Soapstone countertops generally cost between $55 to $100 per square foot, depending on what you pick. The installation cost of soapstone can run between $50 and $65 per square foot, which could nearly double the cost of the project.
Colors are fairly limited. Most countertops are light-gray at first, then take on a charcoal-gray color with vague green tints. Soapstone is fairly expensive— around $100 per square foot or more. Countertops longer than 6 feet will probably need to include seams.
Soapstone is a little more expensive than granite, although not by much. The prices can be comparable, depending on the stone. A high-end soapstone may be very expensive but also improves property values significantly.
Soapstone is a rare stone. This makes it relatively more expensive compared to man-made countertop materials. The average cost of soapstone countertops ranges between $70 to $120 per square foot, excluding installation.
At $50 to $120 per square foot, soapstone falls within the middle range of pricing among various countertop options.
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.
The most common size of a soapstone slab is approx 70” x 118” and 3cm (1-1/4” thick). However we've seen slabs come as large as 80” x 135”!! That is approx 6.5 feet by a little over 11 feet!! The size of the slab is determined by the density of the stone and of course the size of the machinery the quarry uses.
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.
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.
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.
Soapstone is found in the Appalachian range from Maine to Georgia with significant deposits in Vermont and Virginia. Finland and Brazil are the largest international producers of soapstone.
Stormy Black Soapstone
This low-talc soapstone variety is harder than others. Ash gray with prominent white veins before treatment, Stormy Black soapstone darkens dramatically after the application of oils.
Soapstone countertops generally cost between $55 to $100 per square foot, depending on what you pick. The installation cost of soapstone can run between $50 and $65 per square foot, which could nearly double the cost of the project.
Soapstone in general has a ranking between 1 and 5. Most soapstone counters rank between 2.5-3.5 depending on talc content, with a similar hardness to marble countertops. Quartz counters, comparatively, have a Mohs ranking of 7.
The Asbestos Quandary
Asbestiform laths are obvious in some of the soapstone that we see; however, the asbestos particles do not have to be visible to the naked eye or even magnifying glass to be harmful. It has been reported that roughly 40 to 50 percent of the soapstone contains some asbestos.
Examine soapstone samples and put them to the test to ensure the stone is stainproof and acid-resistant—if the sample section stains or if undiluted white vinegar left on the surface for an hour causes etching or damage, it's not authentic soapstone.
You can make various natural soapstone cleaners with water and white vinegar, water and soap, water and lemon juice, or many other combinations. The key to choosing a natural soapstone cleaner that works best for your home is considering loved ones' health conditions.
Soapstone does not emit radon. This make it desirable as a building material for homes because it does not release a toxic gas into the living environment of human beings. It is advantageous in that regard to granite which does emit radon.
Soapstone surfaces need not be sealed, but we recommend treatment with mineral oil if consistent surface darkening is desired. Without treatment, soapstone will darken in uneven regions around surface areas most frequently used. Leaving the soapstone untreated will develop a patina of age that many people enjoy.
Quartz Countertops are your most durable option for New Stone Countertops. Scratch-Resistant, Chip Resistant, and Stain Resistant without ever having to Seal your Countertops.
The nonporous, stain-resistant properties of soapstone make it ideal for kitchen surfaces. This dense material doesn't harbor bacteria, so you can easily wipe germs and contaminants from your countertop, sink, and backsplash.
Over time, natural soapstone develops a natural patina. Beneficial Features: The material is stain-, chemical-, and water-resistant but scratches easily.
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.
Soapstone slabs tend to be found in shades of grey, black, and green with some thin, light streaks. The pattern of the stone tends to be subtle and fairly consistent. Soapstone slabs are available in a honed/matte finish.
We recommend cutting soapstone with a circular saw diamond blade, however a masonry blade will work. Simple edges may be finished with common powered sanders. More ornate edges can be mastered with a router using carbide router bits.