I asked my KD about soapstone and she said it was quite a bit higher than granite. Honestly, $79 doesn't sound that bad to me. That seems in the range of many of the granites. I don't know much else. I am sure some soapstone experts will have more to say...

When all was said and done, our 3cm soapstone slabs, plus fabrication & installation, cost about $120 sf. Sigh. But I wouldn't have anything else!
For reference, I'm in Portland, OR.
I'm surprised you're not finding 3cm slabs. In my searching that's all I saw. But, as Kelleg said above, there are plenty of soapstone experts around here, so someone should have useful info for you.

I was quoted $125 sq ft for an island w/ sink cutout. Central Wisconsin. No demo & I live less than 2 miles from the fabricator/ dealer.

FWIW, I did use Soapstone West and did pay $98. They did a fantastic job, I am very pleased. I even had my fireplace hearth done in SS.

dutchy7: I've asked a couple of suppliers in my area and they don't carry 3cm. How does this effect the overall look and feel of the soapstone? Do you have pictures of your soapstone counters? I guess $98.00 sq ft doesn't seem that outrageous compared to $120.00 sq. ft. Thanks for your help.

ci lantro: Thanks for our reply. Which soapstone did you use and how do you like it?

lrmax: How long ago did you use Soapstone West and which soapstone did you install? Do you have pictures you'd care to share? Thank you so much for replying. What did you have on your counters before soapstone?

I chose the Black Vendata for the counters and Belvedere for the fireplace (or is it the other way around?!?) My counters have heavy veining but the fireplace is almost pure black. Both were installed last month. I also had Soapstone West build a sink from the SS. It is a 36" apron front, with a low divider. Prior to the SS, I had the original white tile the house was built with in 1964.....I will download the pictures from camera send you some this evening.

You might ask Soapstone West about the thickness. For the large slabs needed for most kitchens counters, it was my understanding that 3cm is recommended for strength & durability. I think for a smaller surface area, like a bathroom or laundry room, 2cm would be fine, but I'd try to get more info on 2cm soapstone for kitchen countertops.
Since I was curious, I just poked around on S. West's site. They don't go into detail on dimensions anywhere, but in the "About" section, under "easy to work with", they reference soapstone's "thick 3cm edge", so maybe they have access to thinker slabs than other places. I've included a link to that page at the end of this post.

Here are a couple of pics of my counters. Sorry it's kind of hard to see much detail. We still have some things to finish up in the kitchen, but even in just a couple months the countertops are starting to acquire a nice patina of fine little scratches. I could sand them all out, but to me, that's part of the beauty of soapstone and I wouldn't change a thing! My counters feel right at home in my 100 y.o. house. But, be forewarned, if you don't love little nicks and scratches, soapstone might drive you nuts. :-)
{{!gwi}}
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Here is a link that might be useful: soapstone west

lrmx: Thank you. I'll look forward to seeing your pictures.

dutchy7: It's hard to see your counters but from what I can see they look beautiful. I have white kitchen cabinets with 8X8 white tile now and have lusted for soapstone for years. I love the patina along with all the nicks ands scratches, that's the beauty of soapstone. I talked to Soapstone West and it depends on the slab I choose. I have a lot of counter space so they think I'll probably need 3 slabs. I think I have around 95 sq ft. of counter space to replace (hence the heart attack on cost). That's counter space not including backsplash. I'm considering selling my organs on the black market to finance this project LOL. I have full bullnose countertops and the only soapstone countertops I've seen have a square edge finish. Is it possible to get a more rounded edge?

I live in OC and used Tom Shadley. He's meticulous and did an awesome job. I don't remember exactly but it was I think $95 for the 3cm. Several people here have used him that's how I found out about him. He used to answer questions here occasionally but I haven't been around much so I don't know if he still does. I still love my SS everytime I walk in the kitchen I'm glad I got it even if it was a splurge. Mine only has two tiny nicks and no scratches after a year and a half.

Here is a link that might be useful: Shadley's Soapstone

Thanks for the lead. I'll give them a call tomorrow. Which soapstone did you use and do you have pictures you wouldn't mind sharing? Thanks.

I'm in NJ, used Garden State Soapstone, and it was $95/sq ft installed. Same as high-end granite. I don't know from cm, but this soapstone is 1-1/4" inches thick. Beautiful!!

I'm on the opposite coast and I was kind of curious as to what a New Englander might expect to pay for soapstone?

Tom Shadley did my soapstone counters Jan. 07. Saying I LOVE my counters is an understatement. He is the King of soapstone and a really nice guy, too. : ) Give him a call - you won't be sorry.

As for prices, I think we paid $95 a sq.ft, 3 cm. Pics below. We have since moved the fridge to the other side of the kitchen and built a hutch in the old fridge location. We used a piece of the stone left from the job for the counter. No pics yet but we love it.

Diana

Here is a link that might be useful: kitchen pics

angelclub: Thanks for the link, I'll call him tomorrow. I'm glad to know that you love your soapstone. Which soapstone did you have installed? I have white cabinets and just adore the look of soapstone with white cabinets. What type of reveal do you have on your sink? These are all questions I would never think to ask or realize how much they mattered before stumbling onto this forum. Thank you to all of you wonderful GWers for your wealth of experience, advice and just plain kindness!

