2023 Soapstone Countertops Prices

Among a wide multitude of countertop materials, soapstone stands out for its unique beauty and durability. Soapstone counters are a natural stone, similar to real marble or granite, providing an elegant and timeless look.

In addition to its beauty, soapstone is low maintenance and resistant to damage from cooking spills, making it a great choice for a busy kitchen.

If you are ready to replace your kitchen countertops, contact you local counter installers for FREE ESTIMATES!

How Much Do Soapstone Countertops Cost?

Soapstone countertops are a mid-range stone countertop material. On average, the total cost for a fifty square foot soapstone countertop will range between $2,700 and $4,200.

The cost is broken down into installation costs, which will be between $550 and $750, and the material costs of the soapstone itself, which will cost $2,100 to $3,600 for a fifty square foot countertop.

Soapstone countertops are made from slabs of soapstone, also called steatite, which is a naturally occurring stone made primarily of talc, which gives soapstone its trademark malleability.

This special feature allows soapstone to be molded at will, making it a great material choice for those looking for additional add-ons and features that are built into the stone. Because of this, many homeowners decide to add extra features such as dish drain grooves or other cut-outs.

All additional features are added on to the total price, so depending on which features you choose to add your countertop may cost much more.

While the extra features cost more, they are generally cheaper to add to soapstone countertops than to other harder stone countertops such as granite.

You can use our Countertops Cost Estimator to calculate the cost of various popular countertop materials.

Cost of Soapstone Kitchen Countertops Per Square Foot

Square footage is a good way to estimate how much your soapstone counter will cost, as the total cost will vary significantly based on the size of your kitchen countertops, and whether an island is included.

Simply multiply the square footage of your counter space by the cost per square foot to learn how much your counter will cost per square foot.

Basic Cost	$55 per square foot
Mid-range Cost	$65 per square foot
High-end cost	$100+ per square foot

Cost of Soapstone Countertops vs Granite vs Quartz

Soapstone is frequently compared to granite countertops and quartz countertops.

Comparing the pricing between the three countertop options can help you make an informed decision as to which countertop is best for you.

All three countertops fall in the same approximate price range, but premium granite and quartz counters range higher than soapstone. On the other hand you can get lower grade/quality quartz and granite for much less than soapstone.

See the table below for the price differences in more detail.

Material	Average Total Cost	Average Cost per Square Foot	Average Installation Cost
Soapstone	$2,700 – $4,200	$70 – $120	$550 – $750
Granite	$2,900 – $4,300	$35 – $110	$500 – $750
Quartz	$3,500 – $4,900	$50 – $100	$600 – $800

Cost of Soapstone vs Other Stone Counters

When considering purchasing new soapstone countertops, you are likely looking at other stone countertop options as well.

The table below can help you compare the prices of soapstone countertops with other common stone countertops that you may be considering for your kitchen remodel.

Compared to other stone countertop options, soapstone falls in the mid-range of the different materials.

It’s starting price is more costly than materials such as granite and marble, but it is cheaper than high-end materials like onyx and gemstone.

Countertop Material	Average Cost per Square Foot
Granite	$35 – $110
Marble	$40 – $120
Quartz	$50 – $100
Slate	$50 – $200
Soapstone	$70 – $120
Limestone	$75 – $200
Onyx	$80 – $250
Gemstone	$100 +

What Exactly Is Soapstone?

Soapstone is a metamorphic rock primarily composed of talc. Talc is a very soft material, which is why soapstone is susceptible to scratching.

Although it is soft, soapstone is also denser than other stone countertop options such as slate and marble
.
Soapstone’s official name is steatite. It is commonly called soapstone because many are reminded of the texture of soap bars when touching the stone. Some soapstone has higher talc content than others.

The more talc, the more malleable and easy to carve it is, so soapstone with high talc content is often used in carving. Architectural soapstone has less talc and is therefore tougher and harder to scratch. In addition to talc, soapstone is also composed of magnesite, chlorite, and amphiboles.

Types of Soapstone

Soapstone comes in two types: Artistic Soapstone and Architectural Soapstone. Artistic Soapstone has a very high talc content, and can contain as much as 80% talc.

Talc adds softness to the stone. In contrast, Architectural Soapstone has a talc content of only 50% to 70%, making Architectural Soapstone much harder than Artistic Soapstone.

Artistic Soapstone is, as the name suggests, used in arts such as carving. Architectural Soapstone, on the other hand, is best suited for soapstone countertops. While it is soft enough to allow for easy carving of additional features like an embedded dish drain, it is hard enough to hold up relatively well against wear and tear.

Soapstone Counters Colors

Soapstone is available in a wide range of grey hues, ranging from light to dark. Some soapstone slabs even have subtle blue or green undertones.

