If you’re searching for countertops that offer timeless beauty, luxury, and rugged durability, it’s time to consider gorgeous grey soapstone. This remarkable natural stone outshines popular picks like granite, marble, and quartz on nearly every measure.
Keep reading to learn why more designers and homeowners are falling in love with grey soapstone’s understated elegance and practical benefits.
What Makes Grey Soapstone Unique?
Grey soapstone is quarried in select regions of Brazil, Canada, and Finland. It gets its name from the stone’s lovely soft grayish-blue and grayish-green tones ( read Soapstone Colors: Classic Soapstone Varieties)
Architectural soapstone contains high percentages of talc and magnesite. That’s what gives the stone its velvety smooth feel reminiscent of soap. It also accounts for soapstone’s other unique properties:
- Resists staining and etching
- Stays cool to the touch
- Heatproof and damage resistant
- Antibacterial
- Nonporous
- Needs minimal sealing
These characteristics mean grey soapstone performs incredibly well as countertops despite its more porous appearance compared to granite or quartz. You can also read What is soapstone? General overview of the properties, characteristics and applications of the stone
Let’s examine how grey soapstone counters stack up against other popular options.
Grey Soapstone vs. Granite Countertops
Granite seems like a natural choice for kitchen counters thanks to its elegance and abundance. But grey soapstone actually surpasses granite in several ways:
Durability. Soapstone won’t chip, scratch or crack as readily as more brittle granite. Granite requires resealing every 1-2 years, while soapstone only needs occasional light sealing.
Heat Resistance. Putting hot pots on granite can potentially damage its sealant or crack thinner areas. Soapstone can withstand very high heat without issue.
Stain Resistance. Granite is somewhat prone to absorbing stains, especially oil, without consistent resealing. Nonporous soapstone keeps all stains on the surface for easy cleaning.
Design Versatility. Grey soapstone complements both modern and traditional decor better than flashy granite. Its neutral tones provide a beautiful, subtle backdrop.
Value. Quality soapstone costs a bit less per square foot than designer granite on average. And it will easily last a lifetime with proper care.
For most kitchens, grey soapstone is the clear winner over standard granite for looks, functionality and investment value.
Grey Soapstone vs. Marble Countertops
Marble undeniably provides an elegant, opulent look. But it falls short of practical grey soapstone:
Staining and Etching. Marble is extremely prone to absorbing stains from oils, dyes, juices and other liquids. It also etches easily from acidic foods and cleaners. Soapstone won’t stain or etch under normal use.
Porosity. Soapstone’s nonporous surface densifies over time, gaining water resistance. Porous marble requires diligent sealing to attempt to resist penetration.
Durability. Brittle marble can crack under impact or shifting. Soapstone’s talc composition makes it flexible and highly damage resistant.
Maintenance. Marble requires intensive sealing and care. Using trivets and cleaners specifically formulated for marble. Soapstone is forgiving and low maintenance.
For kitchens that see a lot of use, soapstone is the smarter long-term investment over high-maintenance marble.
Grey Soapstone vs. Quartz Countertops
Engineered quartz counters provide a uniform appearance with sleek modern sensibility. How does grey soapstone compare?
Natural Material. Soapstone is an all-natural stone free of chemicals and additives. Quartz is an engineered product made from crushed stone and plastic resins.
Heat Tolerance. Quartz can potentially crack or discolor if extremely hot pans are placed directly on the surface. Soapstone is impervious to heat damage.
Nonporous. Quartz is nonporous like soapstone. But soapstone’s natural mineral content has added antibacterial properties.
Patterns and Markings. Soapstone has more variation and natural intricacy in its veining compared to uniform manmade quartz.
Sustainability. Quartz relies on some mined materials and polymer resins. Soapstone is natural and abundant.
For those desiring stone, soapstone gives you the patterns and depth of a natural material over engineered quartz.
