5 Reasons Your Outdoor Kitchen Countertops Should be Soapstone
Outdoor kitchens can be used all season long, especially if they’re covered and you have a portable heater for the winter. If you’ve been dreaming of creating an outdoor kitchen, there’s never been a better time to start planning than fall.
Homeowners are often searching for the best option for their outdoor kitchen countertops, weighing both the practical and aesthetic benefits of each material. Your next decision may be: which material should you use for your outdoor kitchen countertops?
We suggest soapstone. Here’s why.
Introduction to Outdoor Kitchen Countertops
When planning your dream outdoor kitchen, choosing the right countertop material is one of the most important decisions you’ll make.
Outdoor kitchen countertops need to do more than just look good—they must stand up to the unique challenges of outdoor living. From direct sunlight and sudden weather changes to freezing temperatures and constant exposure to the elements, your countertops should be as tough as they are beautiful.
Natural stone options like soapstone, granite, and marble are popular choices for outdoor kitchen countertops because they combine natural beauty with impressive durability. These materials are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use, resisting damage from sun, rain, and even snow.
Whether you’re hosting summer barbecues or enjoying a quiet evening in your garden, natural stone countertops can enhance your outdoor space while providing a reliable, long-lasting surface for all your outdoor cooking needs.
When selecting the best material for your outdoor kitchen, consider how each stone handles weather conditions, how it complements your outdoor design, and how much maintenance it requires.
With the right choice, your outdoor kitchen countertops will not only elevate the look of your outdoor space but also provide years of enjoyment, no matter what the weather brings.
Why Choose Soapstone? A Comparison with Other Materials
With so many options available for outdoor kitchen countertops, it’s important to understand what sets soapstone apart from other materials like granite, marble, and quartz counters.
Soapstone is an excellent choice for outdoor kitchens thanks to its non-porous nature, which means it won’t absorb liquids or stains—making it ideal for outdoor cooking and entertaining. Unlike granite and marble, soapstone countertops do not require sealing, saving you time and effort on maintenance.
Aesthetically, soapstone offers a unique appeal with its bold veining and rich color that deepens over time, giving your outdoor kitchen a sophisticated, natural look.
While quartz counters are known for their uniform appearance, soapstone’s natural patterns and soft texture bring a sense of authenticity and warmth to any outdoor space.
Plus, soapstone is highly resistant to scratches, stains, and the effects of direct sunlight and freezing temperatures, making it a versatile and beneficial option for outdoor use.
Compared to other natural stones, soapstone’s low maintenance requirements and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions make it a standout choice for outdoor countertops.
Its durability, combined with its timeless beauty and unique patterns, ensures your outdoor kitchen will remain both functional and stylish for years to come.
If you’re looking for a material that balances practicality with aesthetic appeal, soapstone is truly an excellent option for your outdoor kitchen countertops.
1. Soapstone is Non-Porous
Soapstone is impervious and non-porous, which is an important factor when outfitting counters for an outdoor kitchen that may be exposed – at least partially – to the elements.
Plus, it offers excellent resistance to stain and staining from food and beverages. So no matter how many margaritas you spill on it, your soapstone counter will not soak up the liquid.
Also, this material is heat resistant and can withstand hot pots and pans being placed directly on it without scorching, so go ahead and set down the hot pot of steamed clams without worry.
Soapstone will not crack or fade when exposed to outdoor conditions, maintaining its durability and appearance over time. While soapstone does not require sealing, some homeowners opt to have it properly sealed for additional protection against staining.
2. Soapstone Has Great Thermal Properties
Because soapstone surfaces have excellent thermal properties, they are ideal for a variety of outdoor applications—not just countertops.
For example, soapstone can be used as the surround for an outdoor pizza oven, grill, or outdoor fireplace. That’s because it can resist excessive temperature variations ranging from very hot to very cold.
Soapstone tends to warm up slowly, retaining that heat for long periods of time while remaining stable.
3. Durable and Long-Lasting
Soapstone lasts a long time and has a high level of durability. Soapstone outdoor countertops are highly resistant to cracking and scratching, even after years of exposure.
In fact, there are some 19th century soapstone sinks and wood-burning stoves that still function quite well. You just don’t find the longevity in other stones that you find with soapstone these days.
This durability means it will never corrode even after being exposed to the weather for years. If you live near the coast, the salt air won’t negatively affect it either.
The resistance of soapstone to scratching and cracking makes it an ideal choice for outdoor environments.
4. Easy Cleaning
You don’t need any special or expensive products to clean your soapstone counters, so it’s super easy to maintain.
Some homeowners opt to use mineral oil or wax to enhance the appearance of their soapstone countertops. Its innate non-porosity means it won’t be vulnerable to environmental grime.
Any dirt that does accumulate can easily be wiped away from the surface. Applying oil or wax can also help maintain the rich color and natural beauty of the stone over time.
5. It's Beautiful
Functionality is great and all, but it doesn’t hurt that soapstone is easy on the eyes. The unique veining and pattern of soapstone enhance its visual appeal, making each countertop a statement piece.
As a natural material, soapstone is an eco-friendly choice that perfectly complements nature, meaning it will blend in with any outdoor environment.
You can put a modern twist on it by pairing your counters with stainless steel sinks and appliances, or you can let its natural and rustic vibes chill when offset by brick or wood accents.
Choosing soapstone countertops can help complete the look and style of your outdoor kitchen.
If you’re looking to make a seamless connection between convenience and nature, you can’t go wrong with soapstone countertops for your outdoor kitchen.
Contact Granite Guy
Are you looking to know more about how our skilled Southborough stone installers can create an outdoor kitchen with soapstone counters?
Just contact us today at 508-460-7900 and we can show you our many beautiful soapstone samples.
Soapstone slabs and remnants on display in our showroom in Southborough, Massachusetts.
