Soapstone is increasing in popularity across the country, and around the world, and for good reason!
Soapstone backsplashes are the obvious choice if you are already sold on soapstone countertops. If you’re not quite there yet, let’s consider a few good reasons why soapstone backsplashes are a great idea:
Beauty And Uniqueness
Soapstone can be installed in one solid slab custom cut to fit your backsplash. That means no grout lines, unsightly joints, and the introduction of a new, more porous material that is potentially less safe for your family.
Marble, Granite and Quartz slabs can become so common due to the volume of the same color, quality, and finish of stone that can be quarried from any one location. Soapstone on the other hand is so incredibly unique that no 2 slabs are ever the same. Meaning you can really get creative with your backsplash.
Colors vary greatly, but depend largely on where the soapstone comes from. Colors vary from greens to grays,and everything in between. “Veining” usually reserved for the finest marbles, are common in Soapstone backsplashes. Because the slab color is a natural process doesn’t mean you’re powerless to personalize it – mineral oils can be applied to darken or lighten the tones, or you can go “Au Naturel”.
Soapstone is ideal for many styles of homes from older traditional, or cottage style homes, to high end luxury homes – Soapstone appeals to the most discerning tastes.
Durability
Soapstone is one of the most dense stones available, virtually impervious to stains, liquids, chemicals and ideal for areas of high-heat around your stove for example.
Soapstone is so durable in fact, that it’s not uncommon to come across stoves and sinks manufactured in the 1800’s still in use today made from, you guessed it – soapstone.
Soapstone Backsplashes are likely to outlast you, and your home.
Germs and Bacteria
You don’t have to worry about germs and bacteria invading your soapstone backsplash as already mentioned – soapstone is the least porous stone and will never absorb any kind of food residue. A simple wipe and you’re done.
Environmentally Friendly
It may sound strange to talk about something removed from the earth as being environmentally friendly, but consider this:
Soapstone is sustainable because it is harvested in far smaller amounts, is 100% natural requiring no artificial products to produce it, no sealers or toxic chemicals are used to finish it, and is 100% recyclable.
Man-made backsplash alternatives are almost all made from products that are devastating to the environment, and even other stone products require toxic sealers to enhance their appearance.
Cost Effectiveness
Yes Soapstone slabs are more expensive than other natural stone countertops. However, there can be substantial savings in sure longevity of Soapstone, and the fact that it just never goes out of style. These make a strong case for the cost effectiveness and long-term value of Soapstone over alternatives.
Longevity
It’s not uncommon to hear of Soapstone being passed on from one generation to the next, lasting many generations in some cases. And why not – if it does get scratched or dented you can easily sand these out. In fact, this is one of the most unique things about Soapstone. Other backsplash surfaces from ceramic or porcelain tile, man-made materials, or even other natural stones would all require costly replacements should you scratch or dent them, not so with Soapstone!
If you know anyone who has a Soapstone Backsplash, then likely you know how much they love it.
