Countertops And Cabinets

Soapstone Countertops are composed of mineral deposits, the main mineral components in soapstone counters include talc, chlorite, dolomite and magnetite. This gives a soapstone counter top surface a warm, soft feeling to the touch. It is very durable, it is this durability that makes soapstone the countertop surface most used for science lab workstations and workbenches.

Advantages of Soapstone Countertops

*Soapstone is natural
*It offers a warmer feel than granite or marble
*Soapstone Will not burn or stain
*It is much easier to cut and shape than marble or granite and is used by artisans
*Soapstone is inert, this means that acids and alkalis will not etch the surface
*The joints of a soapstone counter top can be made invisible

Soapstone Countertop Disadvantages

*Soapstone will require the frequent application of mineral oil to maintain patina –
otherwise it will turn a light grey until it ages.
*It is soft and can be prone to chipping
*Soapstone slabs are smaller than granite slabs, so more joints are required

Especially for a softer and warm feel soapstone may be a choice to check out. You will
find the surface, even though even though it has been used for centuries in traditional and country kitchens, is attractive and lends itself to contemporary kitchen design as well as.
If you are considering a natural countertop material unique and natural stone soapstone countertops are worth a look.

Honed Granite Countertops Pros

It is a natural Stone
Honed granite comes is available in many natural colors
Honing gives a nice matte finish not polished or reflective
Honed granite countertops are the most durable of all the stone counter options
It comes in large slabs so fewer joints are necessary

Honed Granite Countertops Cons

Requires sealant – every six months to a year
If honed granite is not sealed then will stain.
Honed stone colors are not as vibrant as a polished stone.
Uneven coloring in natural granite
Hard to match color if adding a section at a later time
Inflexible – can crack on impact
Joints cannot be made invisible
Hard on breakables

N.B.: Black granite is sometimes faked, and then will “fade” over
time. If the granite countertop is not truly black granite, it could
be an import that has been dyed. Over time this dye wears off.

Taking proper care of the granite countertop you purchased for your kitchen or bathroom is prudent since it is more than just a surface it is also an investment, one that will give you decades of beautiful service. Granite or stone is a natural product and simple care and maintenance will keep it looking luxurious. Here are some tips for basic granite counter top care and cleaning:

Clean granite counter surfaces with a few drops of neutral cleaner (non acidic), stone soap or a mild liquid dish washing detergent and warm water. For best results use a clean cloth or rag. Don’t over apply cleaners, too much cleaner or soap may leave a film and cause streaks. Remember non-acidic products, do not use products that contain lemon, vinegar or other acids on the granite the high acid content may etch the surface. Rinse the granite counter surface thoroughly after washing with the soap solution and dry with a soft cloth. Changing the rinse water frequently. Do not use scouring powders or creams; these products contain abrasives that may scratch the surface finish.

Bath and Other Wet Areas In the bathroom or other wet areas, soap scum can be minimized by using a squeegee after each use. To remove soap scum, use a non-acidic soap scum remover. Frequent or over use of an ammonia solution may eventually dull the surface of the stone.

Things to do: Do dust surfaces frequently Do clean surfaces with mild detergent or stone soap Do thoroughly rinse and dry the surface after washing. Do blot up spills immediately. Don’ts: Do not use vinegar, lemon juice or other cleaners containing acids. Do not use cleaners that contain acid such as bathroom cleaners, grout cleaners or tub & tile cleaners. Do not use abrasive cleaners such as dry cleansers or soft cleansers. Do not mix bleach and ammonia; this combination creates a toxic and lethal gas.

Simply using these granite care and cleaning tips will ensure that your granite kitchen counter top or granite bathroom vanity countertop looks good for as long as it lasts.