does soapstone scratch easily

How do you get scratches out of soapstone?

Soapstone, being softer than granite and marble, is also more prone to scratches. The great advantage is that any scratches can be easily removed with a light sanding and/or mineral oil. Light scratches can be hidden by lightly applying some mineral oil.

What are the cons of soapstone?

Soapstone Countertop ConsScratches easily: Since it's a softer stone, soapstone does scratch easily. ... Few color options: Soapstone most often comes in shades of gray and darker grays, but can come in whites, greens and bluish grays.More items...•

Is soapstone hard to maintain?

Since soapstone is non-porous, it is easy to clean. However, you need to use mild soap and a soft sponge. When it comes to maintenance, soapstone countertops need regular oiling to maintain their natural look.

Is soapstone as durable as quartz?

Soapstone is durable and heat-resistant, just like quartz and granite. Like quartz, soapstone is also non-porous — but unlike quartz, soapstone is naturally non-porous, so you do not need to worry about staining at all. There are no compounds that could get damaged and discolored.

Can you put a hot pan on soapstone?

Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.

What is the most durable countertop?

QuartzQuartz takes first place in terms of durability. Made of crushed quartz stone mixed with polymers and resin, this artificially engineered stone countertop is an extremely durable surface that resembles natural stone.

How often does soapstone need to be oiled?

When you've got a brand new soapstone countertop, it's worth rubbing it down a day after installation. Before doing so, allow your counter to settle for a day so the silicon can set and dry. After that, you should plan to oil your stone once every month or when your counters start to get too light.

Is soapstone cheaper than granite?

Soapstone costs roughly $70 to $120 per square foot installed, making it pricier than many other natural stone countertop materials. Also a high-quality natural stone, granite will not cost you as much soapstone. The material typically costs in the range of $40 to $100 per square foot installed.

Is soapstone better than granite?

Soapstone is nearly impervious to staining. This is in sharp contrast to granite and marble, which can be stained quite easily. Scratches and dents can be sanded out of the stone, much the way Corian and other solid-surface materials can be repaired.

Is soapstone a good choice for countertops?

It imparts a dramatic, Old World look. It's impermeable, so it is highly resistant to staining. Soapstone stands up to heat; you can even put a hot pan on it without damaging the stone, Carbia says. Unlike many countertop materials, soapstone doesn't need to be sealed, therefore, the natural stone has no chemicals.

Can soapstone get wet?

If moisture gets inside natural stone, it weakens the strength properties of almost all types of stone. If a stone gets wet unevenly, it can bend. Soapstone's high density prevents moisture and chemicals from entering the stone, and it is therefore not prone to the previously-mentioned problems.

Is soapstone fragile?

The Durability of Soapstone While not as hard as granite, this material is more pliable. That means it is less brittle, so it won't crack unexpectedly from stress or weight. In addition, soapstone is very non-porous, another important strength that sets it apart from granite, sandstone and slate.

Is soapstone cancerous?

Serpentine, soapstone, and greenstone may contain asbestos, which can cause asbestosis, lung cancer, mesothelioma, and stomach and intestinal cancers.

Is soapstone cookware toxic?

Each of these criteria can be met by cooking food in soapstone cookware. Now, you may be thinking if vessels made of this stone are safe to cook? Well, it is 100 per cent safe.

Is it safe to cook in soapstone?

Lakshmi, who has been regularly cooking using these vessels for over five decades, says that the food cooked in soapstone cookware is probably the safest for those with sensitive stomachs. “Chances of food poisoning are very less because there are no chemical additives onto the materials.”

Is there asbestos in soapstone?

Most stone dealers are aware of this problem, and only carry stone that is known to be asbestos-free. Some soapstone contains silica, which can cause silicosis when inhaled. This should likewise be avoided, but is not as serious a hazard as asbestos.