not be around children. Hmmmmm - well, I don't want to be around it either. And could this be why the prices are dropping so much.
So what else to use. I like steel and I do love the dark look of the soapstone and the veining. I also like all the benefits you listed.
Thanks for the information - this is certainly a top contender for renovations.
Rated up!