Soapstone countertop maintenance

Periodic application of mineral oil will help it develop a dark patina and enhance the natural aging process of your soapstone. That rich charcoal color soapstone is known for comes when the stone is exposed to water, grease and oils. How do you maintain soapstone counter tops ? What is the maintenance on other stones, compared to soapstone ? There is much conflicting information out there going on, both pro and con for soapstone.

Soapstone fresh from the quarry is light gray in color. Most of our customers choose to apply mineral oil or soapstone wax to the surface of their soapstone countertops , but it is not necessary. Every type of surface requires its own type of maintenance it’s no exception to this rule. Unlike marble and granite, soapstone is nonporous, and as such it does not need to be sealed.

The only maintenance recommende not require is the mineral oil treatment to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through and to ensure the soapstone darkens evenly. The architectural grade is better for countertops , since the lower talc content makes it a more durable surface. Some homeowners rub their soapstone countertops with mineral oil once every four to eight weeks to keep a uniform color, but this is for aesthetics, not functionality. Because the stone is soft, it’s easy to sand out small nicks and scratches.

Natural Stone Countertop Maintenance – CD Granite Contrary to popular myths , caring for and maintaining your soapstone , granite, marble, and quartz stone countertop is quite easy and simple. We thought it would be helpful to make a page for our customers to provide detailed and easy instructions on natural stone countertop maintenance and care. The application of oil or wax isn’t a must to protect the soapstone from stains and it isn’t something that it has to have in order to protect it.

Care and Maintenance The maintenance of soapstone is really a decision based on what you want your countertops to look like. As a result, soapstone countertops require minimal maintenance. An initial oiling to bring out the natural beauty, followed by an additional oiling yearly is all that’s required. Routine care of soapstone counters will have your kitchen standing out for years to come.

If you install a soapstone countertop in your kitchen you can expect to see a return on your investment when you sell your home. Generally, new soapstone countertops will see a to ROI once the house sells. However, the mining of soapstone is ecologically harmful. And though soapstone was once mined domestically in Vermont and Appalachia, most countertop material is now mined in Brazil, resulting in significant transportation-related energy expenditure.

We love soapstone because of its natural aging and patina process that enhance its character. Knicks and scratches can easily be repaired by the consumer with appropriate sanding and oiling. The feel is unmatche it feels like you took your favorite cotton T-shirt and stretched it tight over a piece of wood. Cotton is called “the fabric of our lives,” maybe soapstone is the countertop of our lives.

When it comes to natural stone countertops , there are more options out there than just marble and granite. If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. Click an image below to view details. See if soapstone ’s assets and imperfections will work for you.

Low- Maintenance Countertops for Your Dream Kitchen Full Story. Compared to other countertop materials, soapstone is fairly low maintenance and doesn’t need to be sealed. Once mineral oil is applie the stone will turn into a very dark charcoal gray, sometimes black. Taking care of soapstone is simple. The main mineral components in soapstone are talc, chlorite, dolomite, and magnesite.

You can put hot pots and pans directly on your soapstone countertops without damaging it. However most marks can be easily buffed out with sandpaper. With its light gray surface and subtle veins, soapstone merges old-world charm with modern beauty. Each soapstone sample is labeled with its stone variety name.

It is ideal for classic kitchen styles. For the right owner, these countertops will be easier to care for and more charming than most other natural stone or engineered stone countertops. Primarily composed of magnesite and talc, soapstone has a high resistance to heat and staining.

In the arena of maintenance and repair, one of. Homeowners looking for low maintenance countertops have many outstanding choices in all price ranges. Here is a list of the top low maintenance countertop surface options along with the price range for each one. Lighting, cabinetry and flooring are all important in the kitchen, but many designers say countertops often create the wow factor.

Surfaces such as granite, quartz and Corian have eclipsed economical laminate, and homeowners looking for something even more exotic can opt for soapstone countertops , marble and limestone. Many prefer the look of soapstone to be darker so apply mineral oil to achieve an instant patina (that will happen naturally over time). Unlike most other low maintenance countertops , soapstone is a natural material like marble or graine. You’ll enjoy many years of enjoyment and beauty with these countertops , and that is why this natural material is still being used today.

There is no maintenance required for soapstone other than ongoing applications of mineral oil. While soapstone is durable and needs little maintenance , it requires frequent oiling, waxing or a sealant application to sustain a consistent, dark color.