Soapstone is one of those countertop materials that quietly commands attention—not with flash or trendiness, but with a natural, lived-in beauty that’s both rustic and refined. It’s been used for centuries in everything from farmhouse sinks to laboratory tables, and while it’s not as commonly seen in modern kitchens today, it still has a loyal niche following.

At our shop, we can cut and install soapstone, and we’re happy to do so for clients who love its unique character. That said, we don’t actively promote it as a go-to countertop option—and here’s why.

Soapstone is a natural, non-porous stone composed primarily of talc, which gives it a smooth, almost silky feel. It ranges in color from light gray to deep charcoal, often with subtle veining or marbling. One of its most distinctive features is how it darkens over time—a natural patina that many homeowners love for the warm, antique look it creates.

1. Beautiful, Aged Aesthetic

 Soapstone has a unique matte finish and soft veining that gives it an old-world, organic feel. Over time, it naturally darkens and develops character, which appeals to those who like the look of well-worn materials with a story.

2. Non-Porous & Stain-Resistant

 Unlike granite and marble, soapstone is naturally non-porous. That means it doesn’t require sealing and is very resistant to staining, even from red wine, citrus, or oils.

3. Heat Resistant

 Soapstone handles heat extremely well—you can place hot pots and pans directly on the surface without damage. It was historically used in wood stoves and chemistry labs for this very reason.

4. Low Maintenance

 No sealing is required. Most maintenance involves optional mineral oil applications to even out the darkening process and bring out the richness of the stone.

1. It’s Soft—Really Soft

 This is the biggest tradeoff. Because soapstone contains talc, it’s one of the softest natural stones used for countertops. It can scratch, chip, and dent more easily than granite or quartz—especially in high-traffic kitchens. For this reason, we don’t actively promote soapstone unless a customer specifically requests it and understands the limitations.

2. Susceptible to Dents and Dings

 While scratches can often be sanded out or blended in with mineral oil, the material is more prone to nicks and damage from heavy use, dropped pans, or sharp objects.

3. Limited Color Range

 Soapstone comes in shades of gray, greenish-gray, or blue-gray. If you're looking for bright whites or dramatic patterns, it’s probably not your material.

4. Not as Widely Available

 Because demand is relatively low, not all fabricators or suppliers keep a wide variety of soapstone slabs on hand. Lead times can be longer, and slab selection may be limited compared to granite or quartz.

Soapstone countertops are a great fit if:

• You love natural materials with a lived-in look.
• You’re drawn to vintage, farmhouse, or classic kitchen aesthetics.
• You’re okay with some surface wear as part of the stone’s evolving character.
• You want a low-maintenance, non-porous surface that doesn’t require sealing.

However, if you’re looking for maximum durability with minimal maintenance or you want a material that’s resistant to scratching and chipping, there are likely better options for your lifestyle.

Soapstone isn’t for everyone—and that’s okay. While we’re more than capable of cutting and installing it for customers who love its charm, it’s not a material we push often because of its softness and wearability in busy kitchens. Still, for the right homeowner and the right design, soapstone can be a beautiful, one-of-a-kind addition with character you won’t find in more manufactured materials. Have questions about whether soapstone is a good fit for your space? We’re happy to chat and help you weigh your options.