on Dec 15, 2019  in Soapstone Uses  | No Comments

Believe it or not, soapstone is basically the ideal stone choice for just about any finish — yes, we feel that strongly about soapstone’s superiority! It can be used for everything from flooring to fireplace surrounds, and that’s on top of the versatility it provides in so many ways for the kitchen. At Dorado Soapstone, we’re big fans, so much so that we can see how soapstone could be beautiful and useful in pretty much any room of the house. Have you thought about adding soapstone to your bathroom? Today, we’ll go over what you should know about soapstone countertops, tiles, flooring, and sinks in this heavily-used space. Then, once you’re finished reading, make sure to contact us to get started on your next soapstone project!

Soapstone Countertops

All the benefits that make soapstone great for kitchen counters also make them ideal for bathroom use. The biggest perk is that soapstone is naturally antimicrobial. Soapstone is non-porous, which means that there are no little nooks for germs to crawl into, hunker down, and spread illness. Now, that doesn’t mean that bacteria can’t collect on top if the counter gets dirty, but since it’s non-porous, it’s a lot easier to clean a soapstone counter and leave it disinfected. In addition to this, soapstone is chemically inert, meaning it won’t react to acidic or alkaline substances. Feel free to use your preferred disinfecting cleaner without worrying about causing damage to the soapstone. We strongly recommend soapstone in the bathroom because it’s much easier to disinfect than other stone options — something with major value in a space as potentially germ-infested as the bathroom! 

Not only is soapstone a premier material when it comes to safeguarding your bathroom from germs, but it can also enhance the appearance of the space all on its own. There are countless ways you can integrate soapstone into your bathroom, with each one almost more beautiful than the last! For starters, we recommend installing a soapstone countertop to turn your vanity into an eye-catching centerpiece. Soapstone comes in dozens of styles, patterns, and colors, so it’ll be easy to create the look you’re going for.

Next, why not bring soapstone into your shower for an elevated design element? Soapstone tiles look amazing, and since the stone is non-porous, you won’t have to worry about messy sealants or water seeping in. If you’re stumped for inspiration, take a look at our gallery, or let our soapstone experts help you create a personalized plan to incorporate soapstone into your bathroom. Before you know it, you’ll be the proud owner of a bathroom that looks more like a soapstone spa!

Soapstone Shower/Bath Surrounds

As we mentioned above, since soapstone is non-porous, that means liquids don’t have anywhere to go. They won’t be absorbed as they would by, say, sandstone. This can be a big benefit if you wanted to create a backsplash behind the sink or surround the tub/shower area with soapstone tiles. Soapstone is also heat-resistant — which is another point toward using soapstone for bathroom counters, as well. In terms of shower surrounds, the fact that soapstone is heat resistant means it will absorb the heat of warm water and slowly disperse it, so you can enjoy a shower that’s nice, toasty, and stays that way! Our one caveat here is that, since soapstone is non-porous, it can get slick when wet. If you want to use soapstone as shower flooring, we’d recommend choosing smaller tiles or finding another way to create texture to reduce the risk of slipping.

If you’re still not convinced, consider the fact that soapstone will allow you to create a cohesive, high-end look for your bathroom, without breaking the bank. Because soapstone is a softer type of stone, it is easier to cut and work with. As a result, we can create intricate soapstone tiles, uniquely shaped soapstone countertops, and more, at a fraction of the cost that you would see from a material such as granite. Custom bathrooms normally cost a small fortune, but thanks to the amazing properties of soapstone, we’re confident that we can deliver a luxury bathroom within your limited budget. To learn more about our capabilities, contact Dorado Soapstone today!

Soapstone Flooring

Since soapstone retains heat well, it’s a good option for flooring, not just countertops and shower interiors. Your home’s heater and even beams of sunshine can provide heat for the floor tiles to absorb and, like the shower example above, soapstone floor tiles will also emit that heat slowly over time. It’s a great way to comfortably enjoy toasty flooring and help your home heater work a bit more efficiently. 

If you’re considering soapstone flooring for your bathroom, we recommend taking advantage of soapstone tiles in particular. Soapstone tiles not only provide a distinct texture to the space, but they are ideal for quick repairs and replacements. Soapstone doesn’t stain easily, but it can be scratched if you’re not careful. Sometimes a good sanding and a little mineral oil is enough to hide the scratches, but other times, you may need to call in a team of professionals like Dorado Soapstone. We can inspect your soapstone situation and determine whether your tiles might need to be replaced. The good news? Tiles are much easier and cheaper to replace than slabs, so you can get back to a pristine bathroom in no time.

Want to learn more about the limitless potential of soapstone and its uses? It’s time to bring your questions to the pros. Connect with Dorado Soapstone to explore other soapstone uses in the bathroom, kitchen, and more!