Soapstone Countertops in Maryland - Soapstone Countertops by Express Countertops of Maryland

Soapstone Countertops: An Ancient Option

Qualities of Soapstone History of Soapstone 101 Soapstone Countertop Care

Usually dark gray in color, soapstone has a smooth and soft feel. Although often seen in historical homes, these countertops are used in modern homes as well. Soapstone provides a rich, deep color that is mostly stain resistant. Although a bit pricy, soapstone is a one of a kind texture that has a very aesthetically pleasing look.

Soapstone is a steatite stone and its primary components are magnetite, dolomite, chlorite, and talc. These components give it a soft touch with the smooth feeling of rubbing a dry piece of soap, which is how it got its name.

Cost: About $50 to $200 per square foot.

Qualities of Soapstone

PROS	CONS
Has a rich, deep color.	May crack or darken over time.
A unique and smooth feel.	Can be more expensive than other surfaces.
Mostly stain resistant.	Potential to chip on the edges.
Naturally retains heat.
Requires little or no maintenance.

History of Soapstone 101

Soapstone can range in age from 300 to 400 million years old depending on which part of the planet it is from! Soapstone has been used throughout the world for tools, vases, goblets, fireplaces, etc., for thousands of years. Today in the United States and other parts of the country, soapstone is used for the largest variety of items ever yet, such as balusters, stair treads, window sills, and island tops.

Soapstone Countertop Care

Soapstone maintenance is fairly simple. Soapstone is impenetrable, meaning that nothing can sink into it. When it comes to caring for these countertops, there are many options, and the first is doing no maintenance at all. If this is what you choose, the stone will slowly darken over time from regular use.

Using standard mineral oil on soapstone will keep the counters a uniform color, and should be reapplied every 4-8 weeks. To return the stone to its original grayish color, use sandpaper. Scratches can be fixed with sandpaper and a little mineral oil or sealer. Marks can be rubbed out with a dry paper towel.

For more information about soapstone countertops contact Express Countertops. Call or use the estimate button above to request your free estimate and have your new countertops installed in 1 week - guaranteed!