Invigorate Your Outdoor Kitchen with Natural Soapstone Countertops
Outdoor kitchens are becoming increasingly popular spots for homeowners to cook, dine, and entertain. The ideal outdoor kitchen design combines beauty, durability, and functionality. For countertops, few materials can compare to the natural elegance and resilience of soapstone.
Read on to learn all about soapstone's origins, properties, installation, care, and alternatives to bring the heat-resistant, low-maintenance stone into your backyard.
What is Soapstone?
Soapstone is a metamorphic rock composed mainly of the soft mineral talc. It forms deep within the earth under heat and pressure over millions of years. Soapstone is quarried in a handful of key locations worldwide including Brazil, India, and Finland.
Soapstone derives its name from its smooth, soapy feel. The stone has some incredible characteristics that make it ideal for countertops:
- Heat resistance up to 1800°F - hot pans can be placed directly on it
- Resists staining, etching, and scratching
- Natural veining patterns create one-of-a-kind rustic beauty
- Soft enough to carve but dense and highly durable
- Naturally antibacterial and hypoallergenic
Why Use Soapstone for Outdoor Kitchen Countertops?
Soapstone is particularly well-suited to the demands of outdoor spaces. It stands up beautifully to weathering, sunlight, and temperature fluctuations. The natural stone won't crack, peel, or deteriorate when subjected to humidity, rain, UV rays, and freeze-thaw cycles.
Additionally, soapstone's legendary heat resistance allows you to cook, bake, and prepare foods directly on its surface without worry of scorching or burning. The stone dissipates heat slowly, keeping prepared dishes warmer longer than other options.
Soapstone requires very little maintenance besides occasional sealing to prevent staining. It effortlessly wipes clean with soap and water, and stands up to heavy daily use without cracking or chipping. With proper care, soapstone countertops can last for many decades.
Beyond practicality, soapstone brings an alluring, earthy aesthetic to outdoor kitchens. Its soft grayish hues and organic veining patterns add rustic warmth. Soapstone darkens beautifully over time into a rich, charcoal color.
Handles Outdoor Conditions
Soapstone is unperturbed by exposure to weather. It won't degrade or crack when subjected to humidity, rain, extreme heat, freezing temperatures, and UV rays. Soapstone even stays cooler than other natural stones when in direct sunlight.
Naturally Heat-Resistant
With incredible heat tolerance up to 1800°F, soapstone allows for cooking, grilling, frying and more right on its surface. You don't have to worry about marring or burning soapstone. It slowly dissipates heat and keeps prepared foods warmer longer.
Low Maintenance & Durable
Simple soapy water easily cleans soapstone. It resists staining, etching, and abrasions with minimal need for sealing. Properly cared for, soapstone withstands chips, cracks, and scratches while retaining its beauty for decades of heavy use.
Beautiful & Unique
Soapstone's varying gray, green and blue veins make each slab one-of-a-kind. The natural patterning brings rustic warmth and an organic feel that beautifully complements outdoor living. Over time it develops a rich, darkened charcoal patina.
Installing Soapstone Kitchen Countertops
To achieve seamless, polished soapstone countertops that take advantage of the stone's durability and beauty, it's best to hire professional fabricators and installers.
Soapstone slabs are precision cut to your exact kitchen measurements. Your countertop is then installed using specialized adhesives and sealants. The installers can build and add customized edges and backsplashes.
Once installed, light initial sanding helps even out the soapstone surface. A mineral oil treatment enhances the stone's natural luster and richness. Be sure to reseal and re-oil your soapstone about once a year for ideal wear resistance.
Professional Fabrication & Installation
Skilled soapstone artisans will carefully measure your space, fabricate the slabs, and install your countertops using special adhesives for a flawless fit.
Finishing Touches
Your installers will perform an initial sanding and mineral oil treatment to bring out the soapstone's innate beauty. Be sure to periodically reseal and re-oil the surface yourself.
Alternatives to Soapstone
While soapstone is uniquely suited for outdoor kitchens, other natural and engineered stone options exist. Granite, marble, slate, and limestone offer a similar aesthetic to soapstone but lack its legendary heat resistance. Quartz or Dekton countertops add uniform, modern appeal but require diligent sealing.
Ceramic tile, concrete, and stainless steel present lower cost outdoor countertop alternatives to natural stone. However, they are far more prone to damage and wear over time. When comparing materials, soapstone stands apart for its unparalleled durability and thermal performance.
Natural Stone Options
Granite, marble, slate, and limestone can provide a natural stone look but soapstone surpasses them for heat tolerance and maintenance.
Engineered Stone Surfaces
Quartz and Dekton offer sleek modern styles but still require periodic sealing to prevent stains. Soapstone is naturally more stain-resistant.
FAQs about Soapstone Countertops
Is soapstone durable for outdoor use?
Yes, soapstone is highly durable for outdoor kitchen countertops. Its dense mineral composition makes it resistant to cracking, chipping, etching, abrasions, and the effects of weather. With proper sealing and care, it lasts beautifully for decades outside.
How often does soapstone need to be sealed?
Sealing soapstone annually is recommended for the best stain resistance. More frequent sealing isn't necessary. Simply wiping with mild soap and water is usually enough maintenance in between.
What are the cost considerations for soapstone?
Soapstone is a mid-priced natural stone, typically costing more initially than ceramic tile or concrete but less than premium granite or quartz. The investment pays off in the stone's exceptional longevity and minimal lifetime maintenance.
Can you cut and prepare food directly on soapstone?
Absolutely. Soapstone's soft, heat-resistant surface allows for cutting, chopping, and cooking right on the countertop without worry of damage. The stone keeps prepared foods warm for serving.
How should soapstone countertops be cleaned?
Use mild soap and water for routine cleaning. Avoid harsh chemicals or acidic cleaners that could etch the surface. Non-abrasive soft scrub can tackle tough stains. Be sure to periodically reseal to prevent deep staining or etching.
With its natural elegance and legendary durability, soapstone brings an organic warmth that feels right at home in outdoor kitchens. Soapstone offers unrivaled heat resistance, requires minimal care, and ages beautifully. It creates a rustic yet refined canvas for cooking, dining, and entertaining outside.
If you're considering an outdoor kitchen, allow soapstone's strengths to invigorate your space. Its natural resilience, functionality, and charm are sure to become conversation pieces as you enjoy cooking on soapstone for decades to come.