Your Most Commonly Asked Questions About Soapstone Countertops, Answered

Is soapstone the right material for your kitchen or bathroom? If you’re trying to decide what kind of countertop to install in your home, answers to these common questions can help you make your decision. Here’s what you need to know.

Is soapstone a good countertop material?

Yes, soapstone is a valued countertop material that has been popular in farmhouse style kitchens for a long time. It’s durable, unlikely to crack from excess weight or stress on the stone, and available in a variety of colors.

Are soapstone countertops expensive?

Soapstone countertops can be a little more costly than granite and quartz, though there is some overlap in costs between mid-range soapstone and mid-range granite and quartz. Prices vary so get a quote from a quality stone dealer before deciding between one or the other.

Do soapstone countertops scratch easily?

Soapstone is not as hard as granite, which means it does need to be protected from scratches. Use a cutting board on your soapstone and avoid slicing any food directly on your countertops. You should also avoid sliding heavy items with scratchy bottoms across your soapstone.

Which is better for countertops, quartz or soapstone?

This depends entirely on your needs. Quartz is a man-made product that’s scratch resistant and virtually maintenance-free. It comes in a range of patterns and colors, and can be made to resemble other natural forms of stone, like marble and granite.

Soapstone is a natural stone that also comes in a range of colors and patterns, but not as many patterns as quartz. Soapstone has a unique warmth and not replicated by quartz. People who want quartz are often attracted to its durability and flexibility, while people who want soapstone are attracted to the unpolished finish, elegant coloring and its natural beauty.

Can you put a hot pan on soapstone?

Yes, you can put a hot pan on soapstone. It’s always advisable to use a hot pad, but placing a hot pan directly on soapstone is unlikely to crack it.

What is the most maintenance-free countertop?

Quartz is regularly cited as the most maintenance-free countertop available. It does not need to be sealed or polished, and it is resistant to stains.

Is soapstone high maintenance?

No, soapstone is not high maintenance. Like any other type of countertop material, soapstone needs regular cleaning by a rag dampened with warm soapy water. Many homeowners also oil their soapstone periodically, giving it a dark patina that gets darker with time. This is more for looks than out of necessity.

What is the best countertop for your money?

Quartz and soapstone are both good quality products that make excellent countertops and have high value among home buyers. The best countertop for your money depends on your priorities. Do you want a low-maintenance countertop that will last a lifetime? Do you love the natural elegance and sophistication of soapstone? The best countertop for your money is a countertop that fits in your budget and will please you for years into the future.

Is soapstone cheaper than granite?

No, soapstone tends to cost at least as much as granite, and often costs slightly more. Some slabs of soapstone cost as much as some slabs of granite. To get the best deal for soapstone counters (or granite counters), shop around. Buy stone from a dealer that stands behind their product and provides good installation.

Is soapstone hard to maintain?

No, soapstone is not hard to maintain, especially compared to stone like marble, which will likely need to be resealed on a regular basis to prevent it from staining.

Can soapstone get wet?

Yes, soapstone can get wet without fear that water will damage it.

What are the pros and cons of soapstone countertops?

Pros:

• Soapstone has a unique appearance, with a matte finish that stands apart from other types of stone.
• Soapstone is an all-natural material.
• Soapstone is durable and heat resistant.
• Soapstone is a high-quality stone that increases the value of your kitchen.

Cons: 

• Soapstone scratches easily and is not as durable as some other materials on the market (like quartz).
• Soapstone can be more expensive than materials like quartz and granite.

Should soapstone be sealed?

Soapstone does not need to be sealed, but it can benefit from regular applications of oil.