14 Soapstone Countertops to Inspire Your Kitchen Design

These low-maintenance counters come in natural colors

Fact checked by Nandini Balial

Choosing a new kitchen countertop takes time because not every material is 100 percent perfect and some surfaces, like soapstone, are not as well-known as granite or quartz. But if you want a handsome, low-maintenance, and durable kitchen work surface, you might want to know more about soapstone kitchen countertops. For example, soapstone may not crack easily but the countertop is prone to scratches.

Read on to learn more pros and cons of having a soapstone kitchen countertop.

What Is Soapstone?

Soapstone, known as steatite, is a nonporous natural stone containing minerals, such as talc, chlorite, and dolomite. Though it's fairly new as a kitchen countertop and sink material, soapstone has been used for centuries to manufacture everything from cookware to fireplaces and statues.

Although soapstone is known for its soft, velvety touch because of its talc content, it is also a dense, highly heat-resistant material, making it a popular countertop choice. Soapstone also does not need sealing like granite or marble, adding to its desirability.

Soapstone Countertops Pros

Stain- and Heat-Resistant

Soapstone is nonporous and does not need to be sealed like other stone surfaces, such as granite or marble. Since soapstone is nonporous, it is stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and antimicrobial.

Naturally Patinas

A soapstone countertop oxidizes over time, which develops into a uniquely darker patina. However, if you prefer to keep your soapstone surface a lighter patina, request a slab with more talc in its composition to keep it from darkening.

Durable

Soapstone's durability is tough to match. These countertops stand up incredibly well to daily use and won't easily crack or chip.

Soapstone Countertops Cons

Easily Scratches

While soapstone is highly durable, it is prone to developing dents and scratches, especially in busy kitchens. However, dents and scratches can be left alone to become part of the patina or lightly buffed out.

Requires Regular Maintenance

Regularly treating soapstone with mineral oil keeps the material in good condition while maintaining its natural luster.

Limited Color Options

Color choices are limited for soapstone since it's a naturally occurring stone. Most soapstone options include lighter grays, deeper charcoals, softer whites, and sometimes shades of blue and green. However, it's common to find soapstone slabs with subtle or more pronounced veining to add a distinguishing touch.

Cost

Soapstone countertops are costly since the material is not as easily accessible as other stones. Rare colors and veining patterns might also cost more.

Types of Soapstone

Aged

Aged soapstone has a deep charcoal appearance, resulting from consistent mineral oil or wax treatments.

Oiled

Oiled soapstone has a more polished, elegant appearance. Mineral treatments highlight the material's rich color and veining.

Natural

Untreated, natural soapstone emphasizes the material's innate colors and underlying organic patterns.

How to Incorporate Soapstone Countertops In Your Kitchen

Combining Marble and Soapstone Countertops

Use both marble and soapstone in your kitchen if you love both materials. This kitchen by Brooke Wagner Design in Corona Del Mar, California smartly combines materials for an elegant contemporary look. A soapstone counter is smartly placed near the stove to handle hot pots and food prep. The marble counter around the sink easily handles splashing water and lighter activities, such as serving meals.

Dramatic Veined Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone countertops are not always one solid color. The material is often veined or streaked with colors from green, black, yellow, blue, or brown. Here in this kitchen by Ben Herzog Architect, out of Brooklyn, New York. the gray soapstone counter, apron-front sink, and drainboard have dramatic white veining. The striking countertop colors contrast beautifully with cabinets painted a vintage mint green.

Soapstone Counters in a Farmhouse Kitchen

Dark gray soapstone countertops and backsplashes offer a crisp contrast with white cabinets and walls in this Americana-inspired farmhouse kitchen by Leo Designs, an interior design firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Vintage-style fixtures and charcoal subway tile behind the cooking space visually balance the space.

Pairing Oak Cabinets and Soapstone Countertops

Traditional oak cabinets pair well with sleek soapstone countertops in this kitchen designed by Whitten Architects out of Portland, Maine. The combination of these materials plus stainless steel appliances gives this mostly rustic cooking space a more modern touch.

