What Are the Benefits and Drawbacks of Soapstone Countertops?

A decade ago, granite countertops were the must-have choice, but today, quartz and quartz blends are celebrated for their beauty and strength. Even marble has found its place in upscale kitchens, particularly in those without children.

So, how do soapstone countertops stack up when it comes to looks, durability, and cost?

There are numerous alternatives for countertops, such as butcher-block, stainless steel, and striking laminates, each offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages. How do natural stones like soapstone measure up?

What Exactly Is Soapstone?

Soapstone, also known as steatite, is a metamorphic rock formed from talc-schist, which means it contains talc, approximately 50 percent in this case.

If you're familiar with minerals, you know that talc is the softest one. For soapstone, this means it is softer than many other materials commonly used for countertops. In fact, it earned its name because of its resemblance to a bar of soap.

However, the talc content can vary between different soapstone slabs, meaning some are harder than others, and the slabs used for countertops tend to be from the harder spectrum.

On the Mohs Hardness Scale, which rates minerals from 1 to 10 based on their hardness (diamonds score 10 and talc is rated at 1), soapstone falls between a 1 and 5, according to BobVila.com. Soapstone countertops typically range from 2.5 to .

The hardness of soapstone is influenced by the other minerals it contains, such as micas, chlorite, amphiboles, quartz, magnesite, and carbonates.

Soapstone is dense, with tightly packed particles, giving it a surface that is nearly impervious. Its density is so high that soapstone countertops do not need to be sealed.

In contrast, marble countertops may require regular sealing. Soapstone is also known for being low-maintenance, which is one reason it is often used in environments like chemistry labs.

Soapstone as a Material for Countertops

Soapstone is known for its resilience in laboratory settings, but how does it hold up in the kitchen? Can it withstand a chaotic family breakfast or a lively Sunday football gathering?

"It's suitable for countertops, depending on the buyer," says Mandy Carbia, senior interior designer at Crosby Design Group in Atlanta. "It all depends on their personal style or taste."

As a natural stone, soapstone’s appearance is dictated by what nature has created. Its color range tends to be on the darker side. If a client is after a rustic vibe, soapstone may be the perfect fit, but for a modern farmhouse aesthetic, it may not be the best choice, explains Carbia.

Consider the wide array of colors and patterns available in quartz from Caesarstone, compared to the more limited color selection in soapstone from Crocodile Rocks, a stone supplier based in Kenmore, Washington, just north of Seattle.

Crocodile Rocks offers a large inventory of slabs; however, soapstone has fewer color options compared to other materials.

When selecting a countertop material, Carbia emphasizes the importance of understanding how the buyer lives. For someone who cleans up quickly, marble might be a good choice, but for those who tend to leave messes overnight or entertain frequently, soapstone could be a better option due to its nonporous nature and resistance to staining.

"It's a softer material, so it scratches more easily," Carbia notes.

Homes with children who tend to drop things, or homeowners who prefer chopping directly on the countertop instead of using a cutting board, may risk damaging soapstone.

Fortunately, when a soapstone countertop gets scratched, it can be sanded down to restore its appearance, though the finish may not be flawless.

Colors and Styles

For many homeowners today, a whiter countertop is preferred, with some gray veining being a bonus, according to Carbia. However, soapstone doesn't come in white — it typically features shades of gray and black, with some slabs showing hints of blue or green.

"With soapstone, it's often a case of 'the darker, the better,'" Carbia explains. While soapstone may have some veining, it doesn't provide that white aesthetic many are after today. If the stone is lighter than preferred, it can be darkened with mineral oil.

That said, soapstone remains a popular choice, offering an Old World, rustic charm. There are definitely fabricators who regularly stock it, Carbia adds. "There is still a niche for it," she says.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Soapstone Countertops

Ultimately, the ideal countertop material is one that aligns with a homeowner's preferences, lifestyle, and budget. Like granite, quartz, and even concrete, soapstone has both its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages

Drawbacks

Soapstone and Its Cost

Of course, price plays a significant role in most kitchen renovations, and soapstone is considered a moderately priced option.

Being a natural stone, soapstone's price is comparable to that of high-end granite or quartz, according to Carbia. However, with granite offering a much broader range of options, you're likely to find some granite varieties at a more affordable price than soapstone.

Carbia estimates that soapstone typically costs between $72 to $150 per square foot, including installation. In comparison, low-end granite can be as inexpensive as $20 to $30 per square foot. Marble ranges from $75 to $250 per square foot, while quartz can vary from $55 to $155 per square foot, as stated by HGTV.