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Design Dilemma
moonsma

Anyone use soapstone in bathroom

13 years ago
I want to use soapstone for my vanity and my contractor is trying to discourage it. Anyone have any experience with it?
Featured Answer
  • 13 years ago
    Moonsma, I just installed soapstone in my kitchen and will never go back! I love, love, love it! It is even beautiful when it begins to show some wear. I do not wax mine, but use boiled linseed oil and it is gorgeous. In fact, right now that is one of my favorite chores because of the immediate gratification. I pour a little oil on the counter, spread it all over, then wipe dry with paper towels. Like feeny said, it only takes about 10 minutes. Mine were installed at the first of the year and I treated them 1x week for three weeks. I have not touched them since but will probably do it again in a couple months.

    By the way, you do not have to treat them at all. You can allow them to age on their own. The treatment is purely cosmetic. Since soapstone is impervious to stains, all you really have to do is wash them off every week or so. Have I said I love soapstone?? And no, I don't sell the stuff!

    I don't know where you are located, but if you are interested in keeping your countertops "green" or in the USA, purchase them from Alberene Soapstone. They are the ONLY mining operation in the US. All other soapstone (including Vermont Soapstone, etc.) import their products. When I was introduced to soapstone last fall, I found out I was lucky enough to live within driving distance of the mine. My husband, our contractor and I drove there and got to pick out our slab, fresh from Mother Earth. That slab is now my countertops and a custom sink.

    Comments (22)

    • 13 years ago
      I've only used it in the kitchen, but I love it there and wouldn't hesitate to use it elsewhere.
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks Feeny, People keep telling me it's a nightmare to maintain but I love the look of it. How long have you had it inyour kitchen?

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    • 13 years ago
      It is NOT a nightmare to maintain, but it does take more time than granite. We've had it for three years. Although for the first few months you need to oil or wax it often, after about six months you only need to oil or wax every 4-6 months to keep the finish even. Waxing the counters in my entire kitchen takes ten minutes, so waxing a bathroom vanity would be about a 5 minute job. The finish gets duller (i.e. needs waxing more often because the wax wears off) around sink areas. So sometimes I spot wax around the sink if guests are coming over. And if you don't wax, it doesn't hurt anything. The finish just doesn't look quite as smooth and uniform.
    • 13 years ago
      Well thanks to you Feeny, looks like I'll get soapstone.:-)
    • 13 years ago
      last modified: 13 years ago
      One more thing I'll say. I think of soapstone, with its matte finish and understated veining, as less formal than marble or granite or some other natural stones (it's more like slate, perhaps?). So if your bathroom is more elegant in style, It might not be the right choice from a design perspective. If your whole house is more, let's say, farmhouse casual, then it would look great anywhere. Our house was built in 1920, which is one of the reasons we chose soapstone. We wanted a material that was popular when the home was built, as we were matching the kitchen to the cabinetry in the rest of the house. That doesn't mean I wouldn't use it in other, more modern contexts. But I probably wouldn't put it in a very traditionally formal, ornate bathroom or kitchen.
    • 13 years ago
      The bathroom will be contemporary and sort of Zen with a Japanese soaking tub and shower. Our house is an eclectic mix with a more natural slant since we are in the woods on a lake and I think soapstone will be perfect.
    • 13 years ago
      I can definitely see it working in that context. It sounds beautiful!
    • 13 years ago
      Thanks Pedalva, I'm in NC is that near the mine?
    • 13 years ago
      It's in Virginia.
    • 13 years ago
      Yes, you are close enough! Feeny is right, it is in Virginia, southwest of Charlottesville. Google Alberene Soapstone and you will find it. I am about 60+/- miles from it. If you decide to come take a look, let me know. I would love an excuse to go back! :-)
    • 13 years ago
      I googled Alberene and found a place right here that uses it. Will be going to see it next week. If they don't have what I want I guess a road trip to Virginia is in my future.
    • 13 years ago
      Best of luck. I am glad you found a local dealer. Please let us know what you decide!
    • 13 years ago
      Found my soapstone and my vanity counter will be installed in the next week or two. Will post pictures. Thanks for all your help.
    • 13 years ago
      http://houzz.com/ideabooks/3561803
    • 10 years ago

      my architect wants to use soapstone in bath for counter and bathtub apron and in large cuts on floor...how does this material work on floors

    • 10 years ago

      I have it in my bathroom on the counter top and its beautiful but I wouldn't use it on the floor. It scratches easily

    • 8 years ago

      Carol if you’re still on this site and happen to see this— where did you get your soapstone in NC?

    • 8 years ago

      I got it from Mountain Marble and Granite in ASHEVILLE,NC

    • 8 years ago

      Thank you!! I'm in central NC so central VA and Asheville are about the same distance for me as it turns out, go figure. But I really appreciate you chiming in so quickly! We're doing a master bath in our new home and I really think I want soapstone for the counter. Are you still pleased now, 3 years later?

    • 8 years ago
      We too are considering soapstone in my teenage boys bathrooms. Are you still liking yours after a few years?
    • 8 years ago

      Yes I still love it. Know that it scratches easily but it’s impervious to spills. You can oil it or let it be matte and scratches can be sanded out

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