What is soapstone?
Soapstone is the material of choice for countertops designed to take a beating. A durable and hardworking natural stone, that is virtually maintenance free. Is soapstone too good to be true? Look to science labs for the evidence. Here is a breakdown to help you decide, if this is the countertop material for you. Soapstone is a natural quarried stone. It’s a metamorphic rock that got its name from the soft, or soapy, feel of its surface, which is thanks to the presence of talc in the stone. Most American soapstone is sourced from the Appalachian mountain range, or imported from Brazil and Finland. The two varieties—artistic and architectural—are differentiated by talc contact. Artistic-grade soapstone has a high talc content and is soft and easy to carve. Architectural-grade soapstone has a lower talc content (usually between 50 and 75 percent), which makes it harder and more suitable for countertop use. It’s not as hard as granite or marble, however, and can be easily cut, shaped, and installed. Unlike granite and marble, however, it’s typically quarried in smaller slabs, meaning that for counters longer than 9.5 feet, seams may be necessary.
What properties make soapstone a great countertop material?
1. It doesn’t stain. Soapstone is dense and nonporous; it does darken when liquid pools on its surface, but it lightens back up when the liquid evaporates or is cleaned or sanded off.
2. It can stand up to acidic materials. The fact that soapstone is chemically inert means it’s not harmed by lemon juice or cleaners that must be avoided with other natural stone surfaces. That’s why it’s so popular for use as science lab tops.
3. Its heat resistant. The density of soapstone makes it an amazing conductor of heat, which enables it to withstand up to 5,000 degrees with no damage. You can put hot pans right on the surface without worry.
Do soapstone counters need to be sealed?
Because soapstone is nonporous, it doesn’t need to be sealed or protected. Not only does this cut down on maintenance (see below) but also the absence of chemicals in the fabrication and ongoing care, leads many to consider soapstone a “green” and environmentally responsible choice.
Is soapstone available in a variety of colors?
Soapstone is available in a range of shades on a sliding gray scale, some with blue or green undertones. When oiled or waxed, most slabs oxides to a deep black or green hue. Each slab is unique and varies from quarry to quarry. The widest variation in soapstone is in the quartz fleck and veining patterns. Some slabs have large but few veins; others have dense busy veining.
Where can you use soapstone?
Because of its resilience and adaptability, soapstone can be used for much more than countertops; it works well as sinks, fireplace surrounds (thanks to its heat resistance), flooring, and throughout the bathroom. It’s also a great choice for outdoor BBQ counters and sinks as it’s impervious to weather and bacteria.
How do you clean and maintain soapstone counters?
Low maintenance is the name of the game with soapstone. Soapstone’s nonporous quality makes it bacteria resistant, so harsh cleaners are not necassary. Soap and water are all that’s recommended.
If there is one maintenance issue with soapstone, it may be its softness and susceptibility to scratches and nicks. You can protect the surface by using cutting boards. And the good news is that user-caused imperfections generally can be removed, with a quick sandpaper buffing. No professional repairs required.
Soapstone Counter Recap
Pros
Nonporous stone means no staining. Little to no maintenance; you won’t need to call in professionals for repairs. Despite being a hard surface, soapstone offers a softer feel than other solid stone surfaces. Versatile in its aesthetic, soapstone is as comfortable in a farmhouse-style space as it is in a modern kitchen. Can be used in many different applications from countertops to fireplace surrounds.
Cons
Available in a limited range of colors: varying shades of gray. Soapstone is quarried in smaller slabs than some natural stones. You can rarely find slabs longer than seven feet; multiple pieces and seams are required if you have a long counter. Like other natural countertop materials, soapstone develops a patina with use. Unlike harder stones, it’s easily scratched and nicked.