While granite, marble and laminate are all commonly associated with kitchen worktops, homeowners are less knowledgeable about soapstone.
Although the name suggests it is not robust, it is in fact extremely durable and more than up to the task of dealing with everyday life in the heart of the home – and can be used in other rooms as well.
In this guide to what soap is, we explain what it is, its pros and cons, and take a look at its properties so you can decide if it’s the best material for you. Think kitchen worktops.
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1. What is Soapwort?
Contrary to its foamy name, soapstone is a hard-wearing natural material, as Paul Dore, managing director County Stone explains.
“Despite the name, soapstone is not made from soap; it is a natural metamorphosed stone and gets its name from the soft, smooth, almost soapy feel of the surface. It is not an engineered product and is quarried in slab form, and then cut and finished for installation. This means that each piece is unique and has a natural movement, with natural movement.”
“It’s mainly made of talc,” Ollie Webb, director The Cullifords. “Once excavated, the slabs are cut, shaped and finished, often for use in Kitchen worktops.“
“They formed over millions of years when heat and pressure altered mineral-rich rocks,” Paul continues. “Soapstone also boasts varying amounts of other minerals, and it is these additional minerals and the degree of metamorphism that affects its hardness. Harder types are preferred for kitchen worktops because they are more durable than pure talc soapstone.”
Paul is the Managing Director of County Stone Ltd who has built an excellent reputation for creatively responding to the most varied and often ‘different’ types of commissions and contracts in both domestic and commercial markets.
Ollie Webb is a director at Cullifords, a natural stone supplier specializing in marble, granite, quartzites, travertines, onyx and slates. They also distribute manmade ceramic surfaces, designed specifically for the kitchen market.
2. What does soapstone look like?
In terms of appearance, it is known for its rich gray-to-charcoal tones, often with subtle veining, although it can also have blue or green hues. Visually, the differences are mainly in the shade and veins.
“There are many different types of soapstone available,” explains Paul Dore, “but they are generally defined by mine source and mineral content.” Some slabs are dark charcoal gray, while others are green, blue, or brown in color. Veining can be subtle to dramatic,” he adds.
“Hardness also varies between slabs, which is why it’s important to work with an experienced fabricator who can get the right grade for busy kitchen worktops,” notes Paul.
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3. Where can it be used?
Although commonly associated with the kitchen, soap can also be used in other applications around the home.
“Soapstone is mainly used in the kitchen – for worktops, Kitchen islands and splashbacks,” confirms Ollie Webb, “but it is also suitable for bathroom surfaces, such as Consider bathroom paneling.” Its high-end look makes it a good option if you’re looking for luxury Master en-suiteOr a A spa-like bathroom Corresponding to this year Bathroom trends.
Some other uses, Paul explains, include, “Around the fireplace and hearths, for making bespoke shelves and even for windowsills and Consider a home bar“
4. What is it most in terms of other materials?
In terms of what it is most comparable to when compared to other surface finishes, it is commonly placed alongside worktop materials such as Granite, Quartz And marble, However her appearance can vary less and she is usually a bit bland in terms of her physical makeup.
“Soapstone sits somewhere between granite and marble in terms of look and feel,” says Paul Dore. “It has the natural beauty and personality of marble, but is more forgiving in everyday use.
“It is also preferred as an alternative to honed granite due to its soft, matte appearance,” he adds. “If a client wants something understated, tactile and with character, soapstone is worth considering. And, unlike quartz or other engineered surfaces, what you see is formed naturally, giving each slab its own character, making it unique – just like granite.”
5. What are its pros and cons?
As with any material that specializes in hard-working areas like kitchens, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons. What looks good, doesn’t always give you the most in terms of performance or stand the test of time with repeated use.
So how does soapstone stack up in terms of its good and bad points?
“Some of its appeal is that it is very heat resistant, non-porous, hygienic, low maintenance and develops character over time,” notes Ollie Webb, “although because of its softer surface, it scratches more easily than granite or quartz.”
Paul Dore expands further, listing the features below along with some points you need to consider when using them in your home.
Benefits of soap
➕ Beautiful natural veining and tonal variation
➕ Heat-resistant, making it practical in the kitchen
➕ Generally resistant to acids
➕ Develops a unique lived-in patina over time
➕ Non-porous varieties may require less maintenance than some natural stones
Disadvantages of soap
➖ Softer than granite or quartz, so it can be scratched or marked more easily
➖ The color palette is usually darker and more muted
➖ Natural cracks are normal and are part of the character of the material
Less commonly available in the UK than granite, quartz or porcelain
6. How much does it cost?
So do you have room for that in you? Kitchen expenses? If you’re looking for a budget kitchen worktop, you’ll probably need to consider something else like a laminate worktop, experts say. Soapstone effect options such as this Goodhome Napeta Multicolor Soapstone Effect Compact Laminate Square Edge Kitchen Worktop From B&Q Can give you the look without the price.
But, if you have more funds available, soapstone may be an option, depending on a number of variables.
“Prices vary based on slab origin, thickness, availability and fabrication details, but soapstone prices are often in line with mid-low end marble. Installation costs vary between installers and complexity of installation,” says Paul Dorey.
“Like similar, premium natural stones like granite, it usually sits in the mid to high price range,” confirms Ollie Webb.
7. Is it sold under a brand name?
If you are eager to find it when you start looking within yourself kitchen design, Experts say your best bet is to ask by name instead of searching for a specific brand or manufacturer.
“It is usually sold as a material rather than a widely recognized consumer brand, although specialist suppliers may name specific slabs,” says Ollie Webb.
“Unlike quartz surfaces, which are often marketed under well-known brand names, soapstone is generally sold by quarry name, supplier range or variety of stone rather than facing the consumer,” agrees Paul Dore. “Homeowners generally prefer real slabs rather than buying by brand alone.”
When you can come around Silestone When looking for it online, don’t make the mistake of thinking it’s soapstone. Silestone is an engineered product designed to look like soapstone, which can be a solution if you want to incorporate the look of soapstone into your design, but prefer a slightly harder wearing man-made product instead.
8. What style works best with a home or kitchen?
The beauty of soap is that it can really work with anything Think kitchenHowever it often comes down to the color variations available and its visual appearance and whether it suits your personal preferences.
“Soapstone can work with all types of kitchens, but we tend to see it used more commonly. Shaker-style kitchen The units add depth and contrast to kitchens, as well as contemporary and minimalist kitchens where a matte finish adds a modern aesthetic,” says Paul Doré.
“Our view is that soapstone suits homeowners who value natural aging and authenticity, rather than those who want a completely uniform finish,” he adds, and we often tell homeowners that soapstone is ideal for kitchens that want to add softness rather than shine.”
It’s not as widely used in the UK as other materials, but if you’re looking for an understated, timeless kitchen, such as one using Scandinavian, traditional or minimalist influences, it can also be perfect, notes Ollie Webb.
Want more advice on making sure your kitchen worktop is right for you? Take a look at what you can expect to pay for others Kitchen worktop priceshow to go Choosing the right kitchen worktop colourAnd if you’re leaning toward wood as an alternative instead, find out The truth about solid wood kitchen worktops.
