Is soapstone made of soap?
No, and you can’t wash with it.

Does soapstone need to be sealed? 
No, since it is a non-porous stone it would be impossible to apply a chemical sealer to the surface of the stone.  Sealers only work on stones such as marble, granite and other porous stones.

Can I cut on Soapstone?  
No, we recommend that you never cut directly on any of your counter tops.  Some people may claim to be able to cut on their tops but knives can scratch the stone surface and you will also dull and potentially damage your knives. 

Is it easy to scratch and nick soapstone? 
Yes, your countertop will scratch.   If heavy objects fall onto the countertop there may be a nick. We potentially have in stock harder soapstone’s that are much more difficult to scratch.  But under our Care and Maintenance we explain how easy it is to make the scratches and dents disappear!

Can I place hot pots and objects directly onto the stone? 
Yes!  Soapstone naturally conducts and disperses heat.  The hot pot will not ever damage the stone.  This makes soapstone a great product for Fireplace Hearths and Surrounds.

Will weather ruin my outdoor kitchen countertops? 
No, since it is nonporous, acid rains and other outdoor chemicals and conditions will not damage your stone. (Unless you are hit by a tornado, hurricane, baseball size hail, and other freakish acts of nature) .

Do you carry Sensa, Green Mountain, Ice Flower and Mariana Soapstone? 
For starters, Mariana is a town in Brazil were in the surrounding area the majority of Brazilian soapstone is quarried. Sensa, Green Mountain, and Ice Flower as well as varieties such as "Old Original" are names given by companies to represent the soapstone they import from Brazil. The varieties of Soapstone that we carry may be the same or very similar.

Should I only use a “Stone Cleaner” to clean my Soapstone? 
No, you can use any kind of cleaner on your tops since there are no sealers or chemicals used to “protect” the stone that would be damaged by those cleaners.

Why do I need to apply Mineral Oil to my stone? 
Soapstone naturally develops a patina over time caused by oil.  You do not need to apply mineral oil to your stone, however constant contact made by natural oils that come from your hands or foods (olive oil, butter..) will cause the patina to form in high traffic areas such as around your stove and sink.  Some people love the “rustic” look this gives.  However, we suggest applying mineral oil to even out the appearance and so that the natural beauty formed by the minerals in the stone is revealed.

How often will I need to apply Mineral Oil? 
Please see our Care and Maintenance Page

Is the mineral oil that is found in a pharmacy okay to use on my tops?  
Yes, however we recommend using our Mineral Oil, only because we special order a food safe, thinner form of Mineral Oil that is easier to apply.  Contact us to order Mineral Oil.

Can I use anything other then Mineral Oil on my tops? 
Something that is all natural that also leaves no-residue is ‘Bee’s Oil’ and ‘Clapham’s Beeswax Salad Bowl Finish’.  They are slightly more expensive then Mineral Oil but the patina on the stone lasts longer.

Where Can I purchase the Bee’s Oil and Mineral Oil for my tops? 
Look no further!  We carry both products! Please contact us for your purchase needs.