How Much Do Soapstone Countertops Cost? [By Type & Square Foot]
Your dream kitchen would not be complete without the right set of countertops. Countertops are functional and decorative additions that can round out your kitchen. All kinds of materials can be used to create kitchen countertops, thus opening up numerous design possibilities for you to try.
While looking over the available material options for kitchen countertops, don’t forget to take a close look at soapstone. Soapstone is a metamorphic rock that consists of talc-schist and other minerals such as chlorite, magnesite, and quartz. The unique composition of soapstone grants it certain qualities that enable it to excel when used inside the kitchen.
Soapstone countertops cost $60 per square foot, but the price will change depending on how the material is formed. You will also have to pay more for your soapstone countertops if you want their edges modified. Professional installation is recommended for soapstone countertops. Expect to pay $700 in labor expenses alone if you want those soapstone countertops inside your kitchen.
Installing soapstone countertops can instantly change the look and feel of your kitchen. It’s worth considering if you want to feature something different in that part of your home. Discover how much installing those soapstone countertops will cost by reading on.
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Cost of Soapstone Countertops by Type
| Countertop Type | Cost Per Square Foot |
| Slab | $95 |
| Prefab | $50 |
| Tile | $35 |
Soapstone countertops are available in different types. You need to know more about the available options to pick the right one for your kitchen.
The main options available are slab, prefab, and tile countertops. The differences between those options are significant and they should factor into your final decision. Let’s take this opportunity to learn more about them and determine if they make sense for your intended application.
Slab Countertops
Slab countertops made from soapstone are the most expensive options. You’ll likely have to pay $95 per square foot if you want slab countertops.
The slab countertops are pricey because they provide a lot of material. They are also easy to install as long as they’re going over flat surfaces. If you need to cover the area around the sink, you should probably avoid using the soapstone slab.
While buying a soapstone slab, you can ask the supplier to include eased or square edges. They will do that for you at no extra charge.
Prefab Countertops
Your next option is to purchase prefab soapstone countertops. They are cheaper than the slab countertops. Prefab soapstone countertops are priced at $50 per square foot.
The advantage to using a prefab countertop is that it’s already customized for installation. The soapstone has been pre-cut so it can be installed right away. If you are going with DIY installation, using a prefab countertop will make your life easier.
Similar to slab countertops, the prefab options are limited in terms of how they can be customized. They may not allow you to achieve the exact look you want for your kitchen. For those who don’t mind sacrificing some customization for convenience, the prefab option is a great pick-up.
Tile Countertops
Tile countertops are the least expensive options. Soapstone tile countertops are sold at $35 per square foot.
The price alone may draw you to tile soapstone countertops, but that’s not the only reason to like it. Unlike the previous two options, tile countertops are highly customizable. You can ask the supplier to modify the edges so you can install something that fits better inside your kitchen.
Also, tile countertops are available in more colors, thus giving you more varied options to choose from. It may seem like the tile countertop is the better choice, but there are drawbacks to it too.
For instance, installing tile countertops takes a lot of time since the pieces are so small. Furthermore, you’ll have to pay for additional materials before the tile countertop can be installed. Those additional purchases will eat into your cost savings too.
Cost of Soapstone Countertop Edging
| Edge Type | Cost Per Linear Foot |
| Square or Eased | Free |
| Bevel | $10 |
| Dupont | $23 |
| French Cove | $33 |
| Full Bullnose | $12 |
| Half Bullnose | $11 |
| Mitre | $22 |
| Ogee | $21 |
| Quirk | $24 |
Decorative flourishes can be added to the soapstone countertops that will be installed inside your kitchen. If you request it, the suppliers can alter the edges of the soapstone to create a shape you like more. Those decorative edges can bring a new dimension to your kitchen and they can be functional additions as well.
You have several options to choose from if you want decorative edges added to your soapstone countertops. Let’s go over those edge options in this section of the article.
Square or Eased
First off, we have the square or eased edge options. We’re combining them into one entry because they both don’t cost any money if you’re requesting them.
With a square edge, both the top and bottom edges are just ground down slightly so they are no longer sharp. In countertops that feature eased edges, the top edge is rounded a bit more. The bottom edge still resembles the underside of a square countertop.
Bevel
You can ask the supplier to modify the soapstone and create bevel edges. Those bevel edges cost $10 per linear foot.
The top side of the soapstone countertop becomes like a diagonal line if you want bevel edges. Bevel edges are also on the sharp side so be careful around them.
Dupont
Do you want dupont edges added to your soapstone countertops? If so, they will cost you $23 per linear foot.
With dupont edging, a good chunk of the top edge is carved out. The lower half is then exposed, but it’s also rounded out to create a smoother look.
French Cove
The most expensive edging for your soapstone countertop is the French cove option. You’ll have to pay $33 per linear foot if you want those French cove edges.
