While looking for a countertop material, you may come across soapstone. Although not as common as other countertop materials, soapstone is one of the most functional countertop materials. It adds on a rustic, elegant and urbane feel, similar to that of slate or granite. Soapstone has some pros and cons to use it in your kitchen, let’s take a look at all of them but first
What Is Soapstone?
It’s a naturally occurring material made from a steatite stone, a naturally occurring stone that includes dolomite, magnesite and chlorite. And if you prefer natural countertop materials, then you will enjoy your soapstone countertop.
A beautiful famrhouse kitchen with white cabinets, a slate grey kitchen island, black soapstone countertops and open shelves.
A beautiful stained kitchen with flat panel cabinets, black soapstone countertops, a grey hood and pendant lamps.
A black and white farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops, a white herringbone tile backsplash and pendant lamps.
A chic dark green kitchen with black soapstone countertops, open shelving and a chic white hood is a lovely space with both a boho and farmhouse feel.
A chic grey kitchen with a vintage feel, only lower cabinets, black soapstone countertops and modern fixtures is very bold.
A contemporary kitchen with sleek black cabinets and a white kitchen island, black soapstone countertops, a table and black chairs.
A dove grey flat panel kitchen with glass front cabinets, a white marble backsplash, a stained kitchen island with a black soapstone countertop.
A dove grey kitchen with flat panel and glass front cabinets, a beadboard backsplash and black soapstone countertops.
A dove grey kitchen with flat panel cabinets and shaker style ones, black soapstone countertops, an open shelf and a square tile backsplash.
A dove grey shaker style kitchen with a skinny tile backsplash, black soapstone countertops and brass fixtures.
A green kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops and a neutral glossy tile backsplash plus stainless steel fixtures.
A grey kitchen with shaker panel and shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops, brass fixtures and beadboard backsplashes.
A light grey kitchen with flat panel cabinets and a kitchen island, black soapstone countertops, wooden beams and open shelves.
A light grey shaker cabinet kitchen with open shelves, black soapstone countertops and a slight vintage feel.
Pros Of Soapstone Countertops
There are very few natural stone countertops. And soapstone is one of them, the natural stone beauty look and feel in a home is one that every natural stone fanatic dreams about. With each slab being unique, you get to have rarity in your home.
The fact that soapstone is not manufactured using synthetic chemicals means that it is environmentally friendly. Its extraction does not damage the earth not forgetting that it can be recycled. Having a natural soapstone countertop also eliminated the fear of food-unfriendly products due to the manufacturing process.
Soapstone is a non-porous natural stone. You will not have to worry about liquids sipping into the stone and staining it. While it may appear soft, soapstone countertops do not crack easily. This is however a problem when it comes to scratches. The softness makes it easily susceptible to scratches but protects it from cracking.
Since soapstone countertops do not crack easily, they are more durable than other countertops made of natural stone. Its non-porosity feature also means that your soapstone countertops can serve you for a long period without requiring sealing.
Since soapstone is non-porous, it is easy to clean. However, you need to use mild soap and a soft sponge. When it comes to maintenance, soapstone countertops need regular oiling to maintain their natural look.
If you constantly find yourself placing hot materials on kitchen countertops, then a soapstone countertop is ideal for your space. Soapstone countertops are heat resistant. As such, you do not need to worry about discolorations or damage from heat.
Soapstone does not decrease in value. As such, once you install soapstone countertops, the value of your home will increase. And if one day you choose to sell your home, you could even get a 50% return on your soapstone countertop investment.
Natural stones are harder to install than man-made stones. But with soapstone, the ease of installation makes it cheaper than other stones. However, the cost of the slab can be on the higher end compared to other natural stones.
A lovely kitchen with black fluted lower cabinets, black soapstone countertops, a penny tile backsplash and open shelves.
A lovely white kitchen with shaker cabinets, a stained kitchen island, black soapstone countertops and hanging lamps.
A minimalist kitchen with flat panel lower cabinets and black soapstone countertops, grey walls and a matching grey shelf.
A modern rustic kitchen with neutral shaker cabinets, a grey soapstone countertop, a white tile backsplash and a green beadboard wall.
A modern white farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops and a black hood over the cooker.
A modern white farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops, open shelves instead of cabinets.
A neutral farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops and a bay window is adorable.
