Soapstone Counters: A Love Story

Anyone who has built or remodeled a kitchen will tell you how easy it is to become overwhelmed. You may go into the experience thinking, “Finally, I get to have things the way I want,” only to discover how stressful it can be balancing your wishes with practical concerns and, perhaps most important, a budget. It’s a lot. One choice that seems to be particularly difficult is countertops. There are many featured Houzz ideabooks covering the pros and cons of various counter materials, but today I’d like to focus on soapstone.


If you are weighing whether or not soapstone is a good choice for you, you’ve probably already decided you like the look and that it fits your budget, and now you’re navigating the practical concerns. Are you surprised and alarmed how tricky this part is? You may have learned there are two camps: those who hate their soapstone counters and rue the day they ever heard of the material, and those who love! Love! Love! soapstone so much, they spend hours draped on their countertops, stroking them gently.


OK, I’m exaggerating … a little.


Since the camps are so divided, you would think it would be easy to figure out your side. Unfortunately some people think they’re in the love camp only to live with their counters a few months and realize they are going insane. For the sake of everyone’s mental health, I’d like to go over a few things to consider before you make your decision. Full disclosure: I’m in the love camp.



One of the things I most love about soapstone is its beautiful and timeless appearance. People worry about fads, and while soapstone is a very popular choice right now, there’s no need to worry about its being a trend that will date your kitchen, because it’s a classic. Soapstone has been used in farmhouse kitchens for hundreds of years.



It’s frequently seen with white cabinets in traditional and farmhouse kitchens, but it looks equally stunning with stained wood in various styles.



Here it is looking just right in a more modern setting. The counters have been left untreated, making a pleasing contrast with the black cabinets.


More Soapstone Counters: A Love Story


 



Soapstone Counters: A Love Story

Popular Posts