Read on to learn more pros and cons of having a soapstone kitchen countertop.

What Is Soapstone?

Soapstone also does not need sealing like granite or marble, adding to its desirability.

Kitchen with black soapstone countertops and wooden cabinets surrounded by white walls

The Spruce / Christopher Lee Foto

Since soapstone is nonporous, it is stain-resistant, heat-resistant, and antimicrobial.

Naturally Patinas

A soapstone countertop oxidizes over time, which develops into a uniquely darker patina.

Durable

Soapstone’s durability is tough to match.

marble and soapstone countertops in a kitchen

Brooke Wagner Design

These countertops stand up incredibly well to daily use and won’t easily crack or chip.

However, dents and scratches can be left alone to become part of the patina or lightly buffed out.

Limited Color Options

Color choices are limited for soapstone since it’s a naturally occurring stone.

dramatic soapstone countertops in kitchen

Ben Herzog Architect

Cost

Soapstone countertops are costly since the material is not as easily accessible as other stones.

Rare colors and veining patterns might also cost more.

Oiled soapstone:Oiled soapstone has a more polished, elegant appearance.

rustic soapstone countertops

Leo Designs

Mineral treatments highlight the material’s rich color and veining.

Natural soapstone:Untreated, natural soapstone emphasizes the material’s innate colors and underlying organic patterns.

This kitchen smartly combines materials for an elegant contemporary look.

gray soapstone in traditional kitchen

Whitten Architects

A soapstone counter is smartly placed near the stove to handle hot pots and food prep.

The marble counter around the sink easily handles splashing water and lighter activities, such as serving meals.

Dramatic Veined Soapstone Countertops

Ben Herzog Architect

Soapstone countertops are not always one solid color.

soapstone countertop with turquoise stove

Meg Lonergan

In thisthis kitchen, the gray soapstone counter, apron-front sink, and drainboard have dramatic white veining.

The striking countertop colors contrast beautifully with cabinets painted a vintage mint green.

Vintage-style fixtures and charcoal subway tile behind the cooking space visually balance the space.

soapstone kitchen island

Alice Lane Interior Design

The combination of these materials plus stainless steel appliances gives this mostlyrustic cooking spacea more modern touch.

This kitchen has a hardworking kitchen island that doubles as adining table.

The soapstone slab includes subtle, organic white and darker gray swirls and veining for additional visual interest.

gray soapstone countertop

Frank Shirley Architects

The sleek glass tile backsplash ties together the colors of the dark charcoal-gray soapstone countertops and white cabinetry.

The kitchen island with the stained wood countertop adds a classic rustic touch to this busy kitchen.

Dark charcoal soapstone countertops and backsplashes contrast with the yellow cabinets and walls.

farmhouse kitchen with soapstone countertop

Whitten Architects

Soapstone proves it works well with other materials, such as the maplebutcher block countertopon the kitchen island.

Charcoal and Blue Soapstone Countertops

J.A.S.

The combination of this colorful soapstone material and yellow-painted cabinetry brings a fun, casual flair to this space.

yellow kitchen with soapstone and butcher block countertops

Heide Hendricks Interior Design

Ross installed soapstone in her kitchen, contrasting it with her white cabinets and backsplash.

Faux Soapstone

Lemon Thistle

Real soapstone is pricey but Formica laminate can mimic the look.

She swears it’s tough to tell the difference between laminate and the real thing.

Soapstone kitchen sink

J.A.S. Design-Build

The new-but-retro cooking space combines turquoise cabinetry and warm wood walls, aclassic midcentury combination.

Soapstone can be more expensive than granite.

Soapstone’s variety of positive characteristics makes it one of the best materials for a countertop.

soapstone kitchen countertop in farmhouse

For The Love of a House

The elegant, timeless material is also durable, heat- and stain-resistant, and nonporous.

Both soapstone and quartz are pricey and have their specific pros and cons.

Soapstone is durable, nonporous, and heat-resistant, but limited in color and prone to scratches.

laminate-soapstone coutnertop

Lemon Thistle

Quartz is also durable, nonporous, and comes in more colors but it’s vulnerable to heat damage.

How Much Do Soapstone Countertops Cost?

(2024 Data).

butcher block and soapstone countertop

Rauser Design

What Is the Average Cost of Granite Countertops?

(2024 Data).Angi.

soapstone countertop in turq kitchen

Annie Hall Interiors