Soapstone

Applications

• Kitchen Countertops
• Bathroom Vanities
• Fireplace Mantels
• Jacuzzi Surrounds
• Bar-tops
• Custom tables and desks
• Shower surrounds
• Custom sinks

Product Information

Soapstone is a material with unique characteristics for use in your home. Soapstone been used by people for millions of years with many purposes, including tools, vases, fireplaces and sculptures. Soapstone has a soft and warm feel which has recently caused the material to become more popular in the kitchen. Because of this, consumers have been rating soapstone as a favorite in countertop surfaces.

The soft feel is due to the presence of talc in the soapstone. Talc is one of soapstone’s main ingredients, along with magnetite, dolomite and chlorite. Vermont and Brazil are two of the world’s major producers of quality soapstone.

A popular feature of soapstone is its resistance to household cleaners or spills of acidic or alkaline liquids such as juices and vinegar. Another excellent characteristic of soapstone is that if it is stained, the stain does not seep deeply into the structure of the stone. This means with a little light scrubbing or sanding you can erase the stain and return your countertop to its original state.

Care & Maintenance

Soapstone is a relatively soft stone that will be susceptible to scratching. Using cutting boards with knives, and avoiding abrasive cleansers and scraping heavy pots and pans along the surface will help reduce scratching. Soapstone has the unique characteristic that scratches that do occur may be buffed out with a fine grit (400 to 300) sandpaper, and then touched up with some mineral oil. Deeper scratches may require use of heavier grit sandpaper. If so, start with the heavier paper, and gradually work up to the finest grit to create a finish consistent with the rest of the countertop. 

Soapstone is one of the only natural materials that can be considered nearly impenetrable, and will not absorb stains in the same way as other natural stone surfaces. Soapstone will discolor when a liquid makes contact with its surface; however, liquids will evaporate off the surface, leaving no stain behind.

Soapstone's natural color is a grayish blue tone. However, it can be treated with mineral oil to create the darker, richer color that many owners prefer and to help ward against showing scratches. If you choose not to oil your countertop, its color will darken over time, taking on a natural patina, especially in areas of high use. If and when to oil soapstone countertops is up to the owner.  We suggest the following schedule :

• Week 1: Two applications
• Weeks 2 through 4: One application per week
• Weeks 5 through 9: One application per two weeks

Apply monthly up to 18 months; as time goes on, you will need to oil the countertops less and less frequently, noticing that the deep color will last longer between applications. Oiling the countertop at least twice per year is suggested after the initial 18 month period of care.

To apply mineral oil, simply wipe the oil over the entire countertop, remove the surplus with paper towels then buff with a clean cotton cloth. The cloth may be stored in a plastic bag to be used for future applications or for touch ups when buffing out scratches. Mineral oil can be found in the laxative aisle at the drug store.  (Veterinary grade mineral oil is good if you can get it. It's thinner and easier to apply.)

Hot pots may be set directly on soapstone with no potential for the stone to show burn marks.  If you do set hot pots directly on your soapstone surface, take caution after removing it as the stone will absorb heat from the pot and will remain hot to the touch for some time afterwards.

Pricing

Similar to granite, prices of soapstone varies due to the availability of a particular stone. Because soapstone is natural and is extracted directly from quarries, availability is the main factor when determining price. Although prices vary, the quality and dependability of the stone does not.

Check out our stone catalog to choose the soapstone you want. Then contact us for further information on installing beautiful new soapstone countertops in your home

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