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To oil, or not to oil…that is the question.

Did you take chemistry class in high school? If you did, you’ve likely already experienced soapstone. Most lab tables are made of this material because of its chemically “inert” composition. (That’s just a fancy way of saying that chemicals won’t ruin it. It’s all coming back to you now, isn’t it?) Resistant to stains and bacteria, soapstone can hold up to Bunsen burners and high school students determined to wreak havoc. Its ability to withstand all of that makes soapstone a pretty great choice for kitchen and bath countertops too.

Love the resilience of soapstone, but have your heart set on classic white countertops? We’ve got a choice that may offer a pretty good compromise…White Soapstone.

There are plenty of places in the home to show off beautiful natural stone besides a kitchen or bath countertop. One area that is experiencing a lot of new, creative twists is the fireplace surround. Here, the material you choose can make a strong design statement, add interest, and reflect your individual design style. The hearth can serve as a dramatic focal point or a subtle design that blends into the surrounding décor. The possibilities are endless!

Q: A friend told us that using granite countertops in our bath remodel would make the room look “dated.” Is it true that granite is on its way out?

Q: I’ve heard there is soapstone that’s quarried in central Virginia. What can you tell us about it? We love the idea of a great domestic product.

The short answer to this question is no. Soapstone is a relatively soft material, and it will scratch. But, there are some things you can do to minimize the appearance of inevitable scratches.

There was a time when the hearth was primarily made of brick. But this was also when it did most of the legwork when it came to cooking. Today’s fireplace is far more aesthetic than it is functional, and the materials it’s made of are as diverse as the owners of the home itself. The material you choose for a fireplace surround makes a strong design statement. And no matter what your style preference, there’s a material to help you reflect your unique personality. 

Photo by Houzz by Jewett Farms & Co. 

Although it does feel “soapy” to the touch, soapstone  is not made of soap. Rather, it’s a metamorphic rock— meaning it was once an igneous or sedimentary rock that was changed over time by heat and tons of pressure, into what it is today. It’s made mostly of the mineral talc, which is the softest mineral there is. So, as you might guess, soapstone  is a very soft material.