The soapstone slabs are streaked and flecked with quartz, but each in each slab the amount and density of the streaks will be different.

As it ages, untreated soapstone will develop a patina, which adds a warmer tone to the countertop. Additionally, as it ages soapstone will daken in hue, which adds contrast between the base and the veins.

The darkening process can also be quickened if you want that unique appearance at a faster rate. Many view the color changes that a soapstone countertop will undergo as one of its most endearing features.

Be sure to look through photos of soapstone as it ages to be sure you will enjoy it at all stages of its lifespan.

Can You Make The Color Of Soapstone Darker?

Soapstone comes in a range of shades of grey to black, as well as undertone shades of blue and green for some pieces. Each slab of soapstone is different, so if you know you want a dark shade of soapstone it is possible to purchase one initially.

Even if your initial piece of soapstone is not dark, however, it is possible for your soapstone to darken. First, soapstone darkens naturally over time as it is used, so you can expect your soapstone counters to achieve a darker shade over the years.

It is also possible to speed up the darkening process for Architectural Soapstone using mineral oils.

Mineral oils are applied in coats to the soapstone countertops and allowed to seep in, and applied in several coats to fully darken the stone. This process should be done weekly for around a year to achieve best results.

Is Soapstone a Good Choice For Kitchen Counters?

Soapstone has many features that make it a good choice for kitchen counters. Firstly, soapstone is heat resistant, meaning you can place hot objects on the countertop without any fear of damage.

Additionally, soapstone does not erode from acids which are common in cooking, as well as more harsh cleaners.

Because soapstone is non-porous as well as dense, it is not susceptible to staining, so you do not have to worry about the occasional spill harming your countertop.

Another reason soapstone is well-suited for kitchen countertops is because it is a very soft stone, which makes it possible to easily include add-ons, such as dish holders, into the countertop itself.

All of these features make soapstone well-suited for a kitchen countertop. Soapstone is not perfect, however. Because it is a soft material, it can be scratched easily and it is not recommended to do any cutting directly on the countertop for this reason.

Durability and Maintenance of Soapstone Counters

Soapstone is a durable countertop choice. Unlike other stone countertops, soapstone is non-porous, meaning you will never have to worry about liquids seeping into the counter and creating stains.

Soapstone is heat resistant, so you can place your hot pots and pans on the countertop without fear. It also does not erode from acids such as orange juice or coffee, making it a perfect worry-free countertop.

Soapstone is a relatively low-maintenance countertop. It does not require sealing like most other stone countertop materials.

While some owners apply mineral oil to the surface approximately monthly, this is for aesthetic purposes only as it serves to keep the color of the countertop uniform, and is not otherwise necessary.

Any common cleaner is acceptable for use on soapstone, but beware of harsh cleaners if you are applying a mineral oil treatment, as it will strip the oils and require reapplication.

Do Soapstone Counters Scratch Easily?

Because soapstone is a softer stone than granite or marble, it can be susceptible to scratches. However, while it may be scratched easily, the scratches are easy to repair. Simply sanding down the countertop over the scratch or applying mineral oil may be enough to remove the scratches.

It will be difficult to keep a soapstone countertop in perfect condition, though, so consider looking elsewhere if that is your desired aesthetic. Instead, the marks and scratches on soapstone countertops are often seen as part of the appeal and add to the rustic charm of soapstone countertops.

Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone, like all countertop materials, has its own unique benefits and drawbacks. Some of these factors will make a bigger difference to you than others, so be sure to think about what your priorities are for your own kitchen and how you hope to use your counter.

Pros:

● 100% non-porous, making it impervious to any cooking stains that may occur. Because of this quality, soapstone does not require sealing like so many other stone countertops.

● Soapstone is 100% chemically inert, which means its completely none-reactive. This means that you can spill literally anything on a soapstone counter, without worrying about discoloration, staining or other damage. This feature makes soapstone ideal for busy kitchens, and this is why soapstone is actually used in science labs.

● Heat-resistant, making it a well-suited material for kitchens. Unlike non-heat resistant materials, you can set down hot objects without fear of cracking or other damage.

● Soapstone will not erode when it comes in contact with acids. Acids are found in many common cooking ingredients such as lemon juice, helping keep cooking worry-free.

● Highly sanitary because there are no nooks where bacteria can get into (unlike with other countertops). Its cleans very easily with any cleaning agent of choice, so you don’t have to worry about germs and bacteria sitting on your counters.

● Many find the grey color of soapstone one of its most appealing qualities. Soapstone’s color can be darkened even further using mineral oils as well as with age, a feature which many find charming.

The bold grey and black hues make soapstone a perfect counter for a dramatic black and white kitchen design.

● Soapstone is a naturally smooth surface and requires no additional steps such as sealing to achieve the smooth surface.

