Soapstone is a versatile stone, often used for countertops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, table tops, showers, floors and for accent pieces.
Soapstone is not as common as marble and granite for kitchen countertops, so if you’re looking for a truly unique feel, soapstone may be a good option. Soapstone is a dark stone, with a matte finish.
Soapstone Choices
Our stock varies. Visit our showroom for our latest soapstone countertop stock.
Quality Upgrades
STAIN PROTECTION WARRANTY
Our stain warranty protects your stone for 15 years. If anything should stain it, we will come out to fix it. If for some reason we can’t fix it, we will replace the stone. If the stone is no longer available we will replace it with a stone of equal value. It’s a great piece of mind for your investment.
DRESS SEAM
Industry standard seams come together with a polyester resin that keeps them from separating. The resin can be matched to the color of the stone, but the seams are still visible and can be felt. With a Dress seam, we miter where the two pieces come together and smooth out the seam by hand, making it much smoother and much less visible. During installation our installers go back over the seams to make sure they are as smooth as possible.
CHIP MINIMIZER
Our sink chip minimizer comes in handy for those little “accidents” where a pot or pan hits the edge a little too hard, causing a chip. With the sink chip minimizer we will come out and repair the edge around the sink any time you get one of those little chips. A one time repair can cost you $160 or more with each trip. This is definitely worth the upgrade!
LAYOUT/VEIN MATCHING
There are a lot of granite and quartz products that have veins that run through the slabs. With a Layout/Vein Match we take photo’s of your slab and lay them out in our design program so we can match up those veins for you or put precise areas of the stone on specific tops. Our designer will have you come in and view exactly how your slab will be cut and laid out.
TEAR OUT AND PLUMBING
We can tear out your old laminate, solid surface or stone tops, along with backsplash if you choose to use the same product. We can coordinate your plumbing needs, including disconnect and reconnect of sinks and cooktops.
SINKS, FAUCETS AND FIXTURES
There is no need to shop around, we can coordinate your sink, faucets and fixtures for your project as well saving you time and making sure everything will be ready for your install.
Soapstone Countertop Pricing
Soapstone Countertop Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re considering soapstone countertops, or thinking about using the stone in a remodeling project, here are the answers to some of the most common questions we receive.
Click each question to expand and see the answers.
How much does soapstone cost?
Soapstone costs between $50-150 per square foot installed. A typical kitchen remodeling using soapstone countertops would be about $2400. This pricing is about the same as most granite and marble options, though slightly more expensive than mass produced quartz and low-end granite. Pricing varies based on availability in your area, the thickness of the stone, the uniqueness of the stone slab, the number of slabs required to create your layout, and the number of cuts that need to be made in the stone.
Does soapstone need to be sealed?
No. Soapstone is non-porous, so it does not need to be sealed. Mineral oil should be applied every month or so keep a uniform color, but this provides no additional protection or functional purpose. Non-porous stones don’t absorb liquids, so they do not stain or etch in the same way an unsealed porous stone would.
Can you put hot pots and pans on soapstone?
Yes. Soapstone is one of the most heat-resistant stone available. You can place hot pots and pans directly on the stone with little to no risk of cracking or discoloration.
Does soapstone come in white?
No. Soapstone is only available in dark colors, usually black/charcoal with dark blue or green tints.
What can soapstone be used for?
Soapstone is a versatile stone, often used for countertops, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds, table tops, showers, floors and for accent pieces.
Does soapstone wear more easily than other natural stone countertops?
Soapstone will experience more scratching, as well as general wearing because of it is a sofer stone. It is common for sharp corners to wear down when compared to granite or quartz. For many people the natural patina and wearing are part of the stone’s charm. Most wearing can be repaired by oiling, or light sanding. It is a very resilient stone, so even with the wear and tear, most soapstone countertops last for generations.
Does soapstone scratch easily?
Soapstone is a softer stone that granite or marble. Scratches do happen. Soapstone is composed of talc which is soft, but dense. So while soapstone does scratch and dent easily, it is also resilient. Many scratches can be repaired by applying mineral oil, or by sanding. If you want to retain a pristine countertop, soapstone is not a good choice. If you like a more worn look and a natural antique patina that develops over time, you will enjoy soapstone. For many soapstone owners, scratches, nicks and imperfections are part of the stone’s charm.
Why do you have to oil soapstone ?
Using mineral oil is not “required”, but suggested for most homeowners. New soapstone countertops will darken naturally over time. Applying mineral oil helps the oxidation process. The oil will give your stone a more uniform color across the surface. It will also help darken the stone. Untreated soapstone may have darker spots and patterns, particularly around the sink, cooktop and heavily used areas, which may stand out compared to the rest of the countertop. Oil minimizes this difference in tone and darkens the stone more evenly.
If you decide to use mineral oil, new countertops can be oiled every 2-3 weeks. Over time oil can be applied less often. How often depends on how much use your kitchen gets, but every few months is common. Oiling is more about the look you want to achieve, so you’ll have to use your own discretion. Oil can also help reduce the visibility of scratches and imperfections on the stone’s surface.
How do you clean soapstone?
Soapstone is non-porous, so it naturally resists liquids and foods that can cause stains. You can clean soapstone with a mixture of warm water and a mild dish detergent. Use a rag or sponge to apply the soap mixture, and then rinse thoroughly to remove all soap. The stone can air dry, or you can use a soft towel. Unlike marble and granite, soapstone is not damaged by acid foods and cleaners, or by ammonia based products, so you can use household cleaners if needed. For serious messes it’s not unheard of to use a fine grit sandpaper on the stone to buff out stains or blemishes. Check your warranty, and with your manufacturer before sanding your countertops.