How Much Do Soapstone Countertops Cost? [2025 Data]
Installing soapstone countertops will cost around $2,850 on average, depending on its size and location. Most spend between $2,100 and $7,200.
Soapstone countertops typically cost $70 to $120 per square foot for materials and labor.
The size of your countertops and the complexity of your kitchen’s layout are the largest cost factors to consider when installing soapstone countertops.
Soapstone is a natural rock, so choosing an uncommon color or grain texture can double the cost per square foot.
Most contractors include removal for old countertops in their estimates, but ensure ahead of installation and budget separately for that task, if necessary.
Soapstone countertops cost around $2,100 to $7,200, or an average of $2,850. For materials and labor, expect to spend about $70 to $120 per square foot. If you’re considering soapstone counters for your kitchen, this cost guide will be a great jumping-off point to figuring out just how much to budget.
Soapstone has been popular as a counter material for many years, particularly with those looking to achieve a more rustic look. That’s because of the stone’s soft and almost milky look, making it warmer in its appearance than granite or slate counters.
Soapstone Countertops Cost per Square Foot
Soapstone countertops typically cost $70 to $120 per square foot for materials and labor. This means that for an average-sized kitchen with 30 square feet of counter space, you’ll pay about $2,100 to $3,600.
| Size in Square Feet | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 20 | $1,400–$2,400 |
| 30 | $2,100–$3,600 |
| 40 | $2,800–$4,800 |
| 50 | $3,500–$6,000 |
| 60 | $4,200–$7,200 |
Soapstone Countertops Cost Breakdown
Your total cost to install soapstone counters mainly includes two factors: how much material you need and the cost of labor to create your countertop idea. Here’s how it all breaks down:
Color
The classic choice for soapstone countertops is gray. After you install the counter and use it, you’ll notice that the surface gets darker over time.
Note that compared to other countertop options, your color options are fairly limited. Here are the costs for the materials only for common color choices.
| Color | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Gray | $26–$50 |
| Green | $25–$50 |
| Blue | $50–$70 |
| White | $55–$70 |
| Black | $55–$70 |
Edging
You can go with squared or eased edges for no additional charge, but choosing a different edging type can give your counter the extra pop you may be looking for.
| Edging Type | Average Cost (Per Linear Foot) |
|---|---|
| Half or Full Bullnose | $10–$12 |
| Bevel | $10–$12 |
| Pencil Round | $8–$10 |
| Chiseled | $20–$25 |
| Ogee | $20–$25 |
| French Cove | $30–$35 |
Installation Location
Here are the average costs you can expect to spend for your soapstone counters in different areas of your home.
| Location | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Kitchen | $2,100–$7,200 |
| Kitchen Island | $770–$2,340 |
| Bathroom | $280–$1,800 |
| Outdoor Kitchen | $1,400–$3,600 |
Labor
If you hire a professional to install your new soapstone counters in the kitchen, expect it to take between two and four days and to pay $550 to $750 to complete the job. This equates to $10 to $40 per square foot for labor.
Be mindful when hiring a local professional counter installer; make sure you’ve got someone well-reviewed and that you’ve gotten at least three quotes before you pick the right team for the job.
Additional Countertop Costs to Consider
Here are additional costs you should keep in mind when planning your soapstone counter project.
Drainboard
Installing a drainboard on your soapstone counters is an easy way to keep the area below your dish drying rack clean and dry. These are built into your counters with up to 1/2-inch slope toward the sink. The runnels are usually 16 to 18 inches long and are either raised or recessed. You can get custom drainboards if you’d like specific runnel lengths, slope angles, or runnel layouts.
| Drainboard Type | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Traditional | $300–$450 |
| British-Style | $350–$550 |
| European-Style | $350–$550 |
| Custom | $550+ |
Custom Cuts or Cutouts
Custom cuts and cutouts for your countertop cost extra. Common cutouts include sink cutouts and cooktop cutouts, which cost $200. You might also get other custom additions like carved designs. The extra work will translate to higher labor costs, which can range between $30 and $40 or more per square foot.
Removal of Existing Countertops
Getting rid of your existing countertops will run you $50 to $350, depending on the material. Before you rush to haul your old countertops off your property, you should see if you can repurpose the material for other projects around your home. You can repurpose some materials like marble and granite into backsplashes, baseboards, fireplaces, and more.
Backsplash Installation
The soapstone price per square foot for a backsplash is the same as for countertops, costing $70 to $120 per square foot. Getting a matching soapstone backsplash is a great option if you’d like a sleek, clean look. Otherwise, standard options are more affordable at $15 to $40 per square foot.
