What Is Soapstone, Is Soapstone Expensive, and Should You Use It?

When considering the countertop options, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the choices available. You can choose from granite, quartz, marble, or the lesser-known but undeniably sophisticated soapstone. This naturally stunning stone has been around for a long time and is making a comeback. If you are considering it for your home renovation project, let’s explore what makes it special.

What is Soapstone?

Soapstone, otherwise known as steatite, is a metamorphic rock composed mostly of talc combined with minerals like magnesium and chlorite. The name comes from the silky, soft texture that feels like a dry bar of soap.

Soapstone comes in two types:

• Artistic soapstone, which contains 80% talc and is soft, perfect for carving and sculpting.
• Architectural soapstone has a 50 to 75% talc composition, making it more durable for countertops and other building applications.

Soapstone is a stunning natural stone that comes in beautiful colors with shades of grey and accents of green, blue, or black with a white vein throughout. One of the better characteristics of soapstone? It darkens over time, developing a rich patina that adds character to your space.

Is Soapstone Expensive?

Here’s the million-dollar question—or more precisely, the $2,100 to $7,200 question for an average kitchen. Soapstone countertops usually cost $70 to $120 per square foot installed. Thus, they are in the mid-range of natural stone options.

Cost factors include:

• Slab quality and thickness – Premium architectural-grade slabs with fewer defects cost more
• Color rarity – Standard gray is the most affordable, while the blue and green hues inflate cost

• Custom features – Integrated drainboards, specialty edge designs, and cutouts increase the final bill
• Installation complexity – Upper-floor installations or waterfall edges require additional labor

Compared to other materials, soapstone sits comfortably between laminate and high-end granite, making it an accessible luxury for many homeowners.

Should You Use Soapstone?

This depends entirely on your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences.

The Incredible Benefits: Soapstone is remarkably non-porous, meaning it never needs sealing—unlike granite or marble. It’s naturally antimicrobial and stain-resistant, making cleanup a breeze. The heat resistance is phenomenal; you can place scalding pots directly on the surface without worry. It’s also resistant to acids, so spilled lemon juice or wine won’t cause damage.

The Honest Drawbacks:

• Soapstone is softer than granite, making it susceptible to scratches and dents from sharp objects
• The natural darkening process isn’t for everyone—if you want your counters to stay light forever, look elsewhere
• Color options are limited to nature’s palette of grays, blacks, and occasional blues or greens

The good news? Minor scratches can be easily buffed out with sandpaper or concealed with mineral oil applications.

Making Your Decision Count

Soapstone offers timeless elegance, impressive durability, and refreshingly low maintenance for homeowners who appreciate natural materials that evolve gracefully. It’s ideal for busy kitchens where heat resistance matters and for anyone tired of constant countertop sealing routines. While it requires occasional attention to scratches, the tradeoff is a surface with genuine character and warmth that engineered materials simply can’t replicate.

Your dream countertops are waiting! Transform your space with expert soapstone countertop installation from Zicklin Contracting. Perfect for kitchens and bathrooms, we’ll bring your vision to life with professional care. Visit zicklincontracting.com/ to schedule your consultation today!