Teresina Soapstone in another episode of House Crashers. Coming February 2012. For now, here is a link to the first one:
So you want Soapstone Countertops… now which variety should you choose? Keeping in mind that there isn’t any black Soapstone in its natural state, decide if you want the Soapstone to be very black with oil. Some varieties will be look almost completely black with oil. Some varieties will maintain the color in the veins even with oil. Some varities will have hints of green, and a few varities of Soapstone will look very green even when many coats of oil are applied.
Now for everybody’s favorite, how many “veining” or “movement” do you want to see in your Soapstone slab? Its helpful to look at pictures of installed Soapstone to help determine this. Just looking at the slab is difficult. You have to think about what it will look like once its all cut up and installed. Generally, you can find slabs with consistent veining throughout, spotty with scattered dramatic veins, or multi-colored veins. My personal preference is to avoid the spotty look that reminds me of granite. All spotty soapstone will stop looking spotty once oiled. Most spots will start to disappear with use as well.
The Cary Daily has some really nice pictures of Soapstone Countertops combined with Marble. See his blog here. Also, see Soapstone Countertops here
see this blog for some gorgeous Soapstone Countertops!!!
Brownies on Soapstone Countertops! Jamie’s blog is full of artistic photography. Naturally, she has Soapstone!
This blog has a picture of a modern kitchen with Soapstone Countertops and lots and lots of Stainless Steel. Yet another example of how versatile Soapstone can be as a countertop surface. Compare this to the many rustic environments that are complemented by Soapstone: Modern Kitchen
This Supermom review her favorite parts of her kitchen. Wouldn’t you know that Soapstone Countertops are #1 on the list: check out her blog
Photos of her Soapstone Counters
Read about Pros and Cons of using Soapstone for your countertops:
Soapstone Pros and Cons; Here are some PROs:
It will not stain
Normally any natural stone brings a concern about staining along with its natural beauty. Soapstone will not stain. That is not to say its look will never change. However any change to the look of Soapstone is temporary.
Its an alternative to granite
Soapstone has a unique look. This is a very strong PRO for Soapstone. Many times when people tell us why they chose Soapstone for their counters, it was to choose something different and unique.
It will not etch
You don’t need to worry about spilling chemicals, acids, etc on your Counters. Soapstone is chemically inert, so it will not react chemically to other substances or liquids. Its nice to be able to spill balsamic vinegar on your countertops without any worry of a permanent change. You may not be planning many chemical experiments on your countertops, but there is plenty of chemistry involved in food preparation. With Soapstone, you can practice your food science worry free!
Soapstone Pros and Cons; Yes there are CONs:
Soapstone is Softer than Granite.
Most things are! Granite is extremely hard. Some people like the patina that develops over time with Soapstone. However if you are very opposed to scratches and a “weathered” look, you may want to choose something other than Soapstone.
Price
Although the value of Soapstone justifies its price-tag, there any many less expensive options available. Think of the price of Soapstone as comparable to a high-end granite.
Its heavy!
This is mainly a CON for the DIY-ers. Because Soapstone is extremely dense, it weighs more per cubic inch than other stone.
This blogger put Soapstone Counterops on a sailboat. See the Steadfast Ahoy blog for more
See some lovely pictures of Soapstone Counters in this Farmhouse Kitchen renovation. This blog has some advice for many aspects of your renovation project.