Cost of Soapstone Countertops
| Soapstone Countertops Costs | Zip Code | Sq. ft. | |
| Basic | Better | Best | |
| Soapstone Countertops – Material Prices | $489.00 - $554.00 | $556.50 - $589.00 | $633.50 - $691.50 |
| Soapstone Countertops – Installation Cos ... | $62.50 - $63.50 | $65.00 - $76.50 | $78.00 - $80.00 |
| Soapstone Countertops – Total | $551.50 - $617.50 | $621.50 - $665.50 | $711.50 - $771.50 |
What is a soapstone sink?
This natural stone has been used since the 1800s to make sinks and countertops, most notably in laboratories because of its unique properties—it’s not affected by chemicals, acids, or temperature. We talked with Glenn Bowman, the owner of Vermont Soapstone, to learn some of the ins and outs of soapstone sinks.
How much does a Vermont soapstone sink cost?
The standard-size sinks at Vermont Soapstone run from $400 up to $1,000 for a 36-inch two-bowl sink. “Custom sizes will cost more,” says Bowman.
How much do soapstone countertops cost?
Soapstone countertops cost anywhere from $70 to $120 per square foot. Not including installation, a typical 30 square-foot soapstone countertop costs about $2,100 to $3,600. Installing new countertops is a big project with many factors to consider.
Are stone sinks making a comeback in the kitchen?
Stone sinks are also coming back into vogue in modern kitchens. Why, because they are so indestructable. I live in a two hundred year old home. We have springs as our water source, and when we renovated our kitchen last winter, I had a pitcher pump put back in over a laundry/utility sink.
Are soapstone sinks good?
Incredibly Durable Soapstone is resistant to chemical and water damage which makes it the perfect material for any kitchen. The natural stone also holds up well to heat, so you will never have to worry about a hot pan damaging your sink. Soapstone is a non-porous material, so liquid will never stain your sink.
How do you tell if a sink is concrete or soapstone?
If they are soapstone they will be made up of slabs so the inside corners will be square. If they look like they are all one piece with rounded inside corners they are most likely concrete. Some concrete scratches fairly easily.
How much does a soapstone sink weigh?
This is a very dense stone. Soapstone weighs an average of 20 lbs.
How do you refresh a soapstone sink?
How to Restore a Soapstone SinkClean the soapstone sink with a dishcloth and mild dishwashing liquid. ... Apply mineral oil to the soapstone with a clean, dry cloth. ... Wipe away any excess mineral oil to keep the sink from being slick. ... Rub sandpaper in a circular motion over any deeper scratches, using a medium pressure.More items...
How is soapstone sold?
Raw soapstone slabs range in price from $45 to $85 per square foot, depending on where the stone was quarried and its talc content (lower talc content—and a harder surface—is usually more expensive).
What does soapstone look like?
Soapstone is typically gray, bluish, green, or brown in color, often variegated. Its name is derived from its "soapy" feel and softness. The name "soapstone" is often used in other ways. Miners and drillers use the name for any soft rock that is soapy or slippery to the touch.
How do you clean a soapstone sink?
You can clean your soapstone after the mineral oil treatment using any household cleanser such as Ajax or Comet. Usually just wiping the soapstone with soap and water works just fine. A soapstone sink will stand up to any mild cleaner.
What is soapstone good for?
Soapstone is commonly believed to have a soothing, balancing effect while creating a positive, calming energy. Soapstone is valued for it the way it helps one prepare for changes in life. It is also thought to promote truth, logic as well as rational and creative thinking.
How do I clean soapstone?
For regular cleaning, the best method is:Put a few drops of dish soap into a bucket of warm water.Using a clean sponge, wipe your soapstone countertops completely.Rinse the sponge or use a clean cloth to wipe any excess soap from the countertop.Allow to dry.
How can you tell if soapstone is real?
Scratch the surface of the stone with your fingernail. Soapstone is very soft; it is assigned a rating of 2 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. This means that simply by drawing your fingernail across the surface of the stone you should be able to mark it.
Is soapstone better than granite?
Soapstone is nearly impervious to staining. This is in sharp contrast to granite and marble, which can be stained quite easily. Scratches and dents can be sanded out of the stone, much the way Corian and other solid-surface materials can be repaired.
Does soapstone show water stains?
0:041:19How to Clean Water Minerals off Your Soapstone Sink - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd we're going to talk a little bit about one of the concerns that we have people call us aboutMoreAnd we're going to talk a little bit about one of the concerns that we have people call us about that is the water spotting or the mineral deposit on the surface when they have soapstone.
How much does soapstone cost?
