One major challenge is that there are no well-tested conservation methods for soapstone. Major European cathedrals were usually built in sandstone or limestone. Soapstone is so unique that the craftspeople at NCRW cannot be certain that they can transfer the conservation methods used for sandstone and limestone from their French or British colleagues. However, well-known methods for cleaning, consolidating and adhesion must undergo a relatively long testing phase before it is possible to use them at Nidaros Cathedral.