Soapstone?
What’s the deal with soapstone countertops? I’ve heard it’s a non-porous material and other then oiling, it’s very low maintenance. Anyone have any experiences or thoughts they can share? Thank you.
What’s the deal with soapstone countertops? I’ve heard it’s a non-porous material and other then oiling, it’s very low maintenance. Anyone have any experiences or thoughts they can share?
Thank you.
I have installed soapstone. Pros: It will not stain, you can put pans just out from the oven/off the stove on it (as long as it is not sealed) and the only maintainance is oiling with mineral oil. It is also a cool stone, so it’s great to roll out dough. Cons: It scratches easily.
Although all soapstone is soft, the hardness will vary depending on where it was mined. A reputable dealer will walk you through and show you samples so you can make the decision yourself. M. Teixeira Soapstones in NJ installs free if you are ordering more than 30 sf. You can visit their yard if you want to.
So, summing up my opnion- soapstone is very functional and makes life easy if you cook alot, but if you want a perfect and shiny kitchen, it’s not a good idea. (In a “period” kitchen, I think a little scratching adds to the antique feel)
We installed soapstone counters and sinks in our kitchen 8 years ago, and don’t regret the decision at all. Yes, it is a soft stone; a counter edge can be chipped by a hard hit from a plate. On the other hand, contrary to the statement above, it’s not so soft that it can be scratched by a fingernail. Its main benefit is that it’s impervious to heat and chemicals, and it doesn’t stain. The only maintenance that’s required (when we get around to it) is a periodic oiling with mineral oil. If left to age it turns a pale blue gray; when oiled it’s a deep charcoal gray, almost black. Yes, the veins in the stone show, but it’s natural stone — what do you expect?
OP: I wrote the question because my wife wants to put soapstone in our new home. I really love the granite in our old home. She has read a lot about it, but I believe it’s mostly propaganda put out by soapstone peddlers. ……Sweetheart? Care to answer the question above? 🙂
My friend had soap stone put in and I thought it looked pretty mediocre. You could see the seams and the color looked like a regular slate. What is the appeal for you?
Very soft material can scratch with your nail. Looks great when installed can go either of 2 ways scratch the heck out of it stain it etc etc. & just tell stories abut each scratch & stain to your friends & family as you entertain or buff it every 2 or 3 months with some steel wool & seal it with oil (forgot which type) it does darken quite a bit especially every time you seal it. it is also a little pricey I thought & i am not sure what the largest slab is that you can get
aren’t all natural stones pourous?
Also check the archives, there is another thread on it in there. I am totally looking into it for my kitchen. Nice feel and old fashioned, also easy to keep up, although does get dark, I’ve heard.
Someone showed me theirs when I was trying to decide and it looks like a big cement slab. I didn’t like it.