Expert: Rikki Nyman - 2/14/2009

Question
I have a Dutch Colonial that was built in the 1930's and has been lovingly cared for.  I need to replace the kitchen countertops and want to stay with the character of the house.  I remember reading somewhere that soapstone countertops were commonly used in the original homes.  Is that right?  Is there another countertop surface that you would suggest to stay in keeping with this wonderful simple design?  Granite seems inappropriate.

Answer
Sara -

The most common counter top materials during the 1930s included soapstone (and marble) on the upper end and linoleum on the lower end. Tile was very common. Stainless steel (called Monel) was also used.

If it's in your budget, by all means go for soapstone. It's been used in laboratories for decades because it's impervious to chemicals (and cooking is just one experiment after another). It's a beautiful material and would be an excellent choice for a vintage Dutch Colonial. It would definitely be my first choice.

Marble is also very attractive but much more fragile and doesn't do well with acids. It is awesome for pastries.

One old '30s house I had years ago, had lovely butter yellow tile with a black liner tile on the backsplash. It was very tightly laid with unsanded grout. Some people dislike tile and maintaining it, but I never had a problem with it.

A "new" material and one people don't generally think of is linoleum. I've seen it used in various ways in restorations and it's very attractive with the metal edge banding. It was commonly used during the 1930s in middle-class and small starter homes. It's particularly effective for light use areas or kitchen offices. Don't cut on it though!

Concrete counters might also be an option. They can have the classic appearance of soapstone or be stained. They are not traditional but I've seen them effectively used in restorations, albeit where the owner wanted a more modern kitchen.

Depending on how and what you cook, you might combine surfaces. For example soapstone for the counters next to the sink and stove, but use butcher block for an island.

Once you narrow down your style and favorite options, don't hesitate to find a qualified kitchen designer and get his or her opinion. They're trained to help you get the most for your money and can reduce the potential for costly errors (and pay for themselves in the process).

Hope this helps.

Rikki Nyman
www.antiquehomestyle.com