Cons:

● Compared to other stones, soapstone has a high upfront cost. It is not a cheap material, and that is reflected in the price you will have to pay for your soapstone counter.

● While the color may be an advantage for some, if you are looking for a light-colored countertop that will remain the same over time then soapstone is definitely not for you.

Even if you initially purchase a light-colored piece of soapstone for your countertop, it will lighten over the years.

● Soapstone is a soft material and is therefore susceptible to scratches. You cannot cut directly on the soapstone counter without the risk of adding scratches to the surface. Most minor scratches can be sanded out, but this adds to the maintenance.

Soapstone can also chip easily, so be careful when handling heavy objects near the countertop. When choosing your soapstone color, keep in mind that green colors of soapstone are softer and will therefore scratch more easily then grey colors.

● Soapstone is only processed in small slabs. If you have a large kitchen counter, you will likely require more than one slab of soapstone, resulting in visible seams in your countertop.

● While the lack of sealant is a plus, it can also make the soapstone surface a little too rough for some dishes and result in damage to the dishes such as scratches.

Soapstone vs Granite Counters

Granite can cost as low as $2,900 and as much as $4,300, a very similar price range to soapstone. Installation for granite countertops will be between $650 and $750, which is cheaper than soapstone. Materials will cost between $2,500 and $3,500 per fifty square feet.

Granite is a heavier building material than soapstone and therefore it requires underlying support to make sure it does not crack or sag under its own weight. Unlike soapstone, granite must be sealed regularly to prevent staining because it is a more porous material.

Additionally, granite is a harder material than soapstone, making it more difficult to cut and shape. Therefore, including cut out features like sinks and drying racks will cost more than it would for a soapstone countertop.

Hardness of granite, also means that the slab has to be cut into smaller pieces, and therefore there will be more seams. Overtime, dirt and dust will fill these seams and cause discoloration.

Another big downside of granite, which soapstone does not have is that its a porous stone. As a result, its susceptible to staining from spills, harder to clean and needs to be resealed every few years.

On the positive side, granite is a much harder stone that soapstone, and as such its resistant to scratches and similar types of damage. Its also heat resistant, and you can place hot dishes directly on a granite counter.

Unlike soapstone, which comes in a range of gray hues, granite is available in a wide range of colors ranging from light cream/tan to greens, blacks, pinks and others.

The maintenance and repairs of granite are much more burdensome than soapstone. Whereas many scratches and imperfections in soapstone counters can be fixed with a quick DIY sanding, any blemishes on granite countertops will likely require a professional to fix.

The cost of repairs on granite countertops will vary depending on the size of the crack and the necessity of preventing similar cracks in the future.

Cost Of Soapstone vs Marble Counters

Marble countertops cost $3,000 – $4,700 for fifty square feet of countertops.

Installation is comparatively cheap at $250 – $700, but materials are costly, ranging from $3,000 to $4,000. Unlike soapstone, marble is a heavy material that must have additional support structures in place so it does not crack under its own weight.

While soapstone is very low maintenance, marble requires regular care to prevent staining and scratching. Marble must be sealed regularly.

Additionally, marble cannot be cleaned with other home cleaning supplies and requires a special solution that costs about $8 per bottle.

Marble may get small cracks and chips, which can be repaired somewhat easily and cheaply, for about $50. However, any larger issues will have to be dealt with by a professional and might require extra supports for the damaged area.

Cost Of Soapstone vs Quartz Counters

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.

Like marble, quartz is heavy enough to require extra support to prevent cracking. Additionally, since quartz is a hard stone, adding in cut-outs or other features will cost significantly extra as they are difficult to install.

To maintain quartz, a special cleaning solution must be purchased that can cost around $25 per pint. Any repairs, including fixing of cracks, requires a professional and may be quite costly. This contrasts sharply with soapstone, where scratches are easily fixable DIY and any cleaning solution is usable.

Like granite, quartz is also heat resistant, but unlike granite quartz is not a porous stone, so its not susceptible to staining. It makes it much easier to maintain and it does not require sealing. In this respect its very similar to soapstone.

However, unlike soapstone its not 100% none porous, so its not fully stain proof. For example, stains from nail polish remover, paint, oil soaps and harsh cleaners can actually permanently stain and change the color of quartz.

Another disadvantage to quartz that soapstone does not have is that it can discolor when its exposed to UV rays over prolonged period of time.

Resale Value of Soapstone Countertops

Just like other stone countertops such as granite or marble, soapstone has an excellent resale value, about 60-75% Soapstone countertops are a very attractive feature and they can boost the value of your home when it comes time to sell.

On the other hand, if you plan to stay in your home, soapstone countertops will add lifelong value with their durability, and unique flare.