A completed soapstone countertop typically costs between $2,700 to $4,200
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 appearance, making it warmer in its appearance than granite or slate counters.
You can expect to pay around $550 to $750 just in professional labor to install soapstone countertops. 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 you’re going to spend.
How Much Do Soapstone Counters Cost per Square Foot?
Soapstone countertops cost between $70 to $120 per square foot. Not including installation, a completed soapstone countertop costs between $2,100 to $3,600.
While the cost of installing soapstone countertops varies, expect to spend between $550 to $750 in labor to get the job done. That number covers 50 square feet of countertop, so you should adjust according to your own measurements and err on the side of too much soapstone instead of not enough.
How Much Do Soapstone Counters Cost Near You?
The price of soapstone for your kitchen counters doesn’t just vary by square footage. Where you live also informs just how much you’re going to shell out to get this unique-looking soft stone. Our breakdown below includes the average cost of the soapstone and the cost of installation around the U.S.
Soapstone Counters Cost by City
| City | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Boston | $4,215 |
| Baltimore | $3,150 |
| Chicago | $5,405 |
| Denver | $5,240 |
| Houston | $3,740 |
| Juno, AK | $3,800 |
| Los Angeles | $4,075 |
| Miami | $3,755 |
| New York | $3,980 |
| Omaha, NE | $2,130 |
| Seattle | $2,870 |
Soapstone Counter Cost Breakdown
Your total cost to install soapstone counters mainly includes two factors: how much material you need and the cost of labor. Here’s how it all breaks down:
Materials
In order to get the counters of your dreams, first, you need the materials to go with it. For 50 feet of counter material, expect to spend between $2,100 to $3,600.
Installation
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.
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.
How Much Does It Cost to Install Soapstone Counters 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.
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, this is a job you should outsource to a professional in your area.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Soapstone counters are a popular choice for kitchen counters, and not just because they look pretty. This material absorbs heat, making it perfect for pots right off the stove. Soapstone may be soft, but its surface is so hard to penetrate that it’s more resistant than other materials like granite and slate when it comes to bacterial growth. Nice to have in a kitchen around all that raw chicken, right?
While soapstone is tough on germs, it’s not so tough in general. Over time, expect the stone to develop its own darker look and patina. You can apply mineral oil every four to six weeks to maintain the look of the stone, but this won’t prevent any long-lasting wear and tear.
Speaking of wear and tear, you can’t go hard on these counters, either: using them as a chopping board is a no-no because the knife will absolutely leave marks. Ding it with a heavy pot or pan, and you may chip away a piece of the soapstone.
There are two different types of soapstone, one with artistic-grade talc and one with architectural-grade talc. Keep in mind when you’re shopping for soapstone that it must be architectural-grade talc, which is much more durable.
While soapstone isn’t hard, it is dense; in fact, it’s more compact than marble, granite, and quartz. That’s what makes it a popular countertop choice. It’s also not affected by acids like lemon or vinegar—that’s why it’s so often used in chemistry labs.
People often choose to take on the cost of replacing their kitchen counters when they are renovating their entire kitchen. No matter where you are in the kitchen renovation process, it’s never too early to start taking measurements and looking for the best soapstone deals near you.