How to Choose Grey Soapstone Countertops
Ready to enjoy grey soapstone counters in your home? Here are some tips for choosing:
- Select slabs with pleasing consistent veining you find attractive
- Look for fine-grained architectural grade soapstone without flaky areas
- Decide on a polished or textured/honed finish
- Choose a reputable fabricator experienced in soapstone
- Consider special accents like inlays or carved drainboards
- Use large format slabs to minimize seams
- Properly seal and prep for regular maintenance
- Expect to pay $70-$150 per square foot installed
Investing in high quality grey soapstone is the best way to gain lasting durability along with captivating natural beauty. This is a material made to be passed down for generations.
Designing a Kitchen With Grey Soapstone
Ready to picture those gorgeous grey soapstone counters in your own kitchen? Here are some ideas:
Contemporary Style. A modern kitchen with sleek cabinets in gloss white or gray paired with stainless appliances allows the stone to make a refined statement.
Rustic Farmhouse. Grey soapstone’s understated earthy hues complement worn wood, antique finishes, and natural textures beautifully.
Transitional Look. Mix grey soapstone islands with white marble perimeter countertops and painted Shaker cabinets for an elegant but livable aesthetic.
Minimalist Kitchen. Let the stone be the star by itself. Keep other materials and finishes to a minimum.
Grey soapstone’s adaptability allows it to feel at home in any number of styles.
Caring for Your Soapstone Counters
Soapstone requires very little ongoing maintenance:
- Wipe up spills quickly to prevent stains setting in.
- Avoid using countertops as a cutting surface. Always use a cutting board.
- Apply mineral oil periodically to enhance the patina if desired, but not required.
- Use mild soap and water for cleaning. Don’t use abrasive pads or cleaners.
- Reseal polished finishes every 1-2 years. Leave honed finishes unsealed.
With proper care, your amazing grey soapstone counters will stay looking fabulous for decades or even lifetimes. Read also How to Clean Soapstone? Practical tips what should/shouldn’t be used to clean soapstone
Make Grey Soapstone Your Next Countertop
Now that you know grey soapstone outperforms granite, marble and quartz on nearly every metric, it’s time to give this gorgeous natural stone a closer look for your home.
The modest greyish-blue and greenish-gray tones will warm up your space with understated elegance. And you’ll reap the benefits of soapstone’s legendary durability and ease of care.
Investing in quality grey soapstone countertops means you may never need to replace your counters again. This stone heirloom just keeps getting better with age.
Make the switch to grey soapstone and never look back!
Grey soapstone countertops are available in different varieties, each with its unique characteristics. Here are some of the types of grey soapstone countertops available in the market:
- Santa Rita Soapstone: This type of soapstone is named after a small town in Brazil and is typically heavily veined. It has a grey color with a greenish tone, and the veining becomes even more pronounced after oiling.
- Stormy Black Soapstone: This soapstone has a dark grey color and is perfect to be used as an accent piece with another “quieter” soapstone. It also looks great for wall covering and floor applications.
- Belvedere Soapstone: This soapstone is harder than average soapstone and has a subtle look with more subtle veining. It is ash grey before mineral oil treatment, turning into a very deep dark grey after treatment.
- Architectural Soapstone: This type of soapstone offers a softer and more contemporary look for countertops. It has a light grey to greenish-grey color.
- Latera Black and Gray Soapstone: Latera provides the best in Soapstone Countertops – Black and Gray Soapstone. It has the largest selection of soapstone slabs in Austin and Dallas. Its colors range between light grey, dark grey, black, and green.
- Natural Soapstone: This soapstone is a popular option for kitchen countertops and has a natural, light grey color that varies in depth by the slab variety. It is non-porous and stain-resistant, making it easy to clean using household cleaners.
Grey soapstone countertops are limited in color options, and you will mostly find grey, green, blue, black, or white soapstone countertops. The veining of this stone is less compared to granite and marble, and its surface oxidizes when in contact with air, so it darkens over time. Oiling this stone must be done during the fabrication and installation process to facilitate the formation of patina. The oil helps in producing a rich dark tone on its surface.
