Soapstone is a rare stone. This makes it relatively more expensive compared to man-made countertop materials. The average cost of soapstone countertops ranges between $70 to $120 per square foot, excluding installation.
Soapstone offers three major benefits: heat resistance/retention, acid resistance and absorption resistance/non-porosity. These properties enable soapstone to be used as sinks, countertops, floors, hearths, stoves and more.
Soapstone counters can scratch easily, and they require routine oiling to maintain their appearance. They also come in limited color options and are more expensive than other countertop materials.
Soapstone is a little more expensive than granite, although not by much. The prices can be comparable, depending on the stone. A high-end soapstone may be very expensive but also improves property values significantly.
Disadvantages: Architectural-grade, made-to-order soapstone sinks can cost much more than other sinks. This material's soft nature means it can accumulate nicks and scratches over time too, although those can add to the patina.
Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.
Soapstone does not crack easily
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.
If you don't have a coating on your natural stone surfaces but are still worried about disinfecting, regular Clorox Wipes can be used to give your counters a wipe down in a pinch, but don't let them sit directly on the stone!
Soapstone Countertop Lifespan
With the right maintenance, soapstone countertops can easily last for 20 years or longer. Scratches can be buffed out with mineral oil while dents and chips can get filled in relatively easily.
Soapstone also is low-maintenance, which is one reason it's used in places like chemistry labs. Soapstone ranks soft on the Mohs Hardness Scale, which makes it ideal for carving sinks directly into counter slabs.
Talc and soapstone may contain asbestos. In a longitudinal study in Germany samples of materials used have been taken over a periode of 10 years. Only very small quantities of asbestos have been detected.
Soapstone does not emit radon. This make it desirable as a building material for homes because it does not release a toxic gas into the living environment of human beings. It is advantageous in that regard to granite which does emit radon.
The nonporous, stain-resistant properties of soapstone make it ideal for kitchen surfaces. This dense material doesn't harbor bacteria, so you can easily wipe germs and contaminants from your countertop, sink, and backsplash.
Soapstone is dense, without pores, does not stain, and repels water.
Soapstone is found in the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia with significant deposits in Vermont and Virginia. Finland and Brazil are the largest international producers of soapstone.
Native Americans carved stone bowls from the soapstone bedrock in this area to use for cooking and storing food. The quarry itself is an archaeological feature that has helped archaeologists learn how the Indigenous people made their soapstone bowls in the past.
Once mineral oil is applied, the stone will turn into a very dark charcoal gray, sometimes black. Some stone varieties contain a hint of green and when oil is applied turn a rich deep green color. The oil is not sealing or protecting the stone, it is only “speeding up” the natural darkening process.
In general, soapstone offers a good balance between cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal. For homeowners who don't want to pay the cost of quartz countertops but who are interested in the look of soapstone and the benefits of quartz, a soapstone-quartz hybrid may be an option worth considering.
Soapstone surfaces need not be sealed, but we recommend treatment with mineral oil if consistent surface darkening is desired. Without treatment, soapstone will darken in uneven regions around surface areas most frequently used. Leaving the soapstone untreated will develop a patina of age that many people enjoy.
You should apply it with a clean cloth, then wipe the excess away—it's that simple. Although soapstone is naturally nonporous, it will benefit from a beautifying sealer like SimpleCoat to make the colors pop and protect it from staining. Water, oil and greasy substances can cause it to become discolored and stained.
You can make various natural soapstone cleaners with water and white vinegar, water and soap, water and lemon juice, or many other combinations. The key to choosing a natural soapstone cleaner that works best for your home is considering loved ones' health conditions.
After that, you should plan to oil your stone once every month or when your counters start to get too light. If your sink happens to lighten up quicker than the rest of your countertops, we recommend our mineral oil and bee's wax combination. It may take a bit more elbow grease, but it's sure to last longer.
Quartz Countertops are your most durable option for New Stone Countertops. Scratch-Resistant, Chip Resistant, and Stain Resistant without ever having to Seal your Countertops.
Soapstone is a gorgeous natural surface. When left as-is, it's a light gray slate-like shade. And while soapstone will gradually darken over time, some prefer to have the darker look straight out of the starting gate. By adding oil or wax, the result is a shiny onyx-hued black with a bit more richness.
Stormy Black Soapstone
This low-talc soapstone variety is harder than others. Ash gray with prominent white veins before treatment, Stormy Black soapstone darkens dramatically after the application of oils.