14 Soapstone Countertops to Inspire Your Kitchen Design

If you are looking for a low-maintenance work surface that is 100 percent heatproof consider a soapstone kitchen countertop. Go ahead, put that hot pan down on soapstone—it won't crack or scorch the surface.

There are plenty more pros and a couple of cons to having soapstone countertops.

What Is Soapstone?

Soapstone, which is also called steatite, is a natural stone material that contains talc, chlorite, and dolomite. It’s been used for centuries for statues, fireplaces, and cookware, and in recent years has gained popularity as material for kitchen countertops and sinks.

Since talc is a soft mineral, this means soapstone takes on the same consistency (after all, it was named for its similarity to a bar of soap). Soapstone is also dense and highly heat-resistant, making it a desirable material for kitchen countertops.

Also, because of its nonporous nature, soapstone doesn’t need to be sealed like other countertop materials, such as granite or marble.

Soapstone Countertops Pros

Stain- and Heat-Resistant

Soapstone is a solid choice for a kitchen counter for many reasons. Perhaps at the top of that list, though, is that it's low-maintenance. Unlike other types of stone surfaces, like granite or marble, soapstone does not require a sealer because it is nonporous. That makes it stain-resistant as well as naturally antimicrobial and heat-resistant.

Naturally Patinas

Over time a soapstone countertop surface will oxidize, making its appearance darker. This gives it a one-of-a-kind patina. If you want a light-colored soapstone countertop, ask your stone distributor to help you choose a slab with a higher proportion of talc in it.

Durable

Soapstone's durability is hard to beat. It doesn't chip or crack easily, and is a natural fit for kitchen countertops that need to withstand the daily wear and tear involved with cooking and serving meals.

Soapstone Countertops Cons

Easily Scratches

While soapstone does not chip or crack easily, it is susceptible to developing dents and scratches in hardworking kitchens. Those dents and scratches can be buffed away or left to contribute to its natural patina.

Requires Regular Maintenance

To keep soapstone countertops in good condition, consider regular mineral oil treatments. That’ll maintain its natural luster.

Limited Color Options

Since soapstone is a naturally occurring stone, it’s available in limited colors. Most soapstone will come in light gray, deep charcoal, or soft white shades, though many include subtle veining, sometimes in shades of green or blue.

Cost

A soapstone countertop can be expensive, since it's a natural stone that is not as readily available as some other stones. That's especially the case if you're looking for a specific hue or shade of veining, as rarer shades will be pricier.

Types of Soapstone

Aged

The look of aged soapstone is achieved through repeated mineral oil or wax treatment. This will give the soapstone countertops a deep charcoal appearance.

Oiled

For a rich countertop color that highlights natural veining, consider oiled soapstone. The look is achieved through regular coats of mineral oil, which help the stone develop a permanent patina.

Natural

Natural soapstone is left untreated to highlight the stone’s innate color. Since natural soapstone is nonporous and stain-resistant, it’s easy to clean and repair scratches or damage.

How to Incorporate Soapstone Countertops In Your Kitchen

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Combine Marble and Soapstone Countertops

Brooke Wagner Design

If you cannot decide between marble or soapstone countertops, this kitchen offers a smart solution. Brooke Wagner Design out of Corona Del Mar, California combines both types of stone in this contemporary cooking space. The soapstone counter around the stove is reserved for food prep, while the marble countertop is primarily used for light kitchen tasks like washing veggies or serving meals.

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Dramatic Soapstone Countertops

Ben Herzog Architect

While many soapstone countertops spotted on Pinterest or Instagram appear to be one solid color, the material can also be found with veins or striking streaks in green, black, yellow, blue, brown, or white, as shown in this kitchen by Ben Herzog Architect, out of Brooklyn, New York.

Even the apron-front sink with drainboard is made of durable soapstone. Adding to the cooking space's vintage-inspired charm are the cabinets painted a retro shade of mint green.

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Farmhouse Kitchen With Soapstone Countertops

Leo Designs

Soapstone countertops lend contrast to this crisp, white kitchen in an Indiana farmhouse renovated by Leo Designs, an interior design firm based in Chicago, Illinois. Contributing to the cooking space's Americana vibe are vintage-inspired fixtures including the overhead lighting.

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Oak Cabinets Paired With Soapstone Countertops

Whitten Architects

In a traditional kitchen chock-full of oak cabinets, soapstone cabinets add a rustic touch that feels more modern than classic. Whitten Architects out of Portland, Maine, picked the stone surface to coordinate with the stainless steel appliances.

