That stretch of wall between your kitchen counters and cabinets takes a beating. Grease splatter, food stains, water spots – not to mention the hassle of cleaning grout lines. What’s the solution? Ditch the high-maintenance backsplash and go for hardy, handsome soapstone instead.
Soapstone is a natural stone that’s been used for centuries in constructions from palaces to log cabins. These days it’s becoming a popular backsplash choice thanks to its stellar performance and rustic good looks.
If you’re considering a new backsplash, soapstone deserves serious consideration. Let’s dig into why this natural stone is making a splash in so many kitchens.
What is Soapstone?
Before we get into backsplash specifics, a quick geology lesson. What exactly is soapstone?
It’s a metamorphic rock that’s composed mainly of talc and magnesite. It gets the name “soapstone” from its soft, soapy feel. The talc makes it easy to carve and work with tools.
Soapstone forms deep underground under intense heat and pressure. It’s mined from quarries in a few key locations around the world, including Brazil, India, Finland, and Canada.
The stone is available in different grades and colors. Architectural soapstone is the highest quality for backsplashes and countertops. It has an attractive rustic grayish-green or bluish-gray hue. Lower grades of soapstone are softer and used for carvings.
Why Choose Soapstone for Your Backsplash?
Now that you know what it’s made of, let’s get into all the reasons soapstone can be an excellent backsplash choice:
It’s Totally Natural
People love soapstone because it’s 100% natural and chemical-free. No man-made binders or sealants are used in processing it. It’s pure stone.
If you’re concerned about VOCs or toxins in your home, soapstone offers peace of mind. It’s an eco-friendly material that’s safe for you and your family.
It Has Rich, Unique Colors
Soapstone’s natural grayish-green and bluish-gray tones provide an earthy, rustic feel that’s versatile enough to complement any kitchen style from farmhouse to modern.
The veining patterns are varied and complex for lots of visual interest. No two slabs are the same, so your backsplash will truly be one-of-a-kind.
It Stays Cool to the Touch
Here’s a neat fact about soapstone: it has a low thermal conductivity. That means it feels cool to the touch, even on hot days when your kitchen gets warm.
A soapstone backsplash provides a nice contrast to the heat from cooking and appliances. It’s soothing under your fingertips.
It’s Heat and Stain Resistant
Soapstone’s even temperature also means it can easily handle pots and pans straight from the stove. You don’t have to worry about cracking, discoloration or marks from heat exposure.
On top of that, soapstone is nonporous so oils, juices and sauces wipe right off without staining. Spaghetti sauce splatters and grease splashes are no match for soapstone!
It’s Tough as Nails
Don’t let soapstone’s soft, velvety texture fool you – this is one rugged stone. It’s incredibly durable and can stand up to heavy use.
Scratches or chips are rare, and soapstone won’t crack under impact like tile. Use and enjoy your kitchen without having to baby the backsplash. It can handle it!
It’s Low Maintenance
No need to deal with grout lines or resealing required with soapstone. Just wipe it clean as needed. Less hassle = more happy time cooking and enjoying your kitchen.
Some people choose to occasionally apply mineral oil to enrich soapstone’s color over time. But even without oiling, it will develop a nice aged patina naturally.
It Adds Value
Natural stone backsplashes increase resale value, and soapstone is no exception. It’s a high-end material that gives your kitchen an instant sophisticated, custom look.
Not only that, but soapstone wears incredibly well. Even after years of use it will still look rich and polished. It’s built to last lifetimes.
How to Choose Your Soapstone Backsplash
Convinced that soapstone is for you? Here are some factors to consider when choosing a backsplash:
Stone Quality
Be sure to get architectural-grade soapstone intended for countertops and backsplashes. It will have uniform veining and consistent durability. Avoid lower quality grades that are softer or flaky in texture.