Hi mldao

Here are some pictures of my soapstone from Soapstone West.

We still have not picked a floor or backsplash:)

If it makes anyone feel better, I am outside Boston and just got a bid from a GC who carried an allowance of $110/sq ft for stone tops (type not specified). I am assuming that includes templating and installation. HTH

mldao, our soapstone is GM Original. It has never lightened up since the first oiling that Tom did after the install. And it's tough - I know I've nicked the edge a couple of times but you could never find them. It doesn't scratch easily, either but if I do get a scratch it disappears with a little oil or the beeswax/oil mix, which I prefer.

We have a partial reveal around the sink. No problems with things getting stuck on top of the sink reveal. It just wipes up with a cloth or sponge. I clean the edge whether there is something on it or not - just part of my cleaning routine.

Diana

lrmax: Thanks for the pictures. Your kitchen looks lovely and the soapstone looks stunning.

Diana: Was the GM Original a special order? I received 4 samples from Soapstone West yesterday and I'd like to compare them to Shadley's supply. Do you know if Tom would send samples to me for a comparision to Soapstone West? I left him a message this morning and hopefully I'll hear from him before the end of today.

Supra92: I've received one quote for $79.00 and it was from Home Expo. So far everyone else is in the $95-$98 range. Do you have pictures of your soapstone counters? If so, would you mind sharing?

hollylh: The quotes I've received include templating and installation but not the demo of my existing tile. I've been quoted $10.00 sq. ft. or a flat flee of $1,500.00 - $2,000.00. They won't know until they get an acurate measurement.

mldao,

No, the GM Original was not a special order. It's one of the stones Tom used at the time. I'm not sure if he still does so be sure and ask him. I'm also not sure if he would send samples - best to ask him. I picked out my stone and slab by going to his location where the slabs were stored. DH and I had already been to Soapstone West and seen what they had. Really nice and knowledgeable people. Tom knows the owner, too. We know someone who used them and were happy but the stone they picked doesn't stay dark for long. I will try and find out the name of the stone they chose.

If Tom doesn't call you try him again tonight. He can get very busy. I'd like to think I bear some of the blame for that because I am always singing his praises. : )

I was quoted 69 on the low end for Ice Flower from HD Expo. Up to 110. We ended up paying 105. I found granite starting at 35 for 3cm.

Diana: I left Tom a message today and still haven't heard from him. I'll give him another call tomorrow. Thanks again.

Lots of granite fabricators also work soapstone. We do, charge $82 per square foot. Check you local slab yards to see if they carry soapstone, then ask them who does a good job with the material.

It can be tricky to polish, hard and soft spots make it tough to do well. We learned to use a very light touch and use sandpaper instead of the diamond pads.

It is good material, one of the few natural stones that I think make a good countertop. Really pretty, we have a large greenish black Island that I eat lunch on every day at the shop, can't stain it and it has a soft feel to it, glasses don't clink as hard as on other stones.

Diana,

I meant to update you in regards to Tom of Shadley Soapstone. He called me last week the day before 4th of July and I told him he came highly recommended. I laughed when I told him I didn't know you personally but this recommendation came from a forum. I said I only have her first name "Diana" and he knew who you were immediately. He said he really enjoyed working with you and your husband. Thanks for great referral. I haven't met him in person yet but just from our phone conversation I'm sure I'll feel the same as you. Once again, thank you and I'll keep you updated. I promise to post pictures.

Ann

Does anyone have an idea on price for SS in the deep south (Alabama)? Thanks!

Ooooh--Amazon. That is probably the lovliest soapstone I have seen thus far (courtesy of vwhippiechick's kitchen).

My stone was 110/sq ft, and I'm in the SF Bay Area.

Angelclub I am blown away by the work you two did! It's awesome and totally up my alley! (You guys don't want to come hang out "where the wind comes sweeping down the plains" for a while, do you?)

mldao, sounds like you got a very reasonable quote.

Just saw this thread. Our Beleza (installed about two months ago) was $85/sf. We're in Central Texas.

I am in Bucks County PA north of Philly and I was quoted $95 installed by a soapstone only fabricator. I ended up going with a combo of granite and soapstone and the granite place had just reduced its soapstone because it wasn't a big seller for them so I got it for somewhat less than $95, perhaps in the $60-$70 range but I am not exactly sure how much.

Can't give much info on installed cost since we DIY'd but if you are considering Amazon, I highly recommend it. We love our Amazon and have none of the water rings and other issues some have discussed on a previous thread. I know the use of SS names seems a little loose at times but if it is the same variety we have, I think you will be happy with it. It has small but noticeable white veining and stays dark a long time with oiling. Can't tell you how much I enjoy ours.

vwhippiechick: Your soapstone is stunning. I'll have to check and see if it's available in my area. I had to put a hold on installing soapstone counters with 3 kids and endless summer activities. They would have driven me crazy running in and out of the house with wet feet and hair dripping on everything. With that said "YEAH" for school starting in two weeks. I get my SOAPSTONE!!!! Granted I still have to choose the slabs but who cares that's the fun part.