A neutral shaker style kitchen with a stained kitchen island, white and black soapstone countertops and pendant lamps on chain.
A refined greige kitchen with shaker style cabinets, only lower cabinets, grey soapstone countertops and lots of natural light.
A rustic kitchen with stained cabinets and a kitchen island, black soapstone countertops and lots of natural light in it.
A slate grey kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops, metal stools and pendant lamps.
A sleek white kitchen with black soapstone countertops and a black tile backsplash is a stylish and dramatic space.
A sophisticated greige kitchen with shaker cabinets, open box shelves, butcherblock and soapstone countertops.
A stained kitchen with flat panel and shaker cabinets, grey soapstone countertops and a blacksplash, stainless steel countertops.
A stained kitchen with shaker cabinets, white marble and black soapstone countertops, wooden beams and hanging lamps.
A stylish graphite grey kitchen with shaker cabinets, white countertops, open shelves, a built-in hood and a black soapstone countertop on the kitchen island.
A vintage black kitchen with shaker and glass front cabinets, black soapstone countertops and stained open shelves.
A vintage green kitchen with grey soapstone countertops, a white stone table, a white beadboard backsplash is amazing.
A vintage green kitchen with shaker style cabinets, black soapstone countertops and a backsplasj, white beadboard walls and pendant lamps.
A vintage tan kitchen features black soapstone countertops and a matching backsplash. Vintage artwork and lovely decor add charm to the space. Use black soapstone for a durable, stylish kitchen surface.
Cons Of Soapstone Countertops
The cost of a soapstone countertop varies based on the talc content of the stone and where it was quarried. Professional installation can significantly raise the cost of a soapstone countertop.
Since soapstone is a natural stone, it does not have a lot of patterns and colors. It comes in a few shades of grey, blue and black. Also, it is difficult to get an exact matching pattern for two pieces when creating something like a waterfall countertop. Nevertheless, contrasting soapstone countertops can create a curious and interesting look in a space.
While soapstone is non-porous, oily substances can significantly darken soapstone countertops. It is advisable to spread mineral oil on the surface of the slab. This darkens the entire soapstone countertop hence preventing dark patches.
While the soft nature of soapstone is beneficial in preventing soapstone countertops from cracking, it makes them more susceptible to scratches. Simple things such as throwing a spoon on the soapstone countertop can cause significant scratches. However, these scratches are easily removable with the use of sandpaper.
After applying mineral oil on the soapstone countertop, the texture may change to a soap-like, leathery feel, hence the name. It is impossible to change this non-slick texture and you may have to endure it if you do not like it.
A vintage-inspired tan kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops, vintage fixtures and sconces.
A white farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinetry, black soapstone countertops, a white brick backsplash and open shelves.
Shaker cabinets and black soapstone countertops define this white farmhouse kitchen. Open shelves and a black metal ladder add practicality and style. Use a ladder for easy access to high shelves.
A white farmhouse kitchen with shaker cabinets, black soapstone countertops, a window as a backsplash.
A white shaker style kitchen with a matching kitchen island, black soapstone countertops, elegant pendant lamps and dark stools.
A white shaker style kitchen with a stained kitchen island, black soapstone countertops, framed hanging lamps over the island.
A white shaker style kitchen with a tile backsplash and black soapstone countertops and catchy pendant lamps over the island.
A white shaker style kitchen with a white beadboard backsplash, black soapstone countertops and black fixtures.
A white shaker style kitchen with a white glossy tile backsplash, grey soapstone countertops and pendant lamps.
A white shaker style kitchen with black soapstone cabinets, a stained kitchen island and neutral countertops, black fixtures.
A white shaker style kitchen with black soapstone countertops, a white marble tile backsplash and open shelves.
Grey soapstone countertops and a backsplash highlight this white shaker style kitchen. Open shelves and lots of greenery add freshness and style. Incorporate plants to bring life into your kitchen.
An elegant dark-stained kitchen with black soapstone countertops and a matte pink tile backsplash plus black fixutres.
An elegant kitchen with flat panel lower cabinets, a white tile backsplash and a hood, black soapstone countertops and a stained shelf.
An elegant kitchen with grey shaker style cabinets, a white herringbone tile backsplash, a stained kitchen island with a soapstone backsplash.
An elegant vintage dove grey kitchen with shaker cabinets, open shelves, a black hood and black soapstone countertops.