Natural Stone Part 2 - Soapstone
Everyone has a different vision of what they want their space to look like. There are endless options and we love that. But one theme that comes up in every consultation is “Organic”. That word is mostly used to describe how the client wants the space to feel - a natural flow throughout, with purposeful and intentional design.
The materials that you choose are a huge part of that. If you want natural stone for your countertops, you have some awesome choices. Today I am giving some love to SOAPSTONE.
Photo Credit: Ben Herzog Architect
How beautiful is this soapstone? I wish you could feel it! Close your eyes and imagine running your hand over a bar of soap - that’s what this countertop feels like, which is how it got its name. Soapstone has a high talc content, which gives it such a unique feel. Gentle. Almost forgiving.
Soapstone checks a lot of boxes in the “Pro” column. Even though it is soft, it is non-porous and requires no sealing. Just clean with soap and water. It is unfazed by hot pots and pans, and won’t get hurt by acids (hello, wine-tasting party!)
If you are redoing a fireplace, consider using soapstone for the hearth. It will slowly release its heat long after the fire burns out, keeping your room nice and toasty.
If you prefer, you can apply mineral oil for a darker look:
Photo Credit: Rocky Mountain Stone
The oil will really bring out the veining and you may even see a few hints of green in there. If you try it and don’t love the way it looks, no worries - the oil will wear off and you don’t have to do it again. But it’s nice to know you can change it up if you want.
Now for the Cons - because soapstone is soft (it hovers around a 3 on the Mohs scale), it is going to get scratched. Believe it or not, that is one of the reasons why people choose it - there’s a certain charm that comes with a lived-in look, especially when it’s paired with fresh cabinets and updated lighting. And there’s a bright spot here as well: scratches can be sanded out; it’s something you can easily do without hiring a professional.
There aren’t many color variations, either. You’re mostly going to see greys, with some slabs having hints of green or sometimes blue. It costs a bit more than most granite, since most soapstone is imported.
But for anyone looking to pair rustic with new, old-world with modern, keep this stone in mind as a possibility. It won’t disappoint!
