Before purchasing soapstone countertops, you should know what you are getting into. (FYI, I am in love with soapstone, but hopefully you can decide for yourself after reading this helpful article.) Whether you are working with an experienced interior designer, or thinking about Soapstone for a home remodel yourself, it is important that you are well informed about the pros and cons with this thoroughly natural surface. Soapstone is completely different from her sister, marble, and her brother, granite. You will be amazed at what she offers!

Can we first just talk about how very lovely soapstone is? Oh my! It is so beautiful and like no other countertop surface out there on the market! I remember the first time I was exposed to soapstone. My friend, Martha Stewart had them everywhere! I devoured the look and was instantly hooked! Whether leafing through her fabulous magazine, or watching her on TV, soapstone was there! Eye candy for a young budding designer to feast on! I dreamed of one day having soapstone in my kitchen, my laundry room, my bathrooms, mudroom or even my pantry!

There are a ton of reasons you should thoughtfully consider soapstone for your kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, mudroom or pantry countertops. First, soapstone is extremely durable. Although soapstone comes in soft and hard options, we are talking about the harder soapstone for the purpose of this article. Remember back in the day when you were in chemistry or biology class? Think. Yes, those dark desks and lab tables were indeed soapstone! Why would the schools install soapstone in these classes? Because soapstone is impervious to most chemicals and dangerous liquids. It doesn't absorb germs and chemicals like a sponge. Soapstone is one of the best at being naturally antibacterial and non-porous. You can rest easy because bacteria will not invade your kitchen! Just wipe and forget about germs and bacteria! By installing soapstone, you are helping your family stay healthy. You don't have to worry about spilling red wine, or let's be real, fruit punch, spaghetti sauce or food coloring while baking. Happy mama dance!!! I dare say, that installing soapstone in your kitchen is a health giving, germ free option for your family! Sicknesses will not be passed from one person to the next on your soapstone countertops! Your family will thank you for years to come!

There are soapstone sinks, stoves, fireplaces and tiles made back in the 1800's still in use today. Can I repeat, durability? The durability of soapstone has stood the test of time for sure! Are you ready for the best part? You can put a hot pot directly onto soapstone! Yes, you can!!! The stone will not get damaged from the heat of a pot or baking tray and to add, soapstone does not stain!!! Are you excited yet? This makes it so unbelievably easy to cook in your kitchen. Baking becomes a breeze when you have countertops that actually assist you in the kitchen! The only other surface that comes close to soapstone is stainless steal, but stainless steal countertops are a little bit cold and not as beautiful! If you see a scratch or a dent in your soapstone, you have two choices: One: own it and chalk it up to the beautiful natural look. (which is what I would do) Two: get out a piece of sandpaper and buff those scratches away! Good old Mother Nature knew what she was doing when she created this rock that has staying power. Investing in soapstone is definitely a wise investment to consider!

Soapstone is modern, edgy, and has a European elegance that just makes my heart sing! From my perspective as an interior designer, I love taking clients to the slab yard to see the surface for themselves. Soapstone comes in a variety of colors and variations. The colors range from a slight greenish gray, to charcoal gray and dark black. Sometimes, you will see variations of lovely white streaks of movement too! I just love the surprise this gives my clients! When trying to decide on which slab you want, just go with what makes your heart skip a beat. Don't overthink all of the choices. There will be a slab or two that you will be drawn too. Choose that one (or two) and move on! Why? Well, here is another benefit that will make you giggle with excitement! Soapstone will patina over time! Yes, your soapstone countertops will look different every week, every month, and every year! Whoah! How's that for joy? The aging process for soapstone is really very unbelievable! This surface ages well and will last for generations! Now, here is where some people get a little nervous. What? My countertops will change and age over time? (nervousness has set in) What if I don't want them to change? What if an aging countertop makes me a little uneasy? Help! What if I install them and then hate them? Mineral oil is your friend if you do not want your soapstone to change. Simply apply mineral oil with a washcloth and let it sit overnight and wallah! You have darkened your soapstone just like when it was originally installed! This is only done for aesthetic purposes though. Remember, your soapstone doesn't need any upkeep. That was for my OCD friends out there! (you're welcome!). Now, if you choose to install soapstone in your kitchen, you will have the most original kitchen on the block because no two slabs are alike. Literally, you could choose soapstone and your nextdoor neighbor could choose soapstone, and the across the street neighbor could choose soapstone, and NONE would look the same! Not one! Isn't that just fabulous! No cookie cutter same old countertops with soapstone! Let the countertop Gods sing!!! (Hallelujah!)

What about the cons of installing soapstone? You will want to take the following into consideration before you make a final decision on purchasing and investing in soapstone. Soapstone is softer than most countertop options on the market. It is a natural stone, so yes, it is soft. It will scratch easily, but I say let it scratch and enjoy the patina! Remember that with a rag, a small piece of sandpaper and a little mineral oil, you can restore your soapstone to like new!

Here is a little tip: the greener shades of soapstone are generally softer than the darker gray or black tones. Most of my clients who have installed this wow of a countertop never even see or notice scratches! They informed themselves before purchasing, then went for it and have never looked back! All of them are happy, happy, happy! Why? Because they love the idea of something taking on a slight European feel, a worn patina juxtaposed with a new shiny faucet and the clean line of gorgeous cabinets. The tattered texture married with magnificent metals or the graceful elegant lighting united with the worn leathered look of their soapstone countertops is what they love! The diversity in finishes is what they are reacting to and you can have that too!

If you like a consistently even color throughout your countertops then soapstone is definitely not for you. Soapstone naturally patinas over time and has highs and lows of color throughout the surface. Yes, this means that there will be dark areas and light areas on every inch of your countertop. Do not purchase it if this will bother you! Some people love this, but there are many who do not! You know who you are! In order to get an all over evenly darkened look, you would have to apply mineral oil often. (which would be a daily pain to do.) You would be better off installing quartz countertops if you really want a more consistent color throughout your countertops. Quartz gives you the install it and forget it approach that many people love! I have a few clients who I would never even suggest soapstone too. (and many that I have and they love it!) Soapstone isn't for everyone, so don't try to put a square peg in a round hole! If you think that any of this is a "maybe that will bother me," then do not put soapstone in your home! If you cannot embrace the natural patina process then that's ok! Remember, it isn't about what I like, it is about what you like and what you can live with. You know if color inconsistency would drive you crazy or if it would make you happy to see it naturally patina. Choose, and choose wisely with what YOU can live with!

Overall, soapstone just has my heart! It really does! I love the way it looks! I love the natural finish of its patina over time. I love how it winks to a worn European modern vibe. I love the juxtaposition of the old with the new that soapstone provides in a huge way! Soapstone can and will provide you too with long lasting joy and happiness in your investment for years to come! Do it!

PHOTO CREDIT: FUNK IT UP INTERIORS LAS VEGAS, NV

SOAPSTONE PROS AND CONS