Would soapstone bathroom countertops be a worthy investment?

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Are you thinking of the ideal material for your bathroom countertops? You would be looking for aesthetics, elegance, and visual appeal. While remodelling your bathroom, you might stumble upon a plethora of options.

Soapstone seamlessly blends the charm and sophistication you have been looking for. This material makes stunning countertops for bathrooms. Although granite and quartz dominate the industry, you have a unique alternative in soapstone. This material has been in the industry for centuries. The utility of soapstone has evolved over the years. Even today, the material continues to deliver the value for which homeowners love it.

In this article, we will explore whether it would be logical to use a soapstone countertop for your bathroom. Learn more about the right choice of materials for your bathroom countertop from the experts at Caesarstone.

What are soapstone countertops?

Also known as steatite, soapstone is a natural metamorphic rock. It contains around 60 per cent to 70 per cent magnesium. This unique composition makes the surface soft and dry, somewhat like stone. This architectural-grade soapstone is quarried globally, particularly in countries like Brazil and India. Mostly, soapstone countertops come in gray colour. Some variants are veined, that are available in hues like brown, black, white, blue, and green.

At times, the manufacturers blend quartz and soapstone to obtain the right degree of rigidity.

What are the advantages of soapstone countertops?

Here is a list of reasons why you should consider using soapstone as bathroom countertops.

Appealing visuals

Soapstone is loved for its enriched textured beauty. As a material for your bathroom countertop, it is incredibly versatile. Apart from bathrooms and kitchens, it can complement any type of interior. Whether you love modern designs or rustic ones, soapstone can serve as a versatile material. You can purchase soapstone countertops in three shades: green, black, and grey. This would give you a wide range of alluring design options.

Long lifeline

Soapstone has a more pliable and softer texture. This makes it stand apart from other popular materials that households use for constructing their bathroom countertops. This softness ensures that soapstone would not chip or crack easily. Moreover, the material is capable of withstanding more heat and weight. It is also non-porous, which eases up the maintenance efforts. Even if you spill oil or other liquids, they won’t accumulate the stain.

Resistance to heat

Soapstone’s heat resistance makes it ideal for all sorts of countertops. If you accidentally place hot objects on top of the countertop, the surface would not be tarnished. Soapstone can seamlessly absorb heat without developing any cracks. This happens to be one of the most striking advantages of using soapstone as the material for your bathroom countertop.

Eco-friendly material

Soapstone, as a material, is entirely natural. Meaning you won’t need to apply any sealers or harsh cleaners on it. To retain the sheen on the surface, you simply need a natural oil. In a nutshell, you do not have to introduce any chemicals in your home environment once you install a soapstone countertop. If you are someone who values sustainable living, it’s worth investing in one of these stones.

Easy maintenance

Unlike most natural stones, soapstone is non-porous. This makes it easy to clean these countertops. Dirt and bacteria cannot make their way through the surfaces of these countertops. When you install one of these countertops, you can easily clean it using a mild soap, a sponge, and some warm water.

Unique and attractive appearance

As a homeowner, you would like to get a custom countertop installed in your bathroom. The credibility with soapstone counters lies in the fact that no two pieces of these slabs are exactly identical. The surfaces of soapstone counters have unique patterns. Homeowners appreciate this individuality when they purchase the slabs. With this type of countertop, your bathroom would get a warm and smooth look.

Antimicrobial properties

You might be concerned about bacterial growth in your bathroom countertops. It might be tough to find adequate time for cleaning the surfaces if you are busy with your chores. Thankfully, soapstone does not have pores or imperfections on the surface. This leaves no scope for bacteria and germs to make their way through the slabs. You would have a clean, safe, and healthy environment at home.

Softness

The softness of soapstone makes it amazingly easy to shape and carve the material. Unlike other countertop materials, it is not too rigid. This significantly eases up the installation process. The installers can easily carve out the drainage grooves in bathroom countertops if you place them near a sink.

Disadvantages of soapstone countertops

Not everything in soapstone is flawless. Here are a few drawbacks of the material:

Susceptible to scratches and chipping

The softness of soapstone makes it vulnerable to scratches and chipping. Although it eases up the installation process, you may accidentally drop a heavy object on it. This can lead to chipping or cause sufficient damage to the countertop. Thus, you need to be extra careful with these countertops.

Expensive option

Soapstone countertops are expensive. You may have to shell out anywhere between $70 and $120 per square foot when you install these slabs in your bathroom. This is even more expensive than granite countertops. If you need the installation to be done within a limited budget, soapstone won’t be the ideal material for you. However, installation costs with soapstone would be less as the installer would find it easy to place.

Unless you have budgetary restrictions, it makes sense to invest in a good soapstone countertop. The versatility, durability, visual appeal, and non-porous nature of the material make it ideal for your bathroom.

Nevertheless, it pays to consult a professional before you proceed with such an installation. The experts can guide you over aspects like cost and customization options. It is worth investing in a soapstone countertop for your bathroom. You’ll appreciate the visual appeal of the unique design enhancing the aesthetics.