There will also be variations in pricing depending on the geography involved -- how far it is transported and by what method. The granite I got came from Canada by truck and was a higher price than a number of those that come from other continents by boat.

The soapstone I looked at was in the same price range as the mid to high mid range granites.

I am near Portland, Oregon as well. I am beginning a kitchen remodel and am in the same situation as you. I got a "quote" from this company (Stonemasters...there address is www.portlandgranite.com and they are located in Troutdale) by measuring my countertops. It was a general estimate and I never saw samples of the soapstone. I plan to go there as we begin to move forward. You may want to check them out.

This is a tricky comparison. In our case, soapstone was going for around $30 per square foot. That is just for the material, and doesn't include the fabrication. Granites go from the teens up to the hundreds for the material. Also remember that you typically buy the whole slab, so the actual cost per area installed depends on how efficiently you can use that slab! Also keep in mind that the fabrication and installation can run much more than the cost of the stone material.

We did look very closely at Virginia Mist granite, which is a nice grey with some white material swirling through. Many people think this is very similar to soapstone in appearance. The Virginia mist can be prepared with a honed, or an antiqued finish that make it more appropriate for an older home (non-shiny look). It has the advantage of being much harder, and so the dings and scratches that will occur with soapstone would be avoided. On top of those attributes, the Virginia mist is very popular in our area, and our fabricator uses it so much that he could essentially sell us based on the actual amount of square feet needed! So the Virginia mist would only be around $14 per square foot times the actual number of square feet needed.

I was really happy that my DH loved the soapstone enough that we took the plunge. The soapstone we found was just so much more beautiful than the inconspicuous virginia mist.

I just thought I'd mention the various factors that go into the decision - there are lots of considerations.

As someone who does not understand some folks fascination here with soapstone (granite to me is so much nicer but to each their own), I can't answer your question. However, I do have a question for you. You say you are trying to make the case but the only real reason you have laid out above is everyone in your area does granite and you want something different. I guess thats one argument, but it wouldn't be a convincing one to me.

Just pointing this out so you can strengthen your case if thats the direction you really want to go

For me, the soapstone was cheaper because we had the option of fabricating and installing ourselves. We wouldn't be able to do that with granite. Good thing, because I really just wanted the soapstone! :-)

bloomin...

Good point berryberry, I guess I'm not putting a very good case together!

Soapstone is a high end product. That means its gonna cost some cash. It should get you in the same ballpark as a granite. Just remember, which ever you choose...both are LUXURY items. No one will ever know if you try to pass off some cheap granite remnant that you got for $10/Sq Ft but you will. No one wants to be the girl with the fake louis vuitton standing in a group of girls with real ones. Plus granite is EVERYWHERE. Soapstone will set you apart. in a good way ;-)

Can anyone give me an honest opinion of this sort of up-charge cost for kitchen cherry cabinets?

We had estimates on granite and soapstone from local suppliers. We even picked out a beautiful slab of granite because the cost of soapstone locally was way out of our budget. After reading some posts here and asking a few questions, we decided to try to do some of it DIY so we could get the soapstone we wanted. By doing the template and installing the cut stone, the cost of the soapstone was just $250 more than the installed granite. Our stones are scheduled to arrive tomorrow. I hope we don't discover any hidden costs or problems that may increase our expense. If they come out one half as beautiful as some I have seen on this forum it will be well worth the work and the money.

My soapstone cost $4100 for 49 sq. ft. and the granite I would have used was going to be $3300. Relative to the total remodel cost, I think the jump was more than worth it.

For me, soapstone would have been less than granite, but I want a rather expensive granite.

Sue

I'm just getting informed about soapstone and I'd love to hear from all of you who has installed it since Jan or Feb - how's it holding up??? I do absolutely love it! Lynn

I have worked in lab's that use soapstone, and it forms a gummy residue on the surface after a few years of use. Has anyone experienced that?

Just recently built a new home and decided on soapstone in kitchen, granite in bathrooms. The soapstone is SO easy to maintain and I love the "honed" look as opposed to the shiny granite which shows everything including dust. Purchased from Doradosoapstone in Denver, CO. Prices are comparable to mid-high priced granite. Granite is in now, but time will tell if it's still vague. Soapstone on the otherhand is timeless and can fit into any decor - mine is transitional, i.e., contemporary with traditional. Have gotten many, many compliments on my soapstone counters.

Susan said, I have worked in lab's that use soapstone, and it forms a gummy residue on the surface after a few years of use. Has anyone experienced that?

You have to clean the counters occasionally :)

It's probably because your housekeeping staff is using an excess of something that builds up on the counters. Or else, like the cleaning crews I remember, they are terrified of everything in the lab and don't clean at all. They scurry in and grab the trash baskets and RUN for the door. :)

We cleaned our own counters with soap and a scrub brush about once a year, and wiped them down with ordinary counter cleaner or a bleach/water sanitizing mix between deep cleanings.

So wait - is soapstone man-made?

I think comparing the two materials by cost is a strange way to choose one. You are comparing oranges to apples here. Decide on the material you want, then shop for that within your budget. You are either a soapstone person or not, it's not for everyone, and the same goes for granite, or tile, or wood...

Am I reading the date stamp correctly? Is this thread really 5 years old?

Late to the party, but how is the soapstone holding up? I am worried about chips from the softness.