Have you been thinking about a change in your kitchen? New countertops are one of the biggest impacts you can make, with the least amount of effort. There are a number of different materials available that each offers unique colors, looks and benefits.
If you’ve watched some of the home improvement or real estate shows on television, you may have seen black soapstone. While this is an intriguing option, it does have several drawbacks you want to consider before choosing it for your project.
Luckily, there are alternatives that look just as good with fewer worries.
Soapstone has a unique look, but because it is so soft, it can damage easily. In fact, you can scratch black soapstone with your fingernail if you try hard enough, making it a poor choice for countertops that may see some heavy use.
A better option instead is granite that looks like soapstone, such as Nero Mist. Nero Mist is a black granite with a soapstone look. It has all the properties of a hard granite, making care much easier.
Although granite does require some effort to maintain, you’ll find plenty of information online to help you keep it looking sharp for years to come.
What Exactly Is Nero Mist?
Full slab Nero Mist granite
We’ve mentioned that Nero Mist is black granite that looks like soapstone, but what is it? It is a honed black granite. Nero mist is very hard and durable. The granite is quarried in Brazil. The stone has a black background with gray flecks and veins. The honed finish has a look very similar to black soapstone. This Brazilian granite is also known as Milky Way granite in St. Louis granite countertops market.
Nero Mist Pricing
Another downfall of soapstone is the price. Even with the other faults, it is still very expensive, at $75 to $90 per square foot installed. Nero Mist offers the benefits of being more durable and is more reasonably priced too, at $59 to $69 per square foot installed.
Using Nero Mist in Your Kitchen
Cabinet colors that can paired with Nero Mist granite
One of the best things about Nero Mist, or Black Soapstone, is the flexibility in decorating. You can easily pair it with white, off-white or gray cabinets. For a more unique look, it can pair with brown or dark wood cabinets (such as cherry).
Nero Mist has a fresh look, but not in the way where it looks overly modern. In this way, there is less worry that Nero Mist will look dated in years to come.
Whether you’re considering Black Soapstone and would like more information about this durable alternative, or you’d just like to chat about all the options available for your kitchen, reach out to us at Arch City Granite & Marble. We look forward to helping you with your next project!