Soapstone Countertops in Bathrooms: A Durable and Stylish Option
When it comes to making bathroom designs, homeowners always try to look for materials that combine style and function. And that is exactly why most people have started to choose soapstone bathroom countertops,
These materials, when it comes to making countertops, have become extremely popular lately. But have you thought why?
TBH, the reason is pretty simple! These materials have unique durability, are very low maintenance, and have an aesthetic appeal.
This natural stone, known for its rich, smooth texture and subtle veining, offers an excellent balance of functionality and style.
Let’s dive into why soapstone countertops are a fantastic choice for bathrooms, their advantages, and how to maintain them for lasting beauty.
The Reasons Behind The Soapstone Bathroom Countertops
Soapstone is a natural material primarily made of talc. It is further mixed with other materials, such as quartz and chlorite.
This unique combination helps in giving a soft, smooth texture. So, it is very easy to differentiate it from the other stone such as granite and marble.
Soapstone’s inherent properties, such as water resistance, durability, and aesthetics, make it ideal for the bathroom environment.
Advantages of Soapstone Countertops in Bathrooms
Soapstone countertops are popular for bathrooms because they are durable, heat-resistant, low-maintenance, and recyclable. Here is a detailed explanation of the soapstone bathroom countertops.
1. Exceptional Durability
First, other natural stones might not have the amazing endurance of soapstone. Additionally, they have a high level of resistance to cracks and chipping.
Furthermore, soapstone does not break easily due to its extremely thick structure. So, it is perfect for high-traffic places like restrooms.
And yes, granite is indeed harder than soapstone and ideal for a busy home.
2. Natural Water Resistance
Secondly, humid and water splashes are very common in a bathroom. These can lead to major staining and damage to the countertop materials.
However, soapstone is mainly non-porous and does not absorb water. Perfect for wet environments and soapstone bathroom countertops, right? And you won’t have to deal with mold, mildew, or water stains.
3. Low Maintenance
Third, soapstone requires less maintenance compared to marble. Its non-porous nature prevents staining.
Moreover, soapstone countertops can be cleaned regularly with mild soap and water. This is all it takes to keep them looking their best. You can sand out even minor scratches or treat them with mineral oil.
4. Heat Resistance
Soapstone is naturally heat-resistant, a quality beneficial for bathroom countertops where heated tools like curling irons or straighteners are often used. Additionally, you can safely place hot tools on the surface without worrying about heat damage.
5. Timeless Beauty
Finally, soapstone’s rich, muted tones and natural veining make it a timeless addition to any bathroom. Its soft, matte finish and various colors—from light gray to deep charcoal—lend a warm, inviting aesthetic.
Over time, soapstone develops a unique patina, adding character and enhancing its visual appeal.
Design Versatility of Soapstone in Bathrooms
Soapstone offers you great natural beauty, durability, and low maintenance. These make soapstone bathroom countertops a versatile material indeed. What else makes soapstone more versatile? Let’s take a look at it.
1. Pairing with Various Styles
First, soapstone countertops work well with various design styles. You can incorporate soapstone bathroom countertops with modern minimalist bathrooms or rustic or farmhouse-inspired spaces.
Its versatility allows it to complement both sleek, contemporary fixtures and classic, traditional cabinetry.
2. Unique Veining and Patterns
Secondly, no two soapstone slabs are the same, meaning your soapstone bathroom countertops will be unique. The subtle veining and natural patterns in soapstone add depth and texture to your bathroom design, creating a striking focal point.
3. Variety of Colors
Finally, while soapstone typically comes in shades of gray, green, and black, the exact color can vary based on mineral composition. This variation lets you choose a hue that perfectly matches your bathroom’s color scheme.
Considerations for Soapstone Countertops
Now that you are aware of the fact that you can use a soapstone countertop in your bathroom and the fact that it is trendy, there is something that you need to know. Well, unfortunately, a soapstone bathroom countertop is not for everyone.
