Soapstone is a natural material that is a beautiful option for bathroom and kitchen countertops, its dark hue adding character and movement to any space. Beyond its beauty, soapstone is also a ...

Because soapstone is a naturally occurring stone, it is only available in its natural color palette. If a dark countertop isn't your color of choice, then this may be a con for you.

My soapstone countertops, when wet or oiled, look a dark green. Be very careful when buying soapstone. Only work with a supplier or fabricator you know uses that stone.

5. Soapstone Another natural material that offers a similar appeal to marble is soapstone. It's stain-resistant, which makes it good for use in the kitchen, and it's also incredibly visually striking.

Architectural-grade soapstone, called Steatite, is used for countertops and sinks. It has a lower talc content and is harder than artist-grade soapstone, which is used for carving.

With the right maintenance, soapstone countertops can easily last for 20 years or longer. Scratches can be buffed out with mineral oil while dents and chips can get filled in relatively easily.

Soapstone is dense and composed of compact particles, which gives it an impenetrable surface. It's so dense, in fact, soapstone countertops don't even need to be sealed. Compare that to marble ...