Soap Stone: What you need to know about it
August 1, 2025
Soapstone Countertops: Timeless Charm with a Softer Side
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.
What is Soapstone?
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.
The Positives of Soapstone Countertops
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.
The Downsides of Soapstone
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.
Is Soapstone Right for You?
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.
Final Thoughts
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.
When planning your kitchen or bathroom countertops, one detail that often gets overlooked—but makes a big difference—is the backsplash. A backsplash is the vertical section of material installed on the wall directly behind your countertop. Its primary purpose is to protect your walls from water, grease, soap, and other everyday splashes, while also creating a clean, finished look that ties your design together. Why a Backsplash Is Important? Everyday tasks like washing dishes, cooking, or brushing your teeth can result in water, grease, and other debris hitting your walls. Without a backsplash, moisture can seep into the drywall over time, causing stains, damage, or even mold. A backsplash acts as a protective barrier, keeping your walls safe and making cleanup easier. Beyond protection, backsplashes enhance the overall look of your countertops. They create a smooth transition from counter to wall and add a polished, professional appearance to your kitchen or bathroom. Backsplash Heights and Options At MGL Granite, we can create backsplashes at any height to fit your design needs: Standard 4-Inch Backsplash: The industry standard is typically a 4-inch backsplash. It provides just the right amount of protection behind the countertop while maintaining a simple, timeless look. Full-Height Backsplash: Full-height backsplashes are more common in kitchens, especially behind ranges or sinks. They extend from the countertop up to the bottom of the cabinets—or even to the ceiling—creating a seamless, elegant look. Custom Wall Pieces: We can also fabricate custom backsplash pieces for walls, vanities, or other surfaces where a standard height might not fit your design. This flexibility allows you to achieve a truly personalized, high-end finish. Tile Backsplashes Some homeowners choose tile backsplashes for color, texture, or pattern. While tile can be beautiful, MGL Granite does not provide tile installation. However, we’re happy to coordinate with your tile installer to ensure a perfect fit where the countertop meets the wall. Finishing Touches That Make a Difference Choosing the right backsplash is about more than style—it’s about functionality and protecting your investment. Whether you prefer the simplicity of a 4-inch standard, the dramatic look of a full-height backsplash, or a custom piece to fit your walls, MGL Granite can fabricate and install the perfect solution for your space.
Discover why granite is a durable, stylish, and eco-friendly choice for any kitchen, backed by trusted countertop companies known for quality and value.
Granite is one of the most popular choices for kitchen and bathroom countertops—and for good reason. It's durable, beautiful, and timeless. But like any natural stone, granite needs a little care to keep it looking its best. One of the most important steps in maintaining granite countertops is sealing them. In this post, we’ll walk you through the basics of sealing granite, why it’s so important (especially for countertops that get regular use), and how MGL Granite can help. Why Does Granite Need to Be Sealed? Granite is a natural stone with a porous surface. That means that if it's left unsealed, liquids like water, oil, wine, or juice can seep into the stone, causing stains or even long-term damage. Bacteria can also find their way into those tiny pores, which isn’t something you want on your food prep surfaces. Sealing your granite countertops helps create a protective barrier that: Repels moisture and spills Prevents staining Makes cleaning easier Extends the life and beauty of your countertops How Often Should You Seal Granite? It depends on the type of granite, how much use your countertops get, and the type of sealer used. Some granite varieties are denser and require sealing less often, while others are more porous and need more frequent attention. As a general rule: Seal high-use kitchen countertops once a year. For less frequently used areas (like guest bathrooms), every 2–3 years may be enough. Pro Tip: Not sure if it's time to reseal? Drip a few drops of water on the surface. If it beads up, you're good. If the water soaks in, it's time to reseal. How to Seal Granite Countertops: Step-by-Step 1. Clean the Surface Thoroughly: Wipe down your granite with a gentle stone cleaner or warm soapy water. Remove all residue and let it dry completely before sealing. 2. Choose the Right Sealer: Use a granite-specific penetrating (or impregnating) sealer that soaks into the stone to provide long-lasting protection. 3. Apply the Sealer: Follow the instructions on the label. Typically, you'll a pply the sealer evenly with a clean cloth or applicator pad. Let it absorb for about 15–20 minutes. Wipe off any excess with a clean, dry cloth 4. Let It Cure: Most sealers cure within 24 hours. During this time, avoid using the surface or getting it wet. Want a Professional to Handle It? We've Got You Covered! At MGL Granite, we don’t just install granite—we help you maintain it. We offer professional granite sealing services, so you don’t have to worry about the mess or guesswork. Whether you need sealing for a newly installed countertop or want to refresh an older surface, we’re here to help. Keep Your Granite Looking Great for Years Sealing your granite countertops is a simple step that goes a long way in protecting your investment. With regular maintenance—or a visit from our team—you can enjoy the beauty and durability of your countertops for decades to come. Contact us today to schedule your sealing service or ask about the best care plan for your countertops!
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