Soapstone Countertop Pros and Cons
Find out if this charcoal-like stone is the right fit for you
Highlights
Soapstone counters are natural, nonporous, and easy to maintain.
These countertops are costly with limited color choices.
Generally speaking, the pros outweigh the cons for many people.
Soapstone countertops offer a rich, timeless look that can elevate all sorts of kitchen aesthetics. But this material does come with a few drawbacks, which you will want to consider before committing to it for years. Here, we break down all of soapstone’s pros and cons so you can figure out whether these countertops are an ideal fit for your home and lifestyle.
Pros of Soapstone Countertops
There is a whole lot to love about soapstone countertops.
Highly Stain Resistant
A lot of natural stones are porous, which means they soak up stains easily—but soapstone is not, despite being natural. This means common kitchen messes will not stain it, so you do not have to worry much if you accidentally knock over your morning coffee or evening cocktail. Plus, soapstone's nonporous composition means that bacteria will not penetrate it, so it is a total breeze to clean.
Does Not Require Sealant
Being nonporous means soapstone does not require a sealant to maintain its appearance. Many other countertop materials, such as quartz, limestone, and wood, require regular sealing to stand up to tough stains and other messes that typical kitchens see on a daily basis. But if you opt for soapstone countertops, then you never need to think about this protective layer.
Easy to Carve
Soapstone is a relatively soft stone, typically falling between 2.5 and 3.5 on the Mohs Hardness Scale when used for countertops. And while this softness means it is more susceptible to scratches than many other stones, it is also very easy to carve. So, if you find a countertop slab that you like, you can hire a stone countertop pro near you to carve out matching sinks, soap dishes, and drain boards for an oh-so-stylish kitchen.
Withstands High Heat
Often, you need a trivet to put hot pans down on your countertops to prevent the heat from causing damage. But if you have soapstone countertops in your kitchen, you can transfer pans directly from the stove to the countertop without fear of damaging the surface.
It Is a Natural Stone
Soapstone is an all-natural stone. It is not mixed with resin and it does not require sealant. Its composition means that no two pieces are exactly alike, so your countertop will truly be one-of-a-kind.
Does Not React to Acid
Acidic foods, such as lemons and tomatoes, can damage many types of countertops, but not soapstone. In fact, soapstone countertops do not react to acid at all, so you do not have to worry about a spaghetti spill ruining your beautiful new counter.
Environmentally Friendly
Soapstone is an excellent choice if you are looking for an environmentally friendly option. Since it is a naturally occurring stone that is cut into slabs for counters, manufacturers do not use any chemicals to prepare this stone. At most, it is finished for different surface textures.
Value Retention
If you are looking for a high ROI and a material that retains its value, soapstone should be high on your list. The ROI of soapstone counters is anywhere from 50% to 80%, so it is a good option if you are looking to sell your home in the future. These counters also last 20 years or longer, so you will enjoy their value for decades.
Installation Ease
This material is softer than marble or granite, making it an easier DIY job. You may be able to tackle soapstone counter installation, as long as you have extra hands to help. You will only need basic tools, including a grinder and a circular saw.
Cons of Soapstone Countertops
Like all types of countertops, soapstone has a few drawbacks to consider.
Limited Color Options
Because soapstone is a natural stone, its colors are limited to what Mother Nature dictates. Most soapstone comes in darker hues, like gray and black, though some have blue or green tints. So, if you are hoping to find a specific color to match your kitchen's aesthetic, then you might be better off with an engineered stone countertop, such as quartz, which comes in all kinds of different colors and styles.
Easily Damaged
Soapstone is softer than many other countertop materials, so it is pretty susceptible to damage. Even sliding a glass vase across it might cause a few scratches. Fortunately, mild damage is easy to fix, usually only requiring a bit of sanding and oiling. Still, if your kitchen sees a lot of activity or you simply cannot stand to look at imperfections, soapstone countertops might not be a good fit for your household.
It Wears Unevenly
If you want your soapstone countertop to continue looking dark and rich, you will need to apply mineral oil every few months to maintain its color and prevent fading. Areas that get used a lot will always fade faster than other parts, so your countertop might look a bit uneven between oilings.
Fairly Expensive
Soapstone countertops cost $70 to $120 per square foot installed, which makes them comparable to marble and slate. Depending on the quality of materials, this price range is also comparable to low- and mid-range granite and quartz countertops. This means that soapstone is not the most budget-friendly option.
Visible Seams
Soapstone comes in relatively small slabs, so if your kitchen counters are larger than seven square feet, you will probably have some visible seams where the two slabs connect. That said, if installed properly, the seams will not be too noticeable, so it should not be a deal-breaker.
Darkened by Oily Substances
Soapstone countertops get darker over time, which some people may dislike, but others appreciate. You can embrace and quicken the development of this natural patina by applying mineral oil to your counters. The first application should follow installation, and you can oil the surface every month for a year until you get the dark shade you are looking for.
Texture
Soapstone has a natural rough texture. If you prefer something more smooth, you can opt for satin or leathered finishes. Unlike other natural stone options, however, you will not have the choice of a high gloss finish.
Installation Expense
Soapstone countertop installation costs $10 to $40 per square foot. You might be able to DIY the job, but generally, countertop installation is a complex project that you should pass along to the pros.
Cost to Install Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone countertops cost $60 to $80 per square foot for materials and $10 to $40 per square foot for labor. Prices vary depending on the color of the soapstone and edging options. You can also add drainboards for an extra $300 to $550 and soapstone backsplashes for $70 to $120 per square foot.
DIY vs. Hiring a Pro
Installing countertops can be DIY-friendly if you have experience and a few friends to help you carry the slab. This will save you money from labor, but you’ll still have to purchase the materials and all of the required tools. Professionals typically have better sources to obtain materials than consumers, so you’ll likely pay a bit more for the soapstone. As a warning, there are plenty of ways to mess up this job, and mistakes are costly. We recommend contacting a pro over DIY.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soapstone countertops can last 20 years or longer with proper maintenance. Unlike other natural stone counters, soapstone is fairly low maintenance, so you should enjoy their decades-long lifespan without many issues.
Soapstone is a softer material than granite and marble, so you have to use a cutting board to avoid scratches; but unlike most types of stone countertops, soapstone is nonporous. Soapstone may not be the first option you think of for luxury kitchens—granite and marble are more conventional, classic choices—but depending on the color and the style of your kitchen, you can use soapstone in upscale, modern spaces.
Soapstone can handle high heat just like porcelain, but quartz is more scratch resistant. Of all these different countertops, you are the most limited in color choices for soapstone, while you have the most design and color options with quartz. Your choice will depend on what your priorities are.
One of the primary benefits of a soapstone countertop is that the material is heat-resistant. You can put a hot pan on soapstone, and it won’t scorch or crack. Despite being able to handle extreme heat, soapstone is much softer than granite, quartz and similar materials. This means that it scratches easily, so you should not prepare food directly on the surface.