Black Soapstone Countertops: Benefits, Care & What to Expect
Black Soapstone: The Best Countertop You've Probably Overlooked
When homeowners shop for dark countertops, they usually gravitate toward black granite or quartz.
But there's a third option that often gets overlooked—one that outperforms both in a working kitchen.
After 30 years of fabricating and installing stone here in Massachusetts, I can tell you that black soapstone remains one of the most underrated materials in the industry.
It offers something others can't: a surface you can set hot pans on directly, that never needs sealing, and that actually becomes more beautiful with age.
What is Soapstone?
Soapstone is a natural metamorphic rock made primarily of talc, which gives it that signature smooth, almost silky feel.
Black soapstone gets its charcoal-to-midnight coloring from minerals formed deep within the earth.
Unlike the cold, hard feel of granite, soapstone has a soft, matte finish that feels warm to the touch.
The color ranges from charcoal gray to deep black, often with subtle white or gray veining.
This isn't a delicate showpiece material.
It's the same stone used in science labs, commercial bakeries, and historic New England homes for over a century.
Having Brazilian heritage myself, I've seen this stone used for everything from cookware to wood-burning stoves.
My grandmother still cooks with soapstone pots that have lasted decades.
If it can handle a commercial bakery, it can handle your Sunday dinner.
Why Black Soapstone Wins in the Kitchen
Soapstone kitchen countertops offer advantages that other materials simply can't match. Here's why:
🔥 1. Heat Resistance That Actually Matters
You can set a piping-hot Dutch oven directly on black soapstone without worrying about scorching or thermal shock.
Try that with quartz, and you risk permanent damage.
This changes how you work—no more scrambling for trivets when you're in the middle of cooking.
The heat resistance comes from soapstone's mineral composition.
This is why chemistry labs have used soapstone surfaces for decades—they can handle Bunsen burners and hot beakers without issue.
🚫 2. Zero Porosity (No Sealing, Ever)
Black soapstone is naturally non-porous.
Liquids like red wine, lemon juice, and oil stay on the surface rather than soaking in.
While granite requires periodic sealing to stay stain-resistant, soapstone kitchen countertops never need it.
I've had customers who previously owned granite tell me they love not having to think about sealing schedules anymore.
With soapstone, maintenance becomes almost invisible.
✨ 3. Self-Healing Surface
Scratches happen with any natural stone.
The difference with black soapstone is that you can sand them out yourself in minutes with fine-grit sandpaper and a little mineral oil.
No need to call in a professional.
You have total control over maintenance.
🦠 4. Antibacterial and Chemical-Resistant
Because it's non-porous, bacteria have nowhere to hide.
A simple wipe-down with soap and water keeps your soapstone kitchen countertops sanitary.
And unlike marble, black soapstone won't etch from acidic substances.
Squeeze lemons, chop tomatoes, prep vinegar-based marinades directly on the surface without worry.
Addressing the "Softness" Factor
Let's be honest: soapstone is softer than granite.
But "soft" doesn't mean "fragile."
Think of it like a hardwood floor—it wears beautifully and develops a patina (a lived-in character) over time.
Soapstone's density and mineral structure make it incredibly resilient in actual kitchen use.
It won't chip the way granite can along edges.
It won't crack from thermal shock like quartz.
The historic soapstone kitchen countertops still in use throughout New England—some over 100 years old—are the best proof of that durability.
The Aging Process: Gray to Midnight 🌙
Fresh-cut black soapstone is naturally gray.
As it's exposed to touch and cooking oils, it darkens.
You can accelerate this by applying food-grade mineral oil to bring out those deep black tones immediately.
Or you can let it age naturally over months and years.
Some homeowners love watching their countertops evolve—the stone literally tells the story of your kitchen.
Others prefer a consistent appearance from day one.
Either approach works.
I walk customers through sample stones at various stages so they understand exactly what they're getting.
Simple Care Checklist ✅
Daily Care
- Wipe down with warm water and mild dish soap
- Dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spots
Monthly (Optional)
- Apply mineral oil if you prefer the darker, high-contrast look
As Needed
- Sand out scratches with 120 to 400-grit sandpaper, then apply mineral oil
What to Avoid ❌
- Abrasive cleaners or scouring pads (they'll dull the surface)
- Harsh chemical cleaners (unnecessary)
That's it.
No annual sealing appointments.
No specialty cleaning products.
No professional maintenance visits.
More Than Just a Countertop 🏠
Because black soapstone handles moisture and heat so well, we frequently install it in other areas:
Integrated Sinks: Seamless, farmhouse-style sinks that handle boiling water with ease.
Fireplace Surrounds: Soapstone absorbs and radiates heat, making it perfect for the hearth.
Backsplashes: A matching soapstone backsplash creates a seamless, dramatic look. Check out our guide on soapstone kitchen backsplashes.
Bathrooms: There are plenty of reasons soapstone is great for your bathroom. Its chemical resistance makes it immune to hair dyes, makeup, and harsh cleaners that would ruin marble. The non-porous surface handles humidity and moisture without issue, and the warm feel underfoot makes it perfect for bathroom flooring too.
How Black Soapstone Compares ⚖️
vs. Granite: Granite is harder but requires sealing and can chip along edges. Black soapstone is worry-free regarding stains and heat.
vs. Quartz: Quartz is man-made and can melt or discolor under heat. Soapstone is 100% natural and heat-proof.
vs. Marble: Marble etches and stains easily. Black soapstone gives you that classic look without the stress.
Frequently Asked Questions 💭
Does black soapstone scratch easily?
It can scratch more readily than granite, but this is actually an advantage.
Minor scratches blend into the patina over time, and deeper scratches can be sanded out with fine-grit sandpaper.
Many homeowners find the scratches add character.
How much do soapstone kitchen countertops cost?
Black soapstone typically falls in the mid-to-upper price range for natural stone—comparable to mid-grade granite or entry-level quartzite.
Because it never requires sealing, you also save on long-term maintenance costs.
Will my countertops stain?
No.
Black soapstone is non-porous, so liquids cannot penetrate the surface.
Spills sit on top and wipe away easily—including red wine, coffee, and cooking oil.
Do I need to oil my soapstone kitchen countertops?
Oiling is optional.
Mineral oil enhances the stone's color, bringing out the deepest black tones.
Some homeowners oil regularly, others let the stone darken naturally.
Neither approach is wrong.
Where does black soapstone come from?
Most black soapstone comes from Brazil, where it's known locally as pedra-sabão.
Brazilian quarries have been extracting high-quality soapstone for centuries.
How long do soapstone kitchen countertops last?
With proper care, generations.
Many historic New England homes still have original soapstone surfaces from 100+ years ago.
Is Black Soapstone Right for Your Kitchen? 🤔
Black soapstone countertops aren't for everyone.
If you want a high-gloss surface or prefer a material that never changes appearance, this probably isn't your stone.
But if you appreciate natural materials, don't mind a surface that develops character over time, and want something that performs exceptionally well in a working kitchen—black soapstone is worth serious consideration.
For homeowners researching the best countertops for durability and low maintenance, soapstone kitchen countertops consistently rank at the top.
See It for Yourself 👀
Choosing a countertop is a big decision, and black soapstone is a material you really need to feel in person.
At Granite Guy, we handle the entire process—from digital templating to in-house fabrication at our Southborough facility.
I invite you to visit our showroom to see our soapstone slabs in person.
We can show you exactly how the stone looks at different stages of aging so you can decide if it's the right fit for your home.
📞 Contact us today at 508-460-7900 or stop by our showroom at 43 Turnpike Rd, Southborough, MA.
You can also learn more about our fabrication process or browse our project gallery.
