A Soapstone Countertop, A Time Tested Alternative.

Soapstone countertops have been used for centuries due to it's high strength and workability. Used not only for countertops but also for sinks.Soapstone is called this because it feels like soap to the touch.

Here is a link that goes into more detail of soapstone's properties. (Opens in new window)

Soapstone has different hardness levels and soapstone used for countertops should be the hardest you can find. The soapstone grade for countertops should be Grade A.

A good test of this is to scratch it, yup scratch it. The deeper the scratch softer the stone. Remember that soapstone has been used in sculptures so it can be quite soft.

Soapstone is not affected by acids; unlike granite, marble, and limestone; because it does not contain calcium. That's why it's popular in scientific laboratories, and classrooms. It is also very dense because the talc that makes up soapstone is very fine. It is also light in weight when compared to granite or quartz.

Due to soapstone's high density it does not stain and can easily be cleaned. Minimal maintenance is required and sealing is not necessary. Unfortunately soapstone only comes in shades of gray and green, and will only get darker with age. Soapstone patinas over time like copper, it darkens in color naturally.

Mineral oil is used to artificially darken it but mineral oil is not a preservative because it doesn't penetrate into the stone. Several applications of mineral oil are needed to darken it sufficiently enough, to match the natural patina it would get if left to age on it's own. Linseed oil can also be used but is not recommended for use in food preparation areas.

Soapstone lends itself to being easily sanded if scratched, as well as being sanded to reveal it's "like new" finish. It can be worked with non-stone working tools which lowers the cost of machining.

This stone can have hot pots and pans set directly on the surface if no oil is used to artificially darken it. If oils are used, a trivet is recommended.

The benefits of a soapstone countertop, other than those mentioned above, is the fact that it can be cut and drilled easily with carbide or diamond tipped tools. So if in the future you decide to add another cutout for a faucet or a utility sink it can easily be done without a huge cost. It doesn't even have to be removed to do so.

Soapstone has been, and will be, a favorite for many years due to it's beauty and ease of manufacture. The benefits of a soapstone countertop far outweigh the disadvantages.