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Soapstone Countertop in a Luxurious Kitchen

Meg Lonergan

A veiny soapstone countertop is a gorgeous counterpoint in this glamorous, traditional kitchen by interior designer Meg Lonergan based in Houston, Texas. Adding to the cooking space's luxurious vibe are the gold cabinet knobs and turquoise range.

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Kitchen Island With Soapstone Countertop

Alice Lane Interior Design

If you need to create an additional work surface in your kitchen, consider adding an island with a soapstone countertop. Here, Alice Lane Interior Design out of Salt Lake City, Utah does just that with a free-standing option that doubles as a dining table.

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Pewter Gray Soapstone Countertop

Frank Shirley Architects

You will find soapstone slabs in a wide range of gray tones, like this cool pewter example found in a home designed by Frank Shirley Architects, based in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Swirls of dark gray and white add a massive dose of visual interest to the stone surface.

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Black and White Kitchen Brimming With Rustic Style

Whitten Architects

Fans of modern farmhouse style will love this black and white kitchen by Whitten Architects based in Portland, Maine. The countertops along the walls are durable soapstone, which, as we already explained, stand up to heat and stains, making it the ideal work surface for busy cooking spaces. For a pop of contrast, the kitchen island features a stained wood topper.

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Bright Yellow Kitchen With Soapstone and Butcher Block Countertops

Heide Hendricks Interior Design

Nearly black soapstone countertops with matching backsplashes add a striking contrast to this sunshiny kitchen by Heide Hendricks Interior Design based in East Hartford, Connecticut. Adding even more practical function to this bright yellow cooking space is the kitchen island topped off with a maple butcher block countertop.

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Charcoal Gray and Blue Soapstone Countertop Lends Rustic Charm

J.A.S. Design-Build

A soapstone countertop can sprinkle on some rustic character to a contemporary cooking space. Here is one of our favorite examples, created by J.A.S. Design-Build, an interior design firm based in Seattle, Washington. A beautiful charcoal gray and blue soapstone counter lends old-timey country style to this modern farmhouse kitchen.

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This Blogger Loves Soapstone Countertops

For The Love of a House

For an objective opinion on soapstone countertops, we turned to Joan, the home improvement blogger behind the site For The Love of a House. She loves the stone, which she installed for her cooking space. She adds while it is a low-maintenance material, soapstone still requires a little tender loving care to keep looking its best. For instance, her countertop has several small nicks around the edges of the dishwasher and sink, caused by banging objects. To prevent it from happening in your home, she says, be mindful when it is time to wash pots and pans.

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How to Fake the Look of Soapstone

Lemon Thistle

If a real soapstone countertop is out of your price range, you can still get the look with Formica laminate. Here, Colleen, the decor blogger behind Lemon Thistle, went with a pattern called Soapstone Sequoia. She says her new laminate counters look as beautiful as the real thing. Colleen offers this tip: the best type of sink to combine with laminate is a drop-in, as shown. Unlike an undermount sink, it will protect the investment you made in laminate with corners that offer protection from water.

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Combine Cool Soapstone Countertops With Warm Wood Accents

Rauser Design

In this homey kitchen by Rauser Design based in Austin, Texas, soapstone counters are combined with a butcher block chopping station. We love how this cooking space combines features in cool colors, like the countertops and blue cabinets with warm wood accents, including the kitchen table and hardwood floors.

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Midcentury Inspired Kitchen With a Soapstone Countertop

Annie Hall Interiors

A mid-century modern home—renovated by Annie Hall Interiors out of Cambridge, Massachusetts—gets a spanking new cooking space that is in step with the home's historic style. Turquoise cabinetry and warm wood walls are a classic mid-century combo. The boomerang-style kitchen island with a soapstone countertop is a nod to the traditional kidney-shaped coffee table, which is an icon of mid-century decor.

FAQ

Is soapstone cheaper than granite?

In general, soapstone is more expensive than granite. On average, soapstone costs between $55 to $120 per square foot; granite costs range from $45 to $110 per square foot. The total cost of soapstone countertops will vary based on the stone’s sourcing, quality, size, and the complexity of installation.
Is soapstone a good material for a countertop?

Soapstone’s variety of positive attributes make it a high-quality material for countertops. It’s durable, heat- and stain-resistant, nonporous, and has a timeless look that would elevate any kitchen.
Is soapstone or quartz better for a countertop?

Both soapstone and quartz come with upsides and downsides. Soapstone is durable, nonporous, and heat-resistant, but requires regular maintenance and comes in limited colors. Quartz, meanwhile, is also durable and nonporous, and is available in a wider variety of color choices too. Still, quartz’s high price tag and susceptibility to heat damage should be considered.