Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone counters have been used for centuries. The reasons for this are simple—soapstone is not only charming and rustic, but perhaps the most practical countertop stone available. Because of this, soapstone is frequently used for countertops, sinks, and vanities.

Soapstone Basics
Soapstone is a quarried steatite stone made from chlorite, dolomite, magnesite and talc, and is typically 300 to 400 million years old. Talc makes it soft to the touch (so that it feels much like a bar of dry soap), but it is one of the densest stones available. Soapstone is non-porous, making it a sanitary kitchen or bathroom counter. Because of this, and the density and age of the stone, soapstone countertops weigh upward of 20 pounds per square foot.

Variations of Soapstone
Because soapstone contains talc, there are variations of the stone that are important to note. While talc allows the soft, warm feel of your soapstone countertop, it also increases the pliability of your stone. Talc-heavy soapstone, in fact, is used by sculptors, and can be cut for stone accents in your interior design, while soapstone with less talc is best used for bathroom and kitchen countertops that get a lot of use. The softer soapstone is often called artistic soapstone, while the other is steatite, or architectural soapstone. It is important to note this while shopping for a soapstone countertop. The more talc, the softer the stone.

Benefits to Soapstone Counters
There are few stones available that are warm to the touch, non-porous, and both dense and soft. This combination allows warmth in the feel of your stone while not creating sanitary problems in your kitchen or bathroom (regardless of the amount of talc). Similarly, the look is just as warm and inviting as the touch. Words often used to describe soapstone counters are charming and rustic, though it is certainly versatile enough to fit in a modern design.

Cleaning your Soapstone Counter
Unlike wood, granite or marble, soapstone does not absorb stains or liquids, nor does it require special cleaners. You can set your hottest oven pan on it and the stone won't be at all affected. In fact, there are soapstone pots for that very reason. Because it is a siliceous stone, soapstone countertops are also unaffected by acids or alkalis. In other words, it would take quite a lot to damage or stain your counter. Finally, while the need for a sealant is not as great as other stones, you can apply a stone sealer or mineral oil to bring out the natural colors and grains of the stone. Reapply periodically to bring out a natural patina year to year.