It’s often said that the kitchen is the heart of the home, but if you’re unhappy with the look of your kitchen, it may not feel like it.

Kitchen remodels are the most popular home improvement job in the United States. So if you think this area of your home needs sprucing up, you’re not alone.

Installing new countertops can drastically improve the look of your kitchen, but not all materials are created equal. If you haven’t considered soapstone before, you should. Here’s why soapstone counters are the best countertop material.

Soapstone Counters Are Heat-Resistant

One of the most popular reasons homeowners choose to install soapstone countertops in their kitchens is due to their heat resistance. Natural stones like soapstone can hold up to the heat, so you never have to worry about damaging the counter when you set hot pans or baking dishes down.

Native Americans once created cooking bowls out of soapstone that could be placed in a fire to cook meals. During the Revolutionary War, soapstone was used to create bullet molds due to its heat resistance and durability. These days, soapstone is usually used as a material for countertops, floor tiles, fireplaces, and outdoor kitchens.

They Don’t Stain

Another huge benefit of this type of countertop material is that soapstone slabs are non-porous. This means that even if you spill liquids on the stone, it won’t soak in and stain.

Natural stone countertops are often praised for their beauty, but options like marble and granite are susceptible to staining, making them more high-maintenance.

Of all the natural materials, soapstone is one of the most durable. It can even hold up against acidic liquids like vinegar and coffee.

Durable and Low Maintenance

Soapstone is very dense and it doesn’t crack easily, making it one of the best choices for kitchen countertops. Soapstone particles are also very compact, which means it’s easier to keep the surface clean and your kitchen sanitary. Plus, these countertops don’t require sealing.

That said, there are some pros and cons to soapstone.

It’s important to note that soapstone can scratch under heavy wear. The good news is that you can remove these scratches with light sanding. You can also apply mineral oil.

A Beautiful Patina

Soapstone darkens naturally over time, developing a beautiful patina. Mineral oil treatments speed up this process and turn the stone from a light gray to dark gray.

One of the top kitchen trends is the addition of white and gray. If you’re planning on selling your house, this can appeal to trendy buyers looking for a move-in-ready home. Even if you’re not planning to sell, The dark gray color of soapstone is sure to bring out the beauty in your kitchen.

Some stones may have blue or green hints of color that come out when you use mineral oils. The patina may even appear black. Black soapstone countertops add a bit of elegance to the kitchen.

A High-End Option

If you want a stunning, magazine-worthy kitchen, you can’t go wrong with soapstone counters. Much like granite or marble, it’s a timeless material that can make your kitchen look more upscale.

Professional installation of soapstone countertops generally costs between $85 to $150 per square foot. While it’s on the higher end, the cost is well worth the durability and beauty of this natural stone.

Choose Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone counters are an elegant and durable choice. If you’re looking for a countertop material that’s low-maintenance and heat-resistant, you can’t go wrong with soapstone.

Send us a message at Phoenix Stone & Laminate to receive a free in-home or on-site estimate on your kitchen countertops!