If your kitchen or bathroom remodel wish list includes natural stone countertops consider eco sensitive soapstone.
White kitchen soapstone counters.
While many soapstone countertops spotted on pinterest of instagram appear to be one solid color the material can also be found with veins or striking streaks in green black yellow blue brown or white as shown in this kitchen by ben herzog architect out of brooklyn new york.
In time or when applied with layers of mineral oil it could become dark enough that it almost looks all black.
The beauty of soapstone.
Here s a look at soapstone countertop pros and cons.
The warm look and cool feel of soapstone countertops add distinctive character.
Soapstone was used on the perimeter offering the aged traditional look you would find in a classic farm home.
Here the soapstone is paired with gray cabinets and that seems to make it a little darker.
White kitchen cabinets contrasted with oil rubbed bronze pulls and a honed soapstone countertop are fitted with a sink paired with a pull out faucet mounted in front of a window framed by white shiplap and flanked by elkins sconces.
The stone is a steatite stone that includes chlorite magnesite and dolomite.
Soapstone is the common name for the naturally occurring stone known as steatite a magnesium rich metamorphic rock containing a high percentage of talc the same substance found in baby powder the softer varieties often called artistic soapstone actually have a silky soapy feel to them and may contain as much as 80 percent talc.
Some soapstone counters like this kitchen peninsula design have very little subtle grain patterns.
Pure white and designed to reach the ceiling clean and simple inset doors with simple classic chrome hardware pulls make for an impressive statement.
With this kitchen you ve got a mix of the soapstone counters and butcher s block to get some contrast.
The geology of soapstone.
Don t expect a pristine white like quartz on soapstones.
It s limited in color from white to charcoal.
Soapstone counters are made from quarried stone.
Soapstone counters are not harmed by hot pots citrus wine acids or chemicals.
However that doesn t mean it won t stand up to the demands of the kitchen.
It definitely makes the soapstone appear a little more fun.
Even the apron front sink with drainboard is durable soapstone.
Paired with the white it gives you both an elegant and a rustic look at the same time.