Soapstone or granite

It got its name because it feels like soap. Marble has been a popular trend in kitchen countertops for the past several years. If you compare performance characteristics in a kitchen environment, granite is the better choice. Soapstone does not have the dramatic variation of granite.

Like granite and slate, soapstone is a siliceous stone and is not affected by. This is in sharp contrast to granite and marble, which can be stained quite easily. Color-wise, soapstone doesn’t boast the same variety in color palette that granite does and it’s texture tends to be smoother and less dynamic.

However, when it comes to upkeep, it requires less maintenance than granite countertops. While granite and quartz are the overwhelming choice for most homeowners, we just completed a kitchen remodel in Vancouver, WA where we installed soapstone countertops in the kitchen. The homeowners, Jim and Liz Luce, loved the understated look of the material in contrast to the flashier polished granite and quartz. Durability Practically indestructible, soapstone is an excellent alternative natural stone to use in place of granite or marble.

It is usually more expensive than granite or marble, but its value is immense, and the rewards many. To the touch, it feels almost silky, thanks to the presence of the soft talc in its composition. It’s milky appearance gives it a rustic feel when compared with the urbane and elegant look of granite or slate.

Your friends, family and guests will all be amazed by the unique texture of your new kitchen countertop, bathroom sink or shower. Moreover, to maintain an even color of soapstone countertops, one needs to apply mineral oil on them on a regular basis. Thus, it requires much more efforts to maintain a soapstone countertop, as compared to a granite one. The major advantage of having a granite kitchen countertop is that it is very strong and durable.

Granite and soapstone have been used for counter tops for generations and are very popular today. Quartz, or engineered stone, is an increasingly popular option with many unique benefits that differentiate from traditional natural stone. Also, you can put a hot pot on soapstone and it won’t damage the surface. Unfortunately, soapstone is a soft rock and easily scratched. We even offer stone “ice cubes” for the discerning drinker that prefers no dilution.

I would guess they would have a lot more granite remnants kicking around to choose from vs. Quarried like granite and marble, soapstone is largely composed of the mineral talc, and is thus rich in magnesium. The talc in soapstone gives the stone a smooth feeling, like rubbing a piece of dry soap. Because soapstone is a little softer than granite , nicks and scratches may appear, but they can either be sanded out or left for a weathere rustic look. Most homeowners who choose soapstone say the beauty of the stone it’s completely worth any marginal risk of nicks or scratches.

One of the best ways to add great value to your home is with the natural beauty of granite , marble, soapstone or quartz countertops, for the home or work place. Choose the right stone for your project at Stone Center, Inc near Portlan OR. Visit our showroom for your inspiration! Colors range from dark gray to bluish or greenish gray.

Its heat retention qualities make it an ideal cladding for freestanding coal or wood-fired room heaters. But this is the real worl and it must be considered. Natural Stone Countertops. Choosing to have natural stone countertops installed is an excellent decision for any home.

CD Granite guarantees we will work with you to choose the best stone for your quartz countertops, marble countertops, soapstone countertops, or granite countertops. Whiskey stones are made out of either granite or soapstone and are used in place of ice cubes to cool down your quality liquer. After cooling the stone in the freezer they are invaluable to cool your drink to a perfect sipping temperature. 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.

A pan taken off the stove or out of the oven can be placed directly on soapstone countertops without damaging the stone. A: We recommend regular treatment with mineral oil to maintain the appearance most admirers of soapstone are accustomed to. This material has been used for hearths and tabletop applications. The majority of people have seen soapstone in its oiled finish. Yes, soapstone is one of the only stones that you actually apply oil to.

The oil brings out the veining and darkens the stone. The material is softer than granite , but more dense. The texture of soapstone also makes it special: silky smooth and very different from the glassy, brittle feel of polished granite or marble. Best of all, soapstone requires little care to last several lifetimes. Consider some of the granite color options looking like soapstone.

Virginia Mist is a granite color having the soapstone look, and feel.