A soapstone kitchen is the current sensation for home renovation projects. Replacing an old kitchen sink, countertop, backsplash, or floor tile with gorgeous soapstone turns an average space into a comfortable, modern space that looks like it could grace the pages of a home interior design magazine. Learn about the appearance, benefits, and attributes that make soapstone a smart choice for a kitchen countertop, sink, flooring, or backsplash installation.
Soapstone Kitchens Offer Timeless Beauty
Soapstone brings a gorgeous look to the kitchen: It has a soft, smooth texture and a matte, welcoming color. This natural stone can fit in with any décor and adds a touch of luxury to a rustic, modern farmhouse, minimalist, or contemporary kitchen design. Because it develops a rich patina over time, countertops made of soapstone show off a distinct story unique to your space.
An appealing feature of soapstone is the individual veining patterns and color variations found between varieties—and even between slabs. Soapstone ranges from light gray to rich charcoal with white veins that vary from subtle to striking—no two soapstone slabs are exactly alike. Some soapstone varieties offer a subtle blue or green hue that can complement your kitchen décor beautifully. Installing soapstone can help you achieve a classic or contemporary aesthetic to suit your tastes. We’re happy to help you find the perfect soapstone variety or slab to install in your kitchen, bar, or dining area.
Should You Apply Mineral Oil to Soapstone Kitchen Counters?
Untreated soapstone maintains its original color and veining, which lends a rustic look to the kitchen—but applying an optional mineral oil treatment enhances soapstone’s appearance, deepening the background and bringing out any white veins. How often you apply mineral oil can make a difference in the general look of your soapstone kitchen countertops, sinks, and tiles: Two or three applications will quickly deepen the color of soapstone for an aged look, while regular mineral oil or wax treatment helps maintain the patina of your soapstone surfaces.
Benefits of a Soapstone Kitchen
Beyond its stunning appearance, soapstone is also a highly durable and functional material for countertops, sinks, and flooring. Explore these top benefits of soapstone kitchens as you consider your own home renovation plans:
- Dense and compact with a nonporous surface, soapstone cannot be penetrated by acids or stains so it looks lovely for years to come.
- Soapstone is impervious to water and doesn’t get slippery when wet, making it ideal for flooring.
- Because bacteria, mold, and mildew can’t thrive on soapstone surfaces, it is a favorite material for kitchen sinks and areas subjected to moisture.
- Natural heat resistance means you can set a hot pan on the surface of a soapstone kitchen countertop without inflicting damage.
- Soapstone is easy to fabricate into a counter or tabletop, kitchen island, tiles for a backsplash, drainboard, or accent pieces that pull the décor together.
- Unlike many other natural stones, soapstone is made of compact particles that create an impenetrable surface, eliminating the need for sealing.
- Soapstone is one of the best stones for an outdoor kitchen, too: Sun, rain, and chemicals are no match for outdoor soapstone kitchen countertops, cladding, or tiles.
Do-It-Yourself Soapstone Kitchen Countertops
DIY kitchen counters are a great way to save money on soapstone: You can get the kitchen of your dreams at a fraction of the price with a do-it-yourself soapstone countertop kit. Installing your own counters eliminates the labor cost so you get the kitchen you want, within your budget. You probably already have the basic tools required to fabricate soapstone slabs, but we also offer a complete DIY soapstone kitchen countertop kit and prefabricated countertops that are ready to install. You can choose the best option for your kitchen renovation based on your experience and comfort level.
Caring for Soapstone Installations in a Kitchen
Soapstone is a durable, low-maintenance material, but it is important to care for your soapstone kitchen surfaces properly to keep them looking their best. When it comes to soapstone maintenance, it’s often simply a matter of wiping up spills as soon as they occur and cleaning soapstone countertops, sinks, floors, and backsplashes regularly with mild soap and water. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners when caring for soapstone surfaces as these can be damaging. If a soapstone kitchen surface gets scratched, you can sand and smooth away the mark.
Versatile soapstone slabs or remnants can be transformed into a countertop, sink, table, island, backsplash, wall tile, or flooring to suit your personal décor style. When you’re ready for a soapstone kitchen renovation, request a custom quote or contact us directly for inspiration and to make your vision a reality.