Myths and FAQs About Soapstone and Wood Countertops
Does soapstone stain easily?
No, soapstone will not stain due to its high density non porous surface; remember the soapstone tables and work stations in chemistry class? The reason for this is resistance to absorption, staining and heat.
How often do you have to seal soapstone?
No need to seal, whenever you feel like it just put a light coat of mineral oil, but only if you feel like it!
I heard soapstone scratches easily.
Soapstone is one of the softer stones on the Mohs scale, with that said it is very easy to fix, touchup or maintain and with density of soapstone you never have to worry about staining. If ever you do scratch your counter just simply re-oil or a deeper scratch lightly sand with a 180 to 220 grit paper and re-oil. Soapstone is one of the easiest stones to care for or repair.
Is soapstone difficult to clean?
No. Since there is a satin type finish on the surface you won’t be chasing fingerprints and smudges. Mild soap detergent or just a hot damp cloth will be all you need. Also, due to the nonporous surface, bacteria won’t hold in microscopic pores.
Can you burn soapstone with hot pots?
Put all the hot pots and pans on it you can, soapstone loves the heat – and the cold! Place your frozen pizza dough on the counter right out of the freezer and it will generally be thawed in less than 45 minutes - this is one of my favorite benefits!
Do you have to oil the stone or can I leave it grey?
You can leave soapstone its natural grey color; eventually the stone will take on a darker patina in areas of the counter where it gets a little more use. A number of customers choose to leave it grey, it comes down to personal preference. Either way, if you oil it, wax it or leave it grey, it eventually has a timeless feeling and look.
What can you expect?
You can expect your soapstone counter to last a lifetime and provide a wonderful work space. Expect to get some questions on your countertops like, Is it easy to maintain? Will it stain? To I love it! Your counter top will outlast the home it is put into, also expect to increase the durability and beauty of your kitchen.
No, soapstone will not stain due to its high density non porous surface; remember the soapstone tables and work stations in chemistry class? The reason for this is resistance to absorption, staining and heat.
How often do you have to seal soapstone?
No need to seal, whenever you feel like it just put a light coat of mineral oil, but only if you feel like it!
I heard soapstone scratches easily.
Soapstone is one of the softer stones on the Mohs scale, with that said it is very easy to fix, touchup or maintain and with density of soapstone you never have to worry about staining. If ever you do scratch your counter just simply re-oil or a deeper scratch lightly sand with a 180 to 220 grit paper and re-oil. Soapstone is one of the easiest stones to care for or repair.
Is soapstone difficult to clean?
No. Since there is a satin type finish on the surface you won’t be chasing fingerprints and smudges. Mild soap detergent or just a hot damp cloth will be all you need. Also, due to the nonporous surface, bacteria won’t hold in microscopic pores.
Can you burn soapstone with hot pots?
Put all the hot pots and pans on it you can, soapstone loves the heat – and the cold! Place your frozen pizza dough on the counter right out of the freezer and it will generally be thawed in less than 45 minutes - this is one of my favorite benefits!
Do you have to oil the stone or can I leave it grey?
You can leave soapstone its natural grey color; eventually the stone will take on a darker patina in areas of the counter where it gets a little more use. A number of customers choose to leave it grey, it comes down to personal preference. Either way, if you oil it, wax it or leave it grey, it eventually has a timeless feeling and look.
What can you expect?
You can expect your soapstone counter to last a lifetime and provide a wonderful work space. Expect to get some questions on your countertops like, Is it easy to maintain? Will it stain? To I love it! Your counter top will outlast the home it is put into, also expect to increase the durability and beauty of your kitchen.