how to choose soapstone?

16 years ago

I'm trying to figure out which vendors I'll be using now so that I can really focus on my kitchen design. I know I want a custom soapstone sink (double bowl, 42") and soapstone countertops.

There is a business that has dealt in soapstone for a couple of generations near here, so I know that they can competently provide the sink and installation, and from checking earlier GW threads, at a highly competetive rate.

Here's the hitch. 6-10 years ago when I decided to do soapstone, there wasn't the huge selection of stones to peruse. Now looking at M. Teixeira's site I feel baffled. So many choices how's a girl to choose?

The local business carries what is called Original P.A. whatever that is. He says he can order others, but it will be more $$.

Appearance-wise, I just want something charcoal/black with moderate or little veining. No greