Soapstone if a perfect surface for the kitchen because it is non-porous.
Photo courtesy of Vermont Soapstone, Co.
Soapstone has been around for thousands of years and used through the ages for a variety of uses because it is easy to carve and has the special ability to absorb heat and radiate it out slowly. It was one of the earliest stones used in countries around the world. In the United States it has been used for countertops, cookware and other applications. In other countries, such as Brazil it has been used for major statues, one of the most famous being the “Christ the Redeemer.” India has used soapstone in the construction of buildings. Because of its durability many of the buildings and sculptures still stand today. Soapstone is quarried in many places around the world, such as Brazil, Finland and China; small amounts of the stone come from quarries in Virginia and Vermont.
Soapstone is a metamorphic stone, formed when they are subjected to high heat, high pressure, or a combination of factors which occur deep within the earth. It is composed of talc, which is very soft and other minerals which make it hard and dense. Because of its density, it is non-porous, making it an ideal kitchen surface.
Here the soapstone is used for a kitchen island.
Photo courtesy of Vermont Soapstone, Co.
Soapstone is very popular in kitchens today for a variety of reasons. In addition to its durability and density is the advantage of its being non-porous. It doesn’t have to be sealed, which avoids bringing unneccessary chemicals into the kitchen. It is not a stone that has a certain “look”, but rather one that interacts with how it is treated. Left natural, soapstone will patina as oil interacts with the stone. Some enjoy the natural patina, others enjoy oiling the stone to give soapstone a more even appearance. The surfaces acquire an even darker sheen with regular mineral oiling on its surface.
Not only is soapstone heat resistant, but thaws food quickly as it pulls the temperature out of whatever is placed on it’s surface. It is resistant to staining, but oil on the surface of the stone will darken the natural color of the stone. It is a maintenance-free material, resistant to bacteria, stains, acids, chemicals, wine, and hot pots.
In this timber frame/panelized house built by Bensonwood, all of the kitchen surfaces are made of … [+]
Photo courtesy of Great Island Photography for Prefabulous Small Houses, published by Taunton
Architectural-grade soapstone, called Steatite, is used for countertops and sinks. It has a lower talc content and is harder than artist-grade soapstone, which is used for carving. The cost of this stone is comparable to other natural stone surfaces, such as granite, but the slabs are generally smaller (7 ft. or less) so seams may be necessary on very large counters. Soapstone can get scratched and nicked, but these can be removed by buffing with fine sandpaper.
Soapstone is available in a variety of textures and dimensions; it has a natural blue-gray color. It is currently being used in more traditional kitchens as well as more modern ones.