Yes, even if you really have fallen in love with that picture that you have saved on Pinterest, the truth is it scratches very easily, along with the unpredictable patina.
On top of that, regular oiling is required. Yet, you must consider the following points if you are deciding to get soapstone countertops,
1. Softness
First, soapstone is a material that is much softer than its counterparts, like granite. While you do not get any form of scratches when it comes to the latter, using soapstone kinda ensures that you have to deal with scratches and dents.
However, these imperfections are often part of its charm, adding to its patina. For those who prefer a pristine surface, scratches can be sanded out with fine sandpaper.
2. Limited Color Range
Secondly, while soapstone’s natural color are beautiful, its color range is more limited than other materials like quartz or granite. If you’re seeking a specific bold color, soapstone might not be the right choice.
3. Initial Cost
Soapstone is often priced higher than some other countertop materials. However, its longevity and low maintenance make it a cost-effective option in the long run.
How to Maintain Soapstone Countertops
When it comes to cleaning your Soapstone Countertops in the bathroom, there is one thing that you need to know. Does it ring a bell?
Well, you have to clean them regularly with warm water and mild dish soap. Additionally, it is best that you avoid any sort of harsh chemicals.
Apart from these two really basic things, you can also try something else if you want to keep it as shiny as new. What? Well, to maintain the stone’s appearance, you can occasionally reapply mineral oil.
Other than that, try to sand any scratches that may appear lightly. Due to its non-porous nature, soapstone is naturally stain-resistant and requires minimal maintenance compared to other natural stones.
1. Daily Cleaning
Try to clean the soapstone bathroom countertops with a soft cloth, warm water, and mild dish soap. Do not use abrasive cleaners, as this can make the countertops look duller.
2. Treating Scratches
You can buff out small scratches using fine sandpaper. After that, mineral oil is applied to restore the surface’s uniform appearance. If you spot any deeper scratches, you must go for a more thorough sanding, which may be needed.
3. Applying Mineral Oil
Mineral oil enhances the color and patina of soapstone countertops. No, it is not mandatory! However, applying mineral oil can be useful to deepen the natural hue of the stone and further create a consistent finish.
You can simply use a soft cotton cloth to apply a very thin layer of oil and further wipe off the excess.
4. Avoiding Heavy Impacts
Soapstone is durable, but it is softer than granite. Therefore, you must avoid dropping heavy objects on the surface to prevent chips or dents.
Comparing Soapstone to Other Bathroom Countertop Materials
Even though soapstone requires daily maintenance, such as oiling with mineral oil, soapstone can be a great alternative to other materials like granite and marble.
Soapstone vs. other bathroom countertop materials | Durability | Maintenance | Aesthetics |
Soapstone vs. Granite | These materials are durable. However, granite is harder and less prone to scratches. | Soapstone requires less maintenance. It doesn’t need sealing like granite. | You can get a more a softer, more muted look with soapstone. On the contrary, granite offers more vibrant colors and patterns. |
Soapstone vs. Marble | Marble gets stained and etched, compared to soapstone. | Soapstone is easier to maintain. You do not need sealing for this. | Marble offers you a bright, polished appearance. On the other hand, you get a matte finish and rustic charm with soapstone. |
Soapstone vs. Quartz | Quartz is hard. It resists scratches but is less heat-resistant than soapstone. | Both materials are low-maintenance, but quartz may require more care to avoid damage from heat. | Quartz offers a wider range of colors and patterns, while soapstone provides a natural, understated beauty. |
Wrapping It Up!
In conclusion, soapstone bathroom countertops help you balance between low maintenance, classic elegance, and longevity. They can be a beautiful addition to your home for many years if you take good care of them.
If your goal is to create a calm, spa-like space in your bathroom, soapstone countertops might be a great addition to your home.
We hope that this article has helped you if you want to know about soapstone bathroom countertops. If there are any other questions that you might have related to the same topic, please do not hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
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