A Luxury Kitchen With Soapstone Countertops

Interior designer Meg Lonergan in Houston, Texas designed this glamorous and traditional kitchen with charcoal gray soapstone countertops and a backsplash behind the cooktop. The white veins in the soapstone tie in with the white cabinetry and create a luxurious contrast with the turquoise range and gold knobs.

A Soapstone Kitchen Island Countertop

The charcoal gray kitchen island countertop anchors the otherwise bright white space and coordinates with the flooring. This kitchen, designed by Alice Lane Interior Design in Salt Lake City, Utah, created this hardworking kitchen island to double as a dining table.

A Soapstone Countertop in Pewter Gray

This lovely, cooler light pewter gray soapstone countertop blends with creamy white cabinetry in this kitchen designed by Frank Shirley Architects, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The soapstone slab includes subtle, organic white and darker gray swirls and veining for additional visual interest.

Black and White Kitchen Brimming With Rustic Style

If you love modern farmhouse style, you'll fall for this kitchen by Whitten Architects in Portland, Maine. The sleek glass tile backsplash ties together the colors of the dark charcoal-gray soapstone countertops and white cabinetry. The kitchen island with the stained wood countertop adds a classic rustic touch to this busy kitchen.

Blending Bright Yellow With Soapstone and Butcher Block

This striking yellow kitchen by Heide Hendricks Interior Design of East Hartford, Connecticut, can brighten even the cloudiest day. Dark charcoal soapstone countertops and backsplashes contrast with the yellow cabinets and walls. Soapstone proves it works well with other materials, such as the maple butcher block countertop on the kitchen island.

Charming Charcoal Gray and Blue Soapstone Countertops

This modern farmhouse kitchen, by J.A.S. Design-Build, an interior design firm based in Seattle, Washington, gets a dose of rustic style with a gorgeous charcoal gray and blue soapstone countertop. The combination of this colorful soapstone material and yellow-painted cabinetry brings a fun, casual flair to this space.

A Blogger Who Loves Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone is a terrific material but also requires a little tender loving care, says Joan, the home improvement voice of the site For The Love of a House. Joan installed soapstone in her kitchen, as shown above, and learned that material is prone to nicks, thanks to objects banging into the edges around her dishwasher and sink. Joan warns that it helps to be mindful of handling pots and pans around soapstone countertops to keep them unblemished.

The Look of Faux Soapstone

Real soapstone is pricey but Formica laminate can mimic the look. Colleen, the blogger behind the decorating site, Lemon Thistle, installed Soapstone Sequoia, a soapstone lookalike with white veining, in her kitchen. She swears it's tough to tell the difference between laminate and the real thing. Colleen recommends using a drop-in sink with laminate countertops to reduce water seepage and protect the countertop's raw edges under the sink.

Combine Cool Soapstone With Warm Wood

This relaxed kitchen by Rauser Design in Austin, Texas, combines soapstone counters with a butcher block chopping area. The blending of materials demonstrates the possibilities of combining cool colors, like the bluish-grays of soapstone and cabinetry with the warm tones of the wood floors and surfaces.

A Midcentury Kitchen With a Soapstone Countertop

This midcentury modern home, renovated by Annie Hall Interiors out of Cambridge, Massachusetts, introduced the era's iconic kidney shape as a kitchen island and topped with a more modern soapstone. The new-but-retro cooking space combines turquoise cabinetry and warm wood walls, a classic midcentury combination.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is soapstone cheaper than granite?

Soapstone can be more expensive than granite. On average, soapstone costs between $70 to $120 per square foot. Granite slabs range from approximately $40 to $100 per square foot. Prices of any countertop will vary, based on sourcing, quality, size, and installation of the stone.

Is soapstone a good material for a countertop?

Soapstone's variety of positive characteristics makes it one of the best materials for a countertop. The elegant, timeless material is also durable, heat- and stain-resistant, and nonporous.

Is soapstone or quartz better for a countertop?

Both soapstone and quartz are pricey and have their specific pros and cons. Soapstone is durable, nonporous, and heat-resistant, but limited in color and prone to scratches. Quartz is also durable, nonporous, and comes in more colors but it's vulnerable to heat damage.

Read the original article on The Spruce.