Here at Dorado Soapstone, we are all about the many many benefits of soapstone. If you ask us, it’s the ideal option for home finishes throughout the house, not just in the kitchen! But as much as we are major supporters of all things soapstone, even we can concede that there are occasionally some uses that just aren’t ideal for soapstone. Before you dive into a new project that centers on soapstone, consider:
Regularly Wet Areas
One of the big benefits of soapstone is that it is non-porous. On the upside, this means that soapstone doesn’t stain and it doesn’t need to be sealed — chalk that up to a point in the “low maintenance” column! However, the fact that soapstone is non-porous also means that it doesn’t absorb liquids that may be spilled or dragged across the surface. Areas that see a lot of moisture — like a pool surround or a hotel entryway in rainy regions like Massachusetts — can become slick and pose a safety hazard because there’s nowhere for that moisture to go.
Of course, this doesn’t mean you can’t use soapstone in high-moisture areas, it just means you’ll need to proceed judiciously. For example, if you want to use soapstone as a pool surround or to tile a patio, you’ll want to talk to your soapstone supplier about ways to provide more texture to reduce the safety risk.
High-Traffic Areas
Another important consideration is that soapstone is a “softer” stone. Now, to clarify: soapstone is still a stone; it’s still going to be hard and durable. But soapstone isn’t as hard as, say, granite. The softness comes from talc, one of the major minerals that makes up soapstone. Because of the talc, soapstone is a bit easier to scratch than granite or quartz. Architectural-grade soapstone, which is what is used for any home finishes or commercial projects, includes only the hardest slabs of soapstone. Basically, the soapstone you get for home finishes isn’t going to get damaged by something as soft as a fingernail. It can be scratched by harder substances like metal. If you know an area will see heavy amounts of foot traffic — and may get a lot of weighty carts or other damaging dropped items — you’ll want to plan accordingly.
The fact that soapstone is softer means it is likely to wear unevenly in spaces like business entryways and hallways. You don’t have to skip the soapstone, just proceed with awareness. Each individual slab of a natural stone is rated according to the Mohs Hardness Scale, so you can get a good idea of how hard a slab is before purchasing it. Just talk to your local Massachusetts-area soapstone provider to get the full scoop.
Finding Experienced Guidance
If you’re looking to incorporate soapstone into your home or business, you don’t have to go through the process alone. The experienced team here at Dorado Soapstone is here to answer any questions you might have, and to provide you with guidance when choosing a soapstone slab and planning your project. Connect with us online or find a Dorado Soapstone supplier near you today!
