Aquidneck Properties Great question, it really depends, if you always want the counter to look 'perfect' then no, but I quite like the imperfections, after a year or so we found it took on a lovely patina. In terms of maintenance, we just rubbed it down with mineral oil every few weeks, it was a simple process, just use an old rag and leave it over night and remove any excess in the AM. The counter will absorb the mineral oil and darken up a bit until it dries up. I look at Soapstone as a 'living surface' yes, it takes a little more care but they just look so beautiful. Good luck
Aquidneck Properties I'm afraid we built/ sold this house a long time ago, from memory this particular bank of cabinets was 8'6" wide. Those are 30" WOLF ovens so that sounds about right. Hope that helps? Good luck