Many think of it simply as a rock; if they only realized how incorrect they are about this stone. Soapstone is a wonderful material perfectly suited for the interior of a home.  It’s soft and warm to the touch feel makes it a must-have for your kitchen.  Can you picture having a soapstone counter which is smooth, slippery, and silky while also being nothing short of breathtaking?

Soapstone is a traditional and old fashioned natural stone that combines a warm and inviting look with the functionality for today’s modern kitchen. Charming, rustic, and rich soapstone sinks have been used for centuries in our homes. It is a simple and subtle stone giving off a feeling of grounding and harmony.

So, what exactly can soapstone be used for? The question should be where to start?  Soapstone has a multitude of different kitchen uses.  Because of its heat retention, soapstone stoves are big sellers as well as fireplace hearths, wood stoves, masonry fireplaces, and pizza ovens.  You also don’t need to look to hard to find kitchens designed with a soapstone sink, a soapstone counter, island tops, and even soapstone shower stalls. Since, this is such a soft stone, it is very easy to carve and work with. There aren’t too many places in a kitchen where you can’t use soapstone.

Taking one look at the brilliant colors of soapstone counter and it’s easy to see why it’s such a popular choice among new homes.  It’s rich and beautiful, conveying calmness and serenity. What kitchen wouldn’t want that?  The colors range from a light ash gray to smoky blue-grays and even a rich, charcoal black. You’ll find that many soapstone stoves have flecks of green and blue scattered throughout which looks brilliant in contrast to the veins twisting throughout the stone.

You’ll often find a soapstone countertop available in either a honed or matte finish. Since soapstone is a soft stone, a polished or shiny finish is not possible.   Along with being heat resistant for items right out of the oven, like pots and pans, soapstone is also quite stain resistant to hot grease and oil once sealed with a silicone-based chemical. A soapstone counter has a cool polished surface that makes it ideal for rolling out pastry dough.

One last benefit of adding soapstone to your kitchen is its durability.  Soapstone can last many lifetimes if treated with the proper care.  It is a soft stone, softer than other natural stones. However, it doesn’t burn, isn’t porous, won’t stain, and acids won’t etch it, either. If you are looking for a traditional rustic look for your kitchen, take my advice and try soapstone.