Is This DIY Soapstone Countertop Using MDF Really Budget-Friendly Or Too Much Hassle?

The choice of countertop has a huge impact not just on the appearance of your kitchen but also its day-to-day functionality. Obviously you want it to look great, but the kitchen is often the hub of family life, so the countertops have to be easy to look after. Soapstone is among the most attractive low-maintenance materials used for kitchen countertops, but there's a drawback. It costs anywhere from $70 to $120 per square foot, and perhaps double that to get it fitted.

So taking some MDF (usually less than $3 per square foot), and creating your own DIY soapstone countertop would seem like a great idea. You'll end up with a truly one-of-a-kind look, and you'll save a small fortune. However, while you don't need an extensive set of tools, you do need a variety of different materials, and you also need a large workspace that can be left undisturbed for at least a week.

I have over 20 years experience as a carpenter and remodeler, and I think it's a lot of hassle. Laminate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, and that would be my choice. It is available in many stone effects, and while it's more expensive than MDF, by the time you've bought primer, paint, and epoxy, the difference will be less than you might think. However, if you're someone who likes a challenge, then DIYing a soapstone countertop could be something you would enjoy, so let's look at the process.

First you'll need to make a template from paper or card, transfer the worktop shape to your MDF, and then cut it out. A jigsaw is very useful for curves and sink holes. MDF dust is unpleasant, so always wear a mask and goggles. Long sections, particularly narrow pieces used for splashbacks, will crack easily if they bend, so make sure they're always well supported. 

You need to paint the MDF to establish a base color for the soapstone effect. Before doing this, I recommend using a proper MDF primer. Apply two coats, sanding lightly with 120 or 150 grit sandpaper in between. Dust and vacuum thoroughly after sanding, or dust particles will stick to the surface. You can then use any household paint for the color. 

If you like to experiment, you can mix a few drops of black and white acrylic in a spray bottle with some water to create the background soapstone texture. There are no rules for this, so it's a good idea to have plenty of scrap handy to try things out. Once you're happy with the effect, leave it to dry, then finish the countertop with clear epoxy (Stone Coat is very popular), and add the veining. There are some gorgeous epoxy countertop ideas around, and one shortcut that takes the guesswork out of the process is to buy a Stone Coat countertop epoxy resin kit instead.

There are several things to think about when considering this DIY. It's important to understand that MDF is not waterproof. If it gets damp, it will swell up and stay like that even when it dries again, ruining the countertop. It's vital to seal the areas not covered with epoxy, even if they won't be seen. Two or three coats of wood varnish will do it.

Most store-bought countertops vary in thickness from ¾ inch to 1¼ inches. The maximum thickness of MDF in places like Home Depot and Lowe's is ¾ inch, so if you want a thicker countertop, you'll need to find a specialist supplier. Also, people are often surprised by the weight of MDF. A standard 8-foot-by-4-foot sheet is around 100 pounds.

Finally, there's the time it all takes. The primer will need several hours before the second coat can be applied. Then there's painting and applying the epoxy. StoneCoat needs to be kept above 65 degrees Fahrenheit for three days for it to harden properly. Then you need to varnish the remaining exposed surfaces. All in all, it will take at least a week, and any dust that gets trapped in the surface while it's drying could ruin it. A laminate countertop may not be absolutely unique, but it is as easy to cut and fit as MDF and an awful lot less hassle.