Soapstone is a preferred material for countertops for its look and finish. Know more on their cost in this article.
Soapstone is a natural stone which appears delicate but is durable in reality. The name soapstone comes from the waxy texture of this countertop. Soapstone is usually dull gray but may also come in very beautiful patterns of veins and flakes. Many people are switching to soapstone as a choice for countertops. If you too wish to install soapstone countertops in your kitchen, then its cost is something you might be interested in. But before that it would be interesting to know the myriad benefits of installing soapstone countertop in your kitchen.
Benefits
Soapstone is a natural stone, derived from metamorphic rock. It has to be quarried like any other stone. Depending upon the region where it was mined, it assumes various colors ranging from light gray to black. One may also notice greenish or bluish veins running through the slab. This additional color is the result of some mineral present in it. In general, soapstone is a very beautiful option for kitchen countertops. Apart from its beauty, it is also durable and rugged, hence ideal for kitchen use. It is soft, therefore can be easily cut into any shape. This makes its installation easier and quicker. The denser texture of soapstone prevents it from getting stained easily. It resists heat and does not show any reaction with acids. Although, it gets scratched easily, it does not break that easily. Further, it can easily resist minor scratching action such as scrubbing, chopping, cleaning, etc. These properties make it an ideal choice for kitchen countertops.
Cost
Soapstone is quarried from different countries like Brazil, India, Finland, Switzerland, etc. This causes a lot of variation in the price of soapstone countertops. Apart from that, there are several other factors which contribute to the variations in prices. If a soapstone shows attractive color or unique pattern, then its price naturally gets elevated. Besides, thickness of a soapstone slab also influences the cost to a great deal. The thicker the slab, the greater is the cost. However, one must note that, installing thick soapstone slab may not be a bright idea, due to its heavy weight. The weight of soapstone is about 20 pounds per square foot. Thus, you can imagine what such heavy slab could do to your countertop. Those with weaker foundations should steer clear of soapstone countertops.
Standard soapstone countertop slabs come in a thickness of three quarter inches. Their prices may vary from $70 – $100 per square foot, depending upon the various factors mentioned above. The maximum thickness available for these countertops is about two and a half inches. Thicker slabs may cost you anywhere from $90 – $100 per square foot. Soapstone prices may vary as per their availability. In areas where this is still a new product, you can expect to pay higher prices.
The above mentioned prices per square foot are mostly inclusive of installation charges. However, while placing an order, make sure if additional transportation charges are included. Besides, custom cut countertops may cost you additional expense. These countertops come in unusual shapes and sizes and may even include backsplashes. Additionally, these may come with holes drilled for faucets and utility lines. Expect to pay anywhere above $100 per square foot for such countertops.
Soapstone countertops may lack the toughness and versatility of granite countertops, but they sure make a great addition to your kitchen. However, their limited color range and high maintenance may dissuade some home owners from getting them.
