Quartz countertops cost on average $3,500 to $4,900 for fifty square feet of countertops, significantly higher than soapstone countertops. Materials cost between $2,900 and $4,100, and installation is on the costly end, ranging from $600 to $800.
With quartz countertops, you are assured of getting a countertop that rhymes with your home's aesthetics. Ease of maintenance and durability- Soapstone requires regular maintenance. Also, it darkens over time and will need mineral oil treatments regularly. But with quartz, the ease of maintenance is unmatched.
Carbia estimates soapstone runs about $72 to $150 per square foot, including installation. Inexpensive granite can cost as low as $20 to $30 a square foot. Marble is typically about $75 to $250 per square foot, while quartz can run from $55 to $155 a square foot, according to HGTV.
Soapstone is durable and heat-resistant, just like quartz and granite. Like quartz, soapstone is also non-porous — but unlike quartz, soapstone is naturally non-porous, so you do not need to worry about staining at all. There are no compounds that could get damaged and discolored.
Corian is cheaper than quartz upfront. You can expect to pay between $40 and $65 per square foot for Corian while quartz starts at $40 and can extend well beyond $200 per square foot.
Quartz Countertops
Quartz is one of the strongest materials you can use, making it one of the best-value countertops available. Both scratch- and stain-resistant, quartz countertops can look brand new for years even after withstanding heavy usage.
Slate is one of the most affordable countertop materials, with an approximate cost of $20 to $60 per square foot. It is a stunning countertop material that offers a variety of colors including blacks, greys, blues, greens, browns, and even reds. And because each slab is uniquely made, it provides uniform countertops.
Soapstone counters can scratch easily, and they require routine oiling to maintain their appearance. They also come in limited color options and are more expensive than other countertop materials.
While soapstone does not chip or crack easily, the only other real con to the material is that it can develop subtle dents and scratches in hardworking kitchens. That's because the stone is relatively soft compared to other materials.
Soapstone Countertop Cost
Soapstone counters typically run around middle-of-the-road pricing—less than marble but on par with quartz and granite. Soapstone countertops generally cost between $55 to $100 per square foot, depending on what you pick.
Soapstone is both chemical resistant and heat resistant, so you can set hot pots and pans directly on soapstone without risk of cracking or scorching. Soapstone is much softer and more prone to scratching than granite or quartz however, so preparing food directly on your soapstone counters could easily scratch it.
If you love the dark beauty of granite and the light veining of marble, consider soapstone instead. It's durable, relatively low-maintenance, and has a lovely, old-world feel. Here's everything you need to know. Cost: In a perfect world, cost wouldn't be a significant factor in countertop decisions.
The dark background with white veining makes 5003 Piatra Grey Caesarstone quartz one of your best options for quartz that looks like soapstone.
Due to its beauty and durability, granite has been one of the most popular kitchen countertops for many years. When choosing a natural stone option, granite is widely considered to be the best stone slab for kitchen countertops. It has a reputation as a premium stone material that will elevate your kitchen design.
Durability
– Granite is much more heat resistant than quartz. – Granite scratches less easily than quartz.
Quartz wins as the most durable material for any kitchen construction or renovation. Having a durable countertop is a lifelong investment and if you plan to sell your home at some point in the future, its value will be higher if you've used a durable countertop like quartz.
It is a surface phenomenon and is not related to absorption, but mineral oil adsorption! This explains why soapstone is non-porous and therefore does not absorb any liquid, but it is darkened by mineral oil as it adsorbs it on its surface.
Soapstone is a gorgeous natural surface. When left as-is, it's a light gray slate-like shade. And while soapstone will gradually darken over time, some prefer to have the darker look straight out of the starting gate. By adding oil or wax, the result is a shiny onyx-hued black with a bit more richness.
Unlike other kinds of stone, soapstone doesn't require any sealant, making it easier for you to walk on even while wet. However, it would be best if you considered installing a showerpan with soapstone tile layered on top instead of solid slabs of the stone for your shower area.
In general, soapstone offers a good balance between cost, durability, and aesthetic appeal. For homeowners who don't want to pay the cost of quartz countertops but who are interested in the look of soapstone and the benefits of quartz, a soapstone-quartz hybrid may be an option worth considering.
Limestone, Soapstone, Sandstone Countertops Last 20-50 Years. Limestone, soapstone, and sandstone are all softer stone varieties that make elegant, solid-color countertops in modern kitchens. However, all three are very porous which means a high risk of scratches, stains, and even hidden mildew if not properly sealed.
Soapstone is non-porous and, unlike marble and granite, does not need to be sealed. You can purchase our specially formulated Soapstone Care Mineral Oil from our online store. This is a lighter-grade mineral oil, which is easier to apply than standard drugstore mineral oil.
Marble tops the most-expensive list due in large part to its elegant looks. The good: It will instantly lift your kitchen or bathroom to another level.
While quartz countertops may add more value to a home than laminate countertops (and they're more durable), laminate countertops are more affordable to install, among other characteristics in their favor.
Cheap Kitchen Countertops Alternatives: Tile
And installing tile countertops yourself is a budget-friendly way to add the charm of stone for a fraction of the price. So consider a tile-topped island with solid surface perimeter countertops for a modern feel.