How much do soapstone countertops cost?
How much do soapstone countertops cost?
$60 – $130 cost per square foot installed
$1,800 – $5,200 average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF)
Soapstone countertops cost
Soapstone countertops cost $60 to $130 per square foot with installation or $1,800 to $5,200 total for an average-sized kitchen. Material prices are $50 to $90 per square foot for the stone itself, not including labor or edging designs. Soapstone counters are non-porous and come in a wide range of colors.
| Kitchen size | Countertops square footage | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen (70 – 100 SF) | 20 – 30 | $1,200 – $3,900 |
| Average kitchen (100 – 200 SF) | 30 – 40 | $1,800 – $5,200 |
| Large kitchen (200+ SF) | 40 – 60 | $2,400 – $7,800 |
In comparison, the average cost to install new countertops is $50 to $150 per square foot, depending on the material.
Soapstone countertop prices per square foot
Soapstone countertop prices depend on the quality of the slab, as shown in the table below.
| Quality | Cost per square foot installed | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Low-end | $50 – $60 |
|
| Average | $70 – $90 |
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| High-end | $100 – $150 |
|
Cost of soapstone countertops installed by location
Soapstone is often used for kitchen or bathroom counters, backsplash, or shower walls.
| Surface | Size (Inches) | Average cost installed |
|---|---|---|
| Small kitchen counter (each) | 24 x 120 | $1,200 – $2,600 |
| Average kitchen counter | 24 x 240 | $2,400 – $5,200 |
| Kitchen island | 36 x 78 | $1,200 – $2,500 |
| Small kitchen island | 40 x 40 | $700 – $1,400 |
| Bathroom vanity top | 20 x 36 | $300 – $650 |
| Bar top | 16 x 36 | $250 – $500 |
| Bathroom tile flooring | 60 x 96 | $2,400 – $5,200 |
| Kitchen tile flooring | 120 x 120 | $6,000 – $13,000 |
Labor cost to install soapstone countertops
| Item | Rate (per SF) | Average cost (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Soapstone materials | $50 – $90 | $1,500 – $3,600 |
| Labor to fabricate & install | $10 – $40 | $300 – $1,600 |
| Total cost to install | $60 – $130 | $1,800 – $5,200 |
The following factors may affect the installation cost:
Cutouts – Soapstone is softer and easier to cut than granite or quartz. Sink, faucet, cooktop, and outlet cutouts may be cheaper than other stone countertops.
Plumbing disconnection – The installer may need to disconnect and reconnect the water main while working.
Removing existing counters – Contractors often include removing and disposing of the old countertop, while some charge $100 to $200 for removal.
Cabinet level – Lower cabinets may have to be leveled to support the weight of the soapstone.
Sink removal and installation –
Cooktop installation – A new cooktop installation costs $700 to $1,600 with labor and materials.
Soapstone edges
Soapstone edges cost $10 to $30 per linear foot, depending on the style. Square and eased edges are typically free, while Ogee and Dupont are the most expensive options.
| Edge type | Additional cost per linear foot | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Straight | Free | Straight end, sharp edges |
| Eased | Free | Softened squares on the corner |
| Bevel | $10 – $15 | Straight, 45-degree angles on the corners |
| Half bullnose | $10 – $15 | Rounded on top and flat on the bottom |
| Full bullnose | $10 – $15 | Rounded on top and bottom |
| Ogee | $20 – $25 | Concave and convex arching |
| Mitered | $20 – $25 | Square top with a sharp incline on bottom |
| Dupont | $20 – $30 | Square top with a half bullnose edge |
Soapstone drainboards
Angled soapstone drainboards cost extra and are added next to a sink to prevent water from spilling or pooling. Styles include flat, carved grooves, and other custom designs.
What are soapstone countertops?
Soapstone is a natural stone, also called steatite, made of talc and other minerals. Soapstone looks gray, black, green, or blue and got its name because it feels like a dry bar of soap.
Types of soapstone
The two main types of soapstone are Artistic and Architectural. Artistic soapstone has a high talc content of 80% or more, which makes it softer and suitable for sculptures and fine art. Architectural soapstone is 50% to 75% talc and is better suited to countertops.
Soapstone countertop colors
Soapstone comes in shades of gray with black, green, or blue tints and often has white veins running throughout. Soapstone naturally darkens in color over time.
Apply mineral oil to the soapstone to speed up the darkening process if desired.
Soapstone cost vs. other countertop materials
Soapstone cost vs. natural stone counters
Soapstone costs $60 to $130 per square foot installed, while other natural stone countertops cost $50 to $150 per square foot. Soapstone is non-porous like quartz and porcelain but not as hard as quartz or granite.
| Stone type | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Granite countertops cost | $80 – $150 | $2,400 – $6,000 |
| Quartzite countertops cost | $65 – $150 | $2,000 – $6,000 |
| Marble countertops cost | $40 – $150 | $1,200 – $6,000 |
| Onyx countertops cost | $50 – $200 | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Slate countertops cost | $50 – $100 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Gemstone countertops cost | $100 – $200 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Limestone countertops cost | $70 – $150 | $2,100 – $6,000 |
Soapstone cost vs. engineered stone counters
Soapstone is priced similarly to the cost of solid surface countertops and other engineered stone materials, as shown in the table below:
| Engineered stone type | Cost per square foot installed | Average total cost installed (30 – 40 SF) |
|---|---|---|
| Quartz countertops cost | $50 – $200 | $1,500 – $8,000 |
| Caesarstone countertops cost | $50 – $100 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Porcelain countertops cost | $50 – $120 | $1,500 – $4,800 |
| Silestone countertops cost | $60 – $140 | $1,800 – $5,600 |
| Sintered stone countertops | $100 – $200 | $3,000 – $8,000 |
Pros and cons of soapstone countertops
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
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Soapstone FAQs
Are soapstone countertops durable or do they scratch easily?
Soapstone is as durable as marble and only scratches when met with excessive force or when used as a cutting board.
How long do soapstone countertops last?
Soapstone countertops last 20 to 50 years with proper care.
How long does it take to install soapstone countertops?
Soapstone counters take 3 to 12 hours to install, depending on the size, number of slabs, and if you need any cutouts or add-ons.
Where to buy soapstone countertops
You can buy soapstone counters online and from specialty countertop fabricators. American soapstone comes mostly from quarries in Virginia, Vermont, or Georgia.
Getting estimates from soapstone countertop installers
When hiring a local countertop installer, make sure to:
Look for a company specializing in soapstone countertops.
Get at least three estimates to compare.
Read reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose a licensed, bonded, and insured company that has been in business 5+ years.
Ask for references with contact information.
Avoid choosing the lowest quote, which may indicate lower quality materials or labor.
Get a written, detailed contract and warranty before work begins.
Follow a payment plan instead of paying in full before the job starts.
Questions to ask
Consider asking the following questions before hiring a countertop installer:
What experience do you have working with soapstone?
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
Do you have a portfolio of recent comparable work?
What does the estimate include?
What other costs can I expect?
Will this project require a permit? If so, will you handle it?
How do you handle any damage that happens on the job?
Do you need a deposit before work begins?
Do you offer a warranty? What does it cover?