Soapstone Countertop Cost vs. Other Countertop Materials
There are many countertop options out there for your home project. Here are some common alternatives and how they compare with soapstone prices.
| Countertop Type | Average Cost (Per Square Foot) |
|---|---|
| Soapstone | $70–$120 |
| Granite | $50–$200 |
| Quartz | $50–$200 |
| Marble | $40–$100 |
| Limestone | $70–$150 |
| Slate | $50–$100 |
| Concrete | $65–$135 |
| Epoxy | $50–$150 |
Ongoing Countertop Expenses
After your soapstone countertop installation, these are the ongoing costs you should plan for.
Maintenance
Maintenance for soapstone costs very little. To enjoy the best hues of soapstone, apply mineral oil to your counters after the installation. After that, apply oil monthly for a year or two, depending on your preferences. The mineral oil helps bring out the beauty of the soapstone as it ages. Mineral oil costs about $6 to $9 per bottle.
Note that you don’t have to seal your nonporous soapstone countertops, so you don’t have to worry about sealing costs.
Repairs
Soapstone is a soft material, which means that if you accidentally cut directly on the counter, you may notice scratches. You can usually repair shallow scratches by sanding them and applying mineral oil.
Call in a countertop pro to help you with larger repairs, which will cost you around $10 to $12 per square foot.
Cost to Install Soapstone Countertops Yourself
If you are installing soapstone yourself, then you are in luck. Seasoned DIYers probably already have the tools in their shed to cut down soapstone to size at home. Soapstone is made up of 80% talc, which makes it extremely soft—under the hand, it feels like a bar of soap.
DIY Soapstone Countertop Installation vs. Hiring a Pro
Woodworking tools are the perfect choice for cutting your soapstone. If you don’t have these at home already, expect to pay between $100 and $300 for a tool fit to tackle the task at home. Whatever you do, cut it outside. It’s a stone that creates a lot of dust because of its talky composition.
You can save around $550 to $750 on labor for this project if you do it yourself, but be mindful of how specialized it is to install soapstone. The stone is fragile, and if you have no experience cutting soapstone or other stone slabs, seriously consider leaving this job to a professional by hiring a stone countertop installer near you.
Cost of Common Soapstone Countertop Add-Ons
Here are the most common add-ons for your soapstone counters:
Soapstone sink: $2,000–$3,000
Plumber: $45–$200 per hour
Electrician: $50–$100 per hour
Cooktop installation: $550–$1,670
Permits: $500–$1,500
Kitchen cabinets: $100–$1,200 per linear foot
Pros and Cons of Soapstone Countertops
Soapstone has several functional and design advantages over other countertop materials, but it has its drawbacks as well. Consider the following pros and cons before purchasing soapstone countertops.
Pros
Durability: Soapstone is extremely durable and can withstand daily wear in even the most heavily used kitchens and bathrooms.
Stain resistance: While not impervious to staining, soapstone is less stain-prone than other common countertop materials such as marble or granite.
Heat resistance: You can safely place hot pots and pans directly on a soapstone surface without damaging it.
Aesthetics: Soapstone has natural, subtle veining and comes in various shades of gray. These features make it a beautiful and timeless option for many designs.
Cons
Surface damage: Soapstone can develop scratches and dents over time, which require sanding to remove.
Limited colors: Soapstone comes primarily in grays, greens, blues, black, or white, with few other options.
Routine maintenance: Soapstone requires regular oiling to enhance its luster and protect it from stains.
How to Save on Soapstone Countertop Installation Costs
If you’re looking for ways to save on your soapstone countertop installation, here are some tips to keep in mind:
Prefabricated options are cheaper than slabs at $40 to $60 per square foot
Colors like gray and green are less expensive than black and white
Get quotes from at least three highly-rated countertop installers
Check the details to see which services are or are not included in each quote
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We extensively research project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We rely on reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soapstone countertops can last 50 years or more with proper care, which can include applying protective mineral oil, buffing out scratches, and avoiding abrasive cleaners. Some soapstone surfaces remain intact for more than 100 years. Heavy usage can reduce the lifespan of your soapstone countertops, and outdoor surfaces tend to wear more quickly than those indoors.
Yes, you can put a hot pan on soapstone. Soapstone countertops are known for their exceptional heat resistance. Soapstone is the ideal countertop material for busy home chefs who don’t always have access to a trivet and may need to place hot pots or pans directly on the countertop.
No, soapstone does not crack easily. The softness of the material protects it from cracking but makes it prone to other types of damage such as scratches. Scratches may need to be buffed out occasionally using fine-grit sandpaper. You can also conceal minor scratches in your soapstone countertops by rubbing the surface with mineral oil.
Due to soapstone's non-porous nature and antimicrobial properties, you don’t need to seal it like other stone materials like marble or granite. However, even though sealing isn't required, it can enhance soapstone's natural stain resistance. Another protective option is to apply mineral oil once per month.
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