Durability of Soapstone for Countertops

Countertop Applications

• The soapstone material used to make countertops is called steatite and is predominantly quarried from mines in Brazil and India. Because it is so durable, it is an exceptional material for countertop applications. In home settings, slabs of soapstone are cut to make wall-length countertops and short or custom-built counters for kitchen and bathroom areas. It offers homeowners a less expensive alternative to marble and granite without sacrificing beauty and durability. In its natural state, it has a blue, green or grey color with crème or black veining. The color changes over time to a deep charcoal gray and has a warmer feel and look than marble and granite. Soapstone is also used to make laboratory counters and work desks in science and chemistry labs and to make countertops and work stations in commercial buildings.

Spills

• You won’t have to let out a shriek or rush and grab paper towels if you spill coffee, a citrus substance like lemon or acidic liquid such as vinegar on a soapstone counter. Soapstone is non-porous, so neither liquids nor acids will penetrate its surface. Nor will the color alter or change.

Heat Resistance

• You can set a hot pot of tea or take a skillet straight from the stovetop and put it on a soapstone countertop with no worries. Soapstone is heat resistant, and the countertop surface will not burn. So if you have soapstone counters you can put away your hot holders and trivets.

Scratches

• No countertop is entirely scratch resistant, but soapstone comes close. If you do happen to scratch the counter, 120-grit sandpaper can be used to lightly sand the scratch away. Follow with a light coat of mineral oil a couple times each day for three days to match the surrounding coloration and the counter will look good as new.

Care and Maintenance

• When soapstone counters are initially installed, the surface is sealed with a soapstone wax by the installer. After that, all the homeowner has to do is rub in a coat of mineral oil two or three times a year to keep the surface smooth. This will also speed up the natural darkening process, which makes the color turn a deeper shade of its original color, such as gray, black or green. Other than that, all you need to do to clean soapstone is use a damp cloth or sponge, water and gentle soap cleanser, such as a dish detergent. Avoid strong cleansers that have any type of antibacterial ingredients as this can strip the mineral oil, which will have to be reapplied.