Quartz Vs Soapstone: Comparing Your Countertop Options
When researching materials for your Kitchen or Bathroom Remodel, Quartz and Soapstone are two materials that stand up well against everyday use in Kitchens and Bathrooms. Did you know that Soapstone Countertops are most commonly used in Chemistry Labs, as the stone is naturally very resistant to chemical change! But which of the two is the best for your home? Let’s Dive into the details of Quartz vs Soapstone Countertops.
About Quartz Countertops
Quartz is a natural mineral that gets turned into Engineered Quartz Slabs for Countertops. Quartz is one of the most popular countertop materials on the market, with its stellar durability, low maintenance, and a vast variety of colors and designs to choose from.
Durability
Quartz is one of the hardest and strongest minerals on Earth, only a few degrees behind Diamonds, which is the hardest mineral on Earth. Quartz Countertops are your most durable option for New Stone Countertops. Scratch-Resistant, Chip Resistant, and Stain Resistant without ever having to Seal your Countertops.
Maintenance
As mentioned above, Quartz Countertops Never Need to be Sealed. That means you will never need to re-seal your Countertops, or really maintain your Quartz Countertops. Just wipe away gunk and grime with mild soap and water, no special cleaners needed ever!
Colors
With so many different Quartz Countertops Brands on the Market, there is an abundance of Quartz Colors to choose from. New Colors and Designs are being made every year, which means that finding a Quartz color that looks like Soapstone is easier than ever! Find something you like that fits with the color scheme of your space. Another nice thing about Quartz is that the designs are consistent in coloring and patterning, making it an easy shopping experience knowing what you see is what you’re gonna get.
About Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone is a Natural Stone, quarried from the Earth most commonly in Brazil, America, and India. Soapstone Countertops are made up of two Minerals, Steatite and Talc.
Durability
Are Soapstone Countertops Durable? Yes and No. Unlike most other Natural Stone Countertops like Granite, Marble or Quartzite, Soapstone Countertops are pretty stain resistant. As mentioned above, Soapstone Countertops are highly resistant to acid damage. This means common household cleaning products and food items like vinegar, lemon juice, tomatoes, and such won’t damage the countertop. However, with Soapstone Countertops you can expect them to scratch, as they are composed with Talc, and Talc is one of the softest minerals on Earth. To combat this, you can use some sandpaper to smooth out the scratches, however you might experience a slight change in the finish of the Countertops.
Maintenance
A Big Question people ask is, Do Soapstone Countertops Need to be Sealed or Maintainanced? The answer is No, Soapstone Countertops Never need to be Sealed… Ever! However, that’s not to say that Soapstone Countertops are Maintenance Free, like Quartz. Over time Soapstone Countertops do require Maintenance to keep the stone’s appearance looking amazing. A big thing that Soapstone Countertop Owners do to maintain the stone is applying Mineral Oil to the surface, allowing it to sit, and then wiping away the excess. This helps make the Soapstone shine, as well as hide any stains or light spots.
Colors
As Soapstone is a Natural Stone, the Colors Of Soapstone Available for your Countertop Project are slightly limited. An Important thing to keep in mind when selecting a Soapstone Countertop Color is that the color of the Soapstone you pick, will most likely darken significantly with wear and usage of the countertops. One thing you won’t typically find when looking for this type of Countertop? WhiteSoapstone. Soapstone Coloring tends to lean towards the darker end of the color spectrum.
Soapstone Countertops can typically be found in the following colors:
- Gray
- Black
- Blue Gray
- Green
Quartz vs Soapstone: Which is More Expensive?
Another Question that is Asked frequently when discussing Quartz vs Soapstone Countertops is: Are Soapstone Countertops Expensive? In short, yes. Because of the inherent stain resistance and need for minimal maintenance, Soapstone Countertops will run you more money than a traditional Granite Countertop. When Comparing Quartz vs Soapstone Pricing, Soapstone is Comparable to Quartz Pricing. You can expect to pay anywhere from $80 – $170 per square foot for New Soapstone Countertops.
10 Most Popular Quartz Countertops Colors that Look Like Soapstone Countertops
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Blackpool Matte Cambria Quartz
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Charcoal Soapstone Silestone Quartz
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Mammoth Cave Cambria Quartz
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Charlestown Cambria Quartz
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Cemento Pompeii Quartz
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Black Tempal Caesarstone Quartz
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Blackbrook Cambria Quartz
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Black Rock Cambria Quartz
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Corktown Silestone Quartz
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Raven Caesarstone Quartz
Concluding Thoughts on Quartz vs Soapstone
If you are looking for a darker stone that is virtually maintenance-free, Soapstone is a good choice for your Countertop Project. However, if you are looking for a White Countertop or a light countertop to brighten your Space, Quartz Countertops would be the better option with more color options, and no maintenance. When it comes to pricing out New Quartz vs Soapstone Countertops, you’ll find the pricing very similar
Ready for New Quartz or Soapstone Countertops?
Now that you’ve learned all about Quartz vs Soapstone, you probably want to know where you can buy New Countertops for your Home! At International Granite and Stone, we Fabricate and Install all types of Quartz and Natural Stone Countertops. With over 20 years of experience in the industry, and armed with our General Contractor’s License, we are fully equipped to handle any Kitchen or Bathroom Project you throw our way. That’s not to say we don’t do other stuff in the Remodeling World. We also Paint and Reface Cabinets, Install LED Lighting, Backsplash Tile, Plumbing Services, Electrical Services, and more.
We are your One-Stop-Shop for all your Countertop Project Needs. Have one of our highly skilled Design Representatives come out to your Home, armed with Samples, Design Advice, and Pricing specifically for your Project. Click the Link Below to Get Started!
