Countertop materials are of different types and there is so much variety to choose from that you are bound to get confused. Here is a detailed description and difference between soapstone and granite kitchen countertops.

Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a great countertop material which is very popular among most people. It is made under extremely high pressure and temperature. Soapstone usually contains talc, which gives soapstone its characteristic soap-like texture. It is quite a soft and slippery material, similar to a bar of soap.

Soapstone is considered to be a very strong and durable material. In this regard, it is quite comparable to granite.

Colors

Soapstone is available in a lot of color variations. It has a base color of gray, with hints of blue, purple and other light colors here and there. It looks extremely beautiful on countertops and kitchen fixtures. People with well-lit kitchens will love this light and soapy material.

One interesting fact about soapstone is that it darkens over time. This is because of the talc present in the soapstone. If you want the soapstone to be darker within no time at all, you can apply mineral oil on its surface to amplify the darkness.

Of course mineral oil is not the safest option to use on top of kitchen countertops, because it is hazardous to the environment, so a lot of people don’t go for this option.

Cost

A foot of soapstone countertop will cost you anywhere around $80 to $140, with the price getting higher as thickness increases. It is a pricey material, because it is a natural stone and all natural stones are expensive, no matter what you choose.

Maintenance

Talking about the maintenance of soapstone, it is quite simple and easy. You can clean soapstone with any normal cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Even cleaners with chemicals will not affect soapstone because it is quite durable and resistant to dissolving with chemicals and weak acids. One thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t cut anything directly on top of soapstone countertops, because this will leave noticeable scratches on top of the surface of soapstone.

Granite Countertops

Granite is one of the most sought-after countertop material of all time. People love the appearance of granite. It adds a touch of sophistication to the kitchen countertop and adds a whole new look to the kitchen. Granite is made deep inside the earth where magma cools down and the crystals solidify. Part of the reason why granite looks extremely beautiful is because it looks like a crystal.

Colors

Granite is also available in a lot of color variants. The base color can be dark or light with veining all around the surface. The veining is either subtle and muted or bold and visible. The veining is usually lighter than the base color, so that it can pop out. Granite countertops have more color options than soapstone which makes it more favorite among people, because there is a color for everyone.

Sealing

Granite is a naturally porous material. It has to be sealed with a sealant to make it water resistant. Otherwise, water or any other fluid can easily seep inside the stone and ruin it. Not sealing your granite surface will also lead to granite not lasting long enough. So it is necessary to seal the granite countertop beforehand.

Cost

A block of granite will cost you around $40 to $100. Because it is a natural stone, this is why it is expensive. The life of granite material depends on how you take care of it.

Maintenance

If you maintain it well and keep it clean and dry at all times, then granite will last for a long time. You can easily clean it with some soap and water and call it a day. One of the great things about granite countertops is that they are heat-resistant. If you put a hot pan on top of the surface of granite, it will not damage the countertop, which adds more points for granite.

There you have it! Now you know all of the things that you need to know for soapstone and granite countertops. This blog will serve as a thorough guide about the two countertop materials. However, always get the services of reliable granite installers Rockville to get a long lasting countertop.