Soapstone is an excellent choice for countertops. While
soapstone has been used for
laboratory countertops for years, this rustic stone is currently
being rediscovered by homeowners who appreciate its good looks and
durability. Soapstone countertops can have either an old-fashioned,
New England look, or a fresh contemporary appearance. If contrasted
with light color cabinets, the resulting kitchen style can look quite
striking. Or pair soapstone countertops with a soapstone farmhouse
sink and backsplash, and rout the countertop to make an integral
drainboard. Choose it for the surface on your island. Whatever
your design, soapstone can fit into your busy family's lifestyle.
Soapstone is a quarried stone. It has a smooth surface that
feels like a bar of dry soap — thus, it is called soapstone.
Just as with any natural stone, soapstone will have variations
and veining. It is naturally a light gray color which oxidizes
to dark charcoal after it's cut. If mineral oil is applied, the
color will turn even darker. Soapstone can be fabricated with a
variety of edge treatments and finishes. It can be cut and
finished with conventional masonry and wood tools, unlike most
other natural stone materials. Traditionally, soapstone has been
used over the years for tools, dishes, cookware, etc. Sinks and
shower surrounds and bases are also made of soapstone. Because
of soapstone's heat retaining capabilities, it is often used for
pizza ovens, fireplaces and stoves. It will retain and radiate
the heat for hours after the fire is out.
If you are looking for gray or black natural stone countertops,
soapstone is a good choice. It is nonporous, so stains can be
scrubbed off. The surface finish is resistant to water and
acid, and it's not damaged by heat. Scratches can appear over
time, but they can be sanded out. A coat of mineral oil will
renew the surface and enhance the stone's gray color. The surface
may also be left natural and it will darken over time to a charcoal gray
color. Clean soapstone with kitchen detergent and warm water.
Soapstone Countertop Fabricators
Browse the following websites to learn about these trendy
countertops. They will provide you with sources for the stone,
as well as how to install and care for it.
Vermont Soapstone
is the original miner, importer, and fabricator for soapstone in
America. Soapstone is their only product. VermontSoapstone.com
M. Teixeira Soapstone
supplies quality soapstone from around the world. They can fabricate and
install the soapstone, or supply the raw stone. Soapstones.com
Based in Perkasie, Pennsylvania, the
Bucks County Soapstone
Company provides soapstone countertops and sinks in many styles and
sizes. BCSoapstone.com
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