Soapstone Countertop Installation

No. You don’t have to seal soapstone as you would with granite or marble because it’s a non-porous stone. That means it doesn’t absorb liquids, so it doesn’t require sealing to prevent staining.

Instead of sealing, soapstone is typically treated with mineral oil to enhance its appearance, which naturally darkens the color. Regular wiping of the counters with mild soap and water is usually sufficient to clean the soapstone.

Yes. Soapstone is softer than granite and marble, so it scratches and damages more easily. However, scratches are generally easy to remove by lightly sanding the surface and reapplying mineral oil to maintain the finish. To repair soapstone countertops, you should use fine-grit sandpaper and re-oil it to make it look just like new.

Patina, a green or brown film, can often cover the soapstone over time, and some homeowners leave it to help conceal minor scratches while still providing a cohesive look.

Yes, soapstone is excellent for many kitchen styles, including rustic, farmhouse, traditional, and modern kitchens. It’s naturally beautiful and has a smooth texture, which makes it pair well with almost any type of interior decor you have. It’s also heat-resistant, nonporous, and resistant to stains, bacteria, and mold. While it’s softer, it’s also harder to crack than granite or marble.

Since it doesn’t need to be sealed, soapstone is easy to clean and eco-friendly, making it the perfect choice for sustainable homes. For an extra touch, you can have your soapstone countertop installation customized with runnels, drainboards, carvings, or chiseled edges.

Soapstone is one of the most unique countertops you can choose. Each one has its own vein pattern and color variation. Over time, it will also develop a green or brown patina to make it even more unique to your space.

With proper maintenance, soapstone countertops can last 20 to 50 years. Because it’s non-porous and resistant to heat and stains, soapstone countertops can last much longer in your kitchen. This makes the cost of soapstone countertops well worth it. In fact, some historic homes even have soapstone countertops that have lasted more than a century!

Once your new soapstone countertop installation is complete, you should oil the countertop once a month for the first year. After the first year, oil it every few months for maintenance to give it a dark appearance and help it hold up over time. And while you can put your hot pots and pans directly on the countertop, you should avoid cutting directly on the material to avoid scratches. Use a cutting board to keep your countertop pristine for many decades to come.