When it’s time to update your countertops, you might feel overwhelmed at the number of choices available. However, if you want beautiful patterns and long-term durability, narrow your options down to natural stone countertops. Soapstone has been a longtime favorite due to its stylish appearance and strong composition. Use this guide to learn more about this material and the benefits of selecting countertops made from it. 

What Is Soapstone & Why Is It a Good Countertop Material?

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock—rocks found beneath the Earth’s surface that have been formed through heat, pressure, and other chemical processes. It is composed primarily of talc, which makes it feel very soft and easy to carve. However, its physical composition and properties can change depending on the extra minerals and the conditions where it was formed. 

Due to the physical properties it develops from talc, soapstone is a quality natural stone countertop material. It’s nonporous, nonabsorbent, heat resistant, and resistant to acids and alkalis. While it doesn’t have a wide range of color choices like other stones, it does come in a sleek grey with beautiful, bold veining.  

How to Maintain Soapstone Countertops

Although soapstone is quite durable and relatively low maintenance, its soft nature does make it more susceptible to scratches and chips than other natural stone countertop materials. If these spots do crop up, they are easy to repair.

Small nicks can be buffed out with mineral oil and a hand towel, and deeper scratches can be sanded out before also applying mineral oil. If a piece is broken lose, you can remove it and fill it in with a soapstone and epoxy mixture. 

For general day-to-day care, you can clean the countertops with mild soap and water. By regularly applying mineral oil to the surface, you can speed up the stone’s natural darkening process and ensure its uniformity. 

Whether you want to update your kitchen or bathroom with soapstone or another natural stone countertop material, you can find it at Stone World at Red Bank in New Jersey. This wholesaler has an extensive inventory of high-quality soapstone, marble, granite, and quartz countertop materials. They can also fabricate custom countertops to suit your design needs. Call them today at (732) 383-5110 and visit their website to learn more about their website.