Does anyone have soapstone counters?

[shaun-in-to]

A neighbour wants to install them when she redoes her kitchen, but I thought I'd heard somewhere that they scratched or stained easily. Does anyone here have personal experience? (When I google, I get conflicting reports.)

 

[Marg CDN]

Wouldn't you think that they scratch so easily? I'll be interested in the sequel.

 

[patbastrop]

Isn't soapstone what is used in chemistry labs?

 

[Marg CDN]

Yes, the old indestructible counters. I remember them in nightmares, but in my kitchen? They are

probably inert to chemicals but I'm really interested in their wearability. Tell her it's a great idea Shaun, just so we can know how they stand up.

 

[mistral]

Soapstone can be carved with a household knife. . .

and yes it can be scratched pretty easily, but according to this article at this link it can be minimized. The oiling should also minimize stains also.

Our soapstone stove is over 10 years old and its sides are not black, but the top, where we have occasionally cooked and always keep water steaming in the winter is turning black. Maybe I should oil it, but I don't know about mineral oil smoke.

I have a couple of soapstone griddles and they are definately black as we cook pancakes on them regularly. Like cast iron, they season to a nice, non-stick finish, and they do indeed turn black from cooking (the oil and such in the pancakes).

http://www.soapstones.com/soapstone_care.html

 

[steve2-in-la]

For our kitchen redo, we were waved off soapstone. It requires lots of care, mars and stains easily.

 

[steve2-in-la]

Used granite instead & never regretted it. After fabrication, it was nearly $20 a sq. ft less dough.

 

[shaun-in-to]

Thanks for the tips. I'll pass them on.

 

[karennoca]

Granite is really the best way to go, after all, it is a rock. Mine is twelve years old

and I have zero complaints.