Soapstone and countertop decisions

13 years ago

I used Cambria in my last kitchen and I like that it took the guesswork out of natural stone. I found it intimidating to think about choosing a granite slab, and all the different kinds to choose from, and whether or not they were more likely to stain, etc...

I still wouldnt mind using Cambria again, but the price is worrying me. And the color I really like is a color my husband really does not like.

I've always liked soapstone and I want to maybe consider that but before I do I would like to figure out the average price per sq foot.

I also want to know what kind of soapstone I should be looking at. I want something that isnt really soft. I like the "classic" soapstone that is dark grey or black and I really do like the white veins running through it. I do not want green. What kinds should I be looking at?

Also, I live in Vermont and I know there are 2 companies up here. Green Mountain Soapstone and Vermont Soapstone. Has anyone used them? Will they have the kind of soapstone that I like?

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Comments (4)

texaspenny
13 years ago
You'll probably have to call them directly and see what's in stock. Also, if you're using a general contractor, they may not give you a price. Everything goes through the contractor so they can add on their charge. I'm getting soapstone and also using it for my backsplash. I have no idea what I'm paying per sq foot because of all the extras they're doing (cutting the backsplash down to 2cm, putting a cap on a raised wall). I don't think I want to know.
Kristen Hallock
Original Author
13 years ago
Ok. We are not using a contractor. This is all DIY. But I expected to be able to purchase countertops and have someone come in and template them and install them. Will a regular soapstone company do that? I guess I need to find out.
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prill
13 years ago
Yes, a company like Vermont Soapstone would come in and template and install for you. I got my soapstone from Dorado Soapstone in Massachusetts. I believe it ended up being around $70-75.00/sq. ft. There are various degrees of softness or hardness as the case may be. Most companies will sell you or give you samples that you can take home and try out. Try to scratch them, hammer them etc. to see how they hold up. A lot of people here have soapstone, so I hope you'll hear from some others. Dorado's website shows some of the slabs they carry, and has a gallery of counters. http://www.doradosoapstone.com. If you do a search at the bottom of the page or just in google for gardenweb soapstone, hopefully you'll find some threads about soapstone.

This is mine - it's called Medium Minus. I have to say, I've never seen it any other place. It's a little on the soft side, but I loved the turquoise veins.
EATREALFOOD
13 years ago
I got my Soapstone through Green Mountain this past June. If you call them they will give their certified dealer in your area. I used their dealer in NY, the price was $82/sq ft. All soapstone will have a little green I think but it is not noticeable depending on the variety. Some varieties are very green and others appear more black(after applying wax/oil).