Soapstone

Soapstone is dense and nonporous, so very little care is needed, unlike granite. Your soapstone countertop doesn't have to be sealed and resealed over the years to prevent surface stains, making it more low-maintenance than granite. Lab tests show soapstone is resistant to acids and alkalis, including stains from tomatoes, wine, coffee, juice, makeup, and other everyday household products. Soapstone is heat resistant and won't melt, crack, or incur any damage if exposed to heat. The easiest way to care for your soapstone is to wipe it down with regular soap and water. However, any common household cleaner is safe to use, even one with chemicals and acids. Although mineral oil is not required to protect the nonporous surface of soapstone, some homeowners like to rub a coat across the surface for a glossy finish that darkens the countertop by a few shades as it dries. Applying mineral oil for the first six months to a year after installation will evenly and permanently darken the stone. Without mineral oil, the countertop will slowly dull in the most used areas.

Soapstone is a very durable material. The lower the talc content in the mixture, the stronger the stone. Because it isn’t as hard as granite, soapstone is easier to cut and shape. Plus, it can bear weight without cracking under pressure or heat. The softer, more pliable surface of soapstone is slightly more prone to scratching than other materials like granite and marble, but there are two simple solutions. The first is to gently sand out light scratches with a bit of sandpaper and mineral oil to restore their original smoothness and luster. The second option is to leave a rougher, natural-looking finish on the countertop work surface (around 120 to 220 grit sanding) for a texture that absorbs and hides scratches caused by everyday use.