Soapstone Countertops in Central Pennsylvania

Soapstone is a unique countertop material that isn’t as common as other materials like granite and marble. It has a very distinctive look, which may be perfect for your home decor tastes.

Whether you want to install soapstone countertops in your home or just want to learn more about this stone, looking at all of your options helps you make a choice you’ll be happy with for years to come for your renovation or new build.

Benefits of Soapstone Countertops

There are several benefits that come with choosing soapstone for your countertops. First is its unique look. Many homeowners are drawn to soapstone because it creates an old-world feel in your home.

Soapstone also has different characteristics that make it great for kitchen or bathroom countertops. Soapstone is non-porous, so it resists bacteria growth and helps it stay cleaner. It is one of the most heat-resistant stones available, so you can put pots and pans right on the counter after pulling them out of the oven or off of the stovetop.

Another distinctive characteristic of soapstone is that the color darkens over time. Some homeowners really enjoy this feature because it is so unique compared to most types of countertop stone.

Soapstone is a nonporous stone, meaning it doesn’t stain easily. Still, if you spill something on your new countertop, it’s important to wipe it up right away to prevent the staining.

Drawbacks of Soapstone Countertops

While many people do like the color-changing characteristic of soapstone, others don’t. When you’re looking at new soapstone countertops, be sure to keep in mind that its look will evolve as the years progress.

The main downside to soapstone is its tendency to chip and get damaged. It is a softer stone and can be even softer than marble. If you drop a heavy pan onto the counter, it could chip. You also should not cut directly on this type of counter because knives will leave scratches.

Maintaining Soapstone Countertops

Compared to other types of stone countertops, soapstone does not require much maintenance. If you want to keep it in especially good condition, you can take several steps to ensure its care. To darken the stone and make any veining stand out, routinely apply mineral oil.

As we mentioned before, soapstone can be damaged because of its softer composition. It’s important to be careful when you’re using items that could hurt the stone. However, if it counter does become scratched or stained, these marks can easily be buffed out with sandpaper and mineral oil. Chips are more difficult — but not impossible — to repair.

Cost of Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone comes at a lower cost than other stone countertops. You’ll find the cost of the material is usually between $80 to $120 per square foot installed.

Trust the Experts for Your Custom Soapstone Countertop

Let Lesher Natural Stone, Quartz, & Tile take care of your custom soapstone countertops for your Harrisburg home. Contact us today to receive a free quote, or visit our showroom to see samples of our selection of stone countertops.