Thinking about remodeling your kitchen, here is a great idea for replacing that old, worn-out countertop you have been using for years. Soapstone has been in use in many different products over the years, including kitchen countertops, stoves and even hearths. Extracted from naturally occurring mineral deposits, Soapstone is a highly manageable material to make kitchen countertops. Therefore, if you are considering about using this material in your kitchen, here is a rundown on some of the benefits you can expect from the same.
Extremely Resilient
Soapstone is non-porous material and highly resilient to stains and bacteria. There is no need to give it an extra coating or sealant to extend its durability as well. Soapstone is also resistant to heat and does not break that easily, making it the perfect addition to your kitchen countertop. The surface would wear with time, giving it and the entire kitchen a unique, polished look as well.
Easy Workability
Soapstone is extremely resistant to heat. Therefore, you do need to worry about placing your hot pans and vessels directly from the stove on the countertop. This increases workability by a huge margin, especially in busy kitchens where one can easily make mistakes. The fact that soapstone kitchen countertops do not stain is also an added advantage, especially if you tend to make a mess while cooking. Cleaning the countertop would be as simple as simply wiping away all those stains with a piece of cloth, similar to how you would do with a stainless steel kitchen countertop.
High Density
Soapstone is non-porous and has a very high density. The stone would not absorb any liquid spilled on it, be it a glass of red wine or a bottle of acid. All you need to do is wipe away the liquid, thus making the countertop look clean no matter what you spill on it. Soapstone’s density also enables it to function properly without any sealant. Of course, you can choose to add some oil to the countertop for aesthetic reasons.
Cost Effectiveness
Soapstone is one of the most cost effective kitchen countertop materials you can find in the market. When compared to other kitchen countertop materials like stainless steel, granite and marble, soapstone costs much less, thus making it the best choice for budget conscious home owners who want to get same look and feel of a marble or granite kitchen countertop albeit the costs involved.
Easy Installation
Installing a soapstone kitchen countertop is very easy when compared to other materials used for the same purpose. You can also opt to do it yourself with just a set of handy tools and some basic instructions. Of course, if you are even the slightest bit apprehensive of the project, you can hire a local handyman to finish it for you. When compared to other variants like granite or marble, a soapstone kitchen countertop can be easily installed and would not cost you that much either. In addition, the countertop would have a resale value of up to 80%, if you choose to sell your home in the future. Thus, you would be assured of a sizeable return on investment in the coming days.
Environmentally Friendly
Many homeowners are opting for greener choices in their homes these days. If you are one of them, then installing a soapstone kitchen countertop could be a good idea to make the kitchen an environmentally friendly area in your home. Soapstone is naturally occurring from mineral deposits in the earth. The harvested stone is custom cut to fit a kitchen, thus making it 100% natural and recyclable. All the material would need is some trimming and cleanup before you fix it onto the countertop. This in turn, helps in removing toxic chemicals and sealers from your kitchen as well as your home.
Summary
Soapstone kitchen countertops have a number of advantages when compared to other materials like stainless steel, marble and granite. They are stain resistant, bacteria resistant and heat resistant. They are extremely dense, resilient and durable as well. Better yet, they are extremely eco-friendly, thus making them the best choice for your green home.