It’s easy to see why the French cove design is so expensive once you see it. That intricate pattern that features both curved and straight lines takes a lot of time and effort to create. The suppliers understandably charge extra to create that complex pattern.
Full Bullnose
You can also ask the suppliers to add full bullnose edges to your soapstone countertops. They will charge $12 per linear foot if you want those full bullnose edges.
Full bullnose edges are completely rounded. They are circular and they jut out from your counter.
Half Bullnose
If you don’t like the full bullnose edges, then perhaps the half bullnose edges will be more to your liking. Half bullnose edges for your countertop cost $11 per linear foot.
With the half bullnose design, only the top edge of the countertop is rounded. The bottom edge is left untouched and it even feels a bit sharp.
Mitre
Next up, we have the mitre edges. Those mitre edges will cost you $22 per linear foot.
Mitre edges are unique because they focus more on the underside of the countertop instead of the top edge. The bottom side is shaved down to the point where the mitre edge looks like the side view of a boat. Mitre edges are useful if you want to make room for seating under the countertops.
Ogee
Go with an ogee design for your countertops if you want something that grabs attention. You can add those ogee edges to your soapstone countertops for the price of $21 per linear foot.
The ogee design has a wavy quality to it. The curves move in and out as they go down the material. It’s a visually striking design that adds something different to your kitchen.
Quirk
Last up, you can opt to have quirk edges added to your soapstone countertops. Expect to pay $24 per linear foot if you want those quirk edges.
Viewed from the side, it looks like a chunk of material was carved out of the soapstone because of the quirk edge. Still, that bold design may work in some kitchens. Just be careful and don’t allow bits of food to fall into the crevice.
Labor Cost to Install Soapstone Countertops
| Estimate Type | Cost |
| Low-End Estimate | $600 |
| Mid-Range Estimate | $700 |
| High-End Estimate | $800 |
You can enlist the help of professionals if you want soapstone countertops added to your kitchen. On average, labor expenses for this particular project reach $700.
The high cost of installation is due in large part to how labor-intensive this project is. The workers will have to start by removing the old countertop.
Depending on the type of countertop you’ve chosen, additional stems may be necessary as well. The workers may have to cut the soapstone, apply underlayment, and coat the material with oil. That’s before they even get started on the actual installation.
Given the amount of work involved, no one would blame you for hiring professional installers. Plus, soapstone is expensive and it shouldn’t be handled by someone who lacks experience. Entrust the installation to the pros to avoid any potentially costly mistakes.
Should You Install Soapstone Countertops?
Is soapstone the best material to use for your kitchen countertops? Come up with an answer to that question by evaluating soapstone’s pros and cons.
Pros:
- Stain-Resistant – Spills are inevitable inside the kitchen and countertops often take on a lot of liquid because of them. Soapstone is a good choice for your countertops because it is highly resistant to stains.
- Easy to Clean – Even if something spills on the soapstone surface, you can clean it up easily. It’s easy to wipe the stain away completely because it doesn’t get absorbed by the soapstone.
- Heat-Resistant – You don’t have to worry about placing hot pots and pans on your soapstone countertop. That material can deal with the heat with no issue.
- Naturally Smooth – The soapstone has a naturally smooth texture. There’s no need to seal it just to achieve that desired level of smoothness.
- Highly Customizable – Compared to other countertop materials, soapstone is easy to cut and carve. Those decorative edges can be added easily to soapstone countertops.
Cons:
- Color Changes – The color of soapstone may change over time. That can be a problem if you’re following a specific design theme.
- Color Options – The range of color options for soapstone is not very wide. You may not be able to find a type of soapstone that features the exact color you want.
- Susceptible to Scratches – Chopping directly on the soapstone is not advisable. You can scratch and chip the surface by doing that.
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Related Questions
Is Soapstone Cheaper Than Granite?
Soapstone and granite are among the materials often used to make kitchen countertops. If you want the more affordable option between the two, you should go with the granite countertops.
What Colors Are Available for Soapstone Countertops?
The typical color options available for soapstone are pretty limited. They include black, white, gray, blue-gray, and green.The lack of color options is a major drawback for soapstone. You may not achieve the exact look you’re going for if you use it for your kitchen countertops.
Does All Soapstone Turn Green?
No, soapstone will not always turn green. Some examples of soapstone will not change their color even if they’ve been in use for a long time.Other types of soapstone may change color, but they will just darken. For example, an already gray piece of soapstone may turn dark gray after a few years. If the soapstone you have installed features a green color, that hue may also darken over time.
Gary Evans is passionate about home improvement. He loves finding out how to make improvements in the easiest, most practical, and most affordable ways. Upgrading his home kitchen is one of his ongoing hobbies. Gary is also a long-time content creator and enjoys spending his free time tending to his hydroponic vegetable garden.
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