Color
Soapstone ranges from light grayish green to dark charcoal grayish blue. Decide whether you want dramatic contrast or more subtle hues. Also consider how the shade will coordinate with your cabinetry and countertops. Read more Soapstone Colors: Classic Soapstone Varieties
Finish
Soapstone’s finish can be polished to a smooth sheen or textured for visual interest. Think about which aesthetic you prefer. A honed finish has a matte look that helps disguise fingerprints or smudges.
Size
Soapstone tiles come in standard sizes like 12×12 inches or subway tile bricks around 4×12 inches. Larger tile sizes mean fewer grout lines to clean. Or you can choose a slab backsplash for a seamless look.
Installation
Does your contractor have experience installing soapstone? This is a dense, unforgiving stone that requires specialized cutting and precautions to prevent cracking. Make sure your team knows proper soapstone techniques.
Cost
Expect to pay $70-100 per square foot installed. It’s an investment, but one that will last and add significant value. Focus on quality over bargain prices when choosing a supplier.
Maintenance
Minimal maintenance is a major perk of soapstone, but decide upfront if you want to occasionally oil your backsplash. If so, ask your installer to prep it properly.
How to Clean Soapstone? Practical tips what should/shouldn’t be used to clean soapstone
With all those aspects decided, you’re ready to choose the perfect slab of soapstone for your dream backsplash. Just envision how gorgeous it will look with your decor. Get excited – that natural stone beauty is within your reach!
Design Ideas for Soapstone Backsplashes
If you need a little inspiration for how to design with soapstone, here are some beautiful ways to incorporate it into your kitchen:
Full Wall Backsplash
Take the backsplash all the way up to the ceiling for a super sleek and modern look. It makes the veining in the soapstone a true focal point.
Using large format tiles or a seamless slab creates a bold, streamlined statement. Pair with crisp white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances.
Subway Tile Backsplash
Classic rectangular subway tiles laid in a stacked pattern add vintage charm. Use 3×6 inch or 4×12 inch bricks for versatility.
Soapstone subway tiles create neat rows of color and texture. Mix with white grout for definition or go groutless for an uninterrupted look.
Vertical Tile Backsplash
Running rectangular tiles vertically gives the eye a place to travel upwards. Use bricks that are longer than they are wide.
Vertical soapstone tiles work beautifully behind a stove to draw the gaze up. Complement with wooden shelves and copper cookware accents.
Mixed Material Backsplash
Why choose one material when you can have two? Mix soapstone tile inlays with sections of stainless steel, glass mosaic, marble or travertine.
The contrast of textures and tones makes for a dynamic backsplash. Just be sure the materials share a similar feel.
Accent Strips
Not ready for a full soapstone backsplash? No problem! Just adding a few strategic strips makes a big impact.
Use bands of tile over the cooktop, along the edges, or framing the window. It adds subtle interest without overwhelming the space.
Caring for Your Soapstone Backsplash
Soapstone is super low maintenance compared to other stones, but here are a few care tips:
- Wipe spills immediately to prevent staining (though soapstone rarely stains).
- Clean with gentle soap and water. Avoid abrasive cleaners.
- Re-apply mineral oil occasionally to enrich the color if desired.
- Don’t cut directly on the soapstone surface. Use a cutting board.
- Avoid hammering nails or metal tools directly into the stone.
With proper care, your gorgeous soapstone backsplash will stay looking like new for decades to come. Just be sure to seal any polished soapstone countertops since they are more prone to etching from acids.
The backsplash can handle splatters and blows as you cook up feasts in your kitchen. That’s the beauty of this rugged yet beautiful natural stone.
Bring Natural Charm to Your Kitchen
Hopefully you’re now inspired to bring the warmth and organic elegance of soapstone into your home. What an impact your kitchen will make with this gorgeous natural stone!
From its cool touch and unique veining to indestructible durability, soapstone backsplashes offer so many perks. And caring for them couldn’t be easier.
With the right designer, you can craft your dream kitchen featuring a showstopping soapstone focal point. It’s time to add that touch of nature and make your space truly special. Get ready to splash some style on those walls!