In general, soapstone countertops tend to cost between $55 to $100 per square foot, depending on what type you choose, how difficult the installation process is and how much of the stone you need for your new countertop. Below is a breakdown of the lowest, average and highest costs of soapstone countertops. Cost of Soapstone Countertops.
What color is soapstone?
Different types are lighter or darker and can include hints of blue, green and black. The color of soapstone naturally darkens over time, developing a distinct patina that many homeowners find charming. If you want to speed up the process, you can treat your soapstone countertops with mineral oil to darken the surface.
What is the difference between soapstone and marble?
Marble, like granite, will offer more color and pattern options than soapstone. But soapstone has a major advantage over marble in terms of maintenance.
Why do people have soapstone countertops?
Many prospective homeowners love the idea of having soapstone countertops, as the material is attractive, durable and easy to care for. Having soapstone countertops may be one of the most desirable features when the time comes to sell your home.
How long does soapstone countertop need to be?
Soapstone is quarried in smaller slabs. Because of this, any countertops longer than 7 feet will have visible seams. To try to combat this, you can see if seams can be placed in an inconspicuous spot.
What are the different types of soapstone?
Types of Soapstone. As mentioned above, there are two different types of soapstone. These two types are referred to as Artistic Soapstone and Architectual Soapstone. Artistic Soapstone has a very high talc content; often times the talc content in Artistic Soapstone is upwards of 80 percent.
What is soapstone used for?
Soapstone is a beautiful natural stone that is commonly used as a building material. Beyond countertops, soapstone has often been used to carve sculptures because of the soft nature of the material. However, the soapstone used to carve sculptures is much softer than the type that is used to build countertops, so you can set aside any fears ...
How much does soapstone cost?
Granite and quartz cost about $50 to $100 per square foot, while soapstone countertops costs $70 to $120 per square foot. Not including installation, a typical 30-square-foot slab of granite or quartz costs about $1,500 to $3,000, while a soapstone countertop costs about $2,100 to $3,600.
What is soapstone countertop?
It is a highly durable countertop material used in science labs across the country. A non-porous material, it doesn’t stain. It will darken when liquid is spilled on its surface, but it will return to its original color when it dries. It is acid-resistant. Lemon juice and other agents that will harm other stone surfaces won’t harm soapstone. It is also heat-resistant. You may set hot pots and pans directly on its surface without worry. This also makes it a good choice around fireplaces.
What percentage of talc is used in soapstone?
In fact, it’s the high concentration of talc that gives it its name, as talc softens the stone and gives it the texture of bar soap. Soapstone with 80 percent talc is favored among sculptors for its pliability while stone with around 30 percent talc is preferred for architectural features such as countertops.
What is a British style drain?
Some homeowners opt for a British-style drainage area — a flat, recessed area with a slight lip draining towards the sink. Another option is a European-style drainage, which contains no grooves or lip. European-style drainage simply slopes the countertop so that it will drain toward the sink. The cost of these options will depend on ...
What is soapstone made of?
It consists mostly of talc. Other minerals found in it include magnesite, chlorite and various amphiboles — crystal-like structures found in some minerals. It is denser than slate, marble and other harder stones. Other qualities that make soapstone a good material for kitchens and bathrooms include: Heat resistance.
How much does it cost to install quartz countertops?
Installation – $600 to $800. Total – $3,500 to $4,900. Like granite, quartz is rigid and requires extra supports and materials to keep it from cracking. Because it is a hard stone, it will also add substantially to the cost to add cut-outs and other features.
What color is soapstone?
Soapstone comes in a variety of beautiful greys. As it ages, it darkens to a warm, deep grey . This can emphasize the natural streaks in the stone for a rich and purposeful look.
Can you install soapstone countertops?
Installing Soapstone Countertops isn’t an easy task to perform and can leave you with a sore back. You might find it more cost effective to hire a Kitchen Soapstone Countertops company or a General contractor to perform the work for you.
Does soapstone get better prices?
Soapstone Countertops, or General contracting companies will most always get better prices on Soapstone Countertops than a general consumer would — hire a professional and save your back and additional costs of Soapstone Countertops, so shop around, ask your neighbors if they can recommend someone.
Why do I use a utility sink?
I use that utility sink on a daily basis for things like pulling up water for chickens, filling mop buckets, soaking vegetables out of the garden before canning. It's a sanitary way of removing "dirty" kitchen chores from the food preparation area. It also means one needs basins both large and deep.
When was the Nu stone made?
It was produced by Nu stone in 1928, it is stamped and dated on the back. There are not many left from by from the reputable manufacturer, Nu stone. It was painted with yellow latex paint at one point....it is mostly worn off and should be easy to take off whats left. A great find for renovation !
