soapstone-countertop-ideas

Picking Soapstone or Granite – 5 Things You Should Know

black-soapstone-countertopBoth soapstone and granite are popular choices for kitchen countertops among home owners due to their high-quality characteristics. However, before you choose one over the other, there are a few factors you should consider. By doing so, you’ll help ensure that you’re choosing the right product for your personal tastes and lifestyle habits.

The Color, Pattern and Design

If you’re interested in choosing from a wide selection of colors, patterns and designs, granite wins this contest. The options are endless. The most common colors include, gray, brown, black, red, and yellow, but they don’t stop there. In addition to this, the patterns imbedded in granite are naturally occurring and very hard to replicate. This allows you to choose a product that’s not only unique but also extremely beautiful.

On the other hand, the options for soapstone are very limited. In fact, Soapstone is generally only available in black or in a variety of grays with green veins. This isn’t to say that soapstone isn’t beautiful as well, but the limitations are definitely a concern. When choosing between granite or soapstone, it’s important to take into account the color, design, and pattern of the rest of the room.

The Durability of Soapstone and Granite

Both soapstone and granite are highly resistant to heat and won’t be damaged if a hot pan, pot or cookie sheet is placed directly on the surface. This is one common feature among these two materials.

However, the difference between these two materials is that granite can be stained by acidity liquids and cleaning agents with abrasive chemicals. As a result, regular maintenance will be required. Soapstone on the other hand is highly resistant to these substances.

Another different between these two is the physical durability. Soapstone can easily be scratched whereas granite is more scratch resistant. When soapstone is scratched, it can lose its shine but be repaired by having a professional sand and treat it with a mineral oil of some sort.

Maintenance

Between soapstone and granite, granite requires the most maintenance. In fact, granite countertops need to be sealed regularly with a liquid that’s either oil or water-based. The first seal job should be completed directly after the installation is complete and then again either annually or biannually. By sealing your granite regularly, you can maintain the sheen while also helping prevent staining.

Now when it comes to soapstone, sealing these countertops is not necessary, but like mentioned before, scratches on soapstone will need to be buffed out with a mineral oil by a professional.

Cleaning

When cleaning granite, you should only use mild soap and warm water. Using cleaning products with abrasives will not only diminish the polish resulting in a dull finish, it can also lead to spots and blemishes on the surface. Soapstone on the other hand can be cleaned with just about any kind of cleaning agent on the market.

Prices

The average cost for both soapstone and granite, before installation rates, are nearly the same. The cost for both materials is on average $70 to $100 for each square foot. However, because granite is available in so many more colors, patterns and design options, you may pay up to $200 a square foot for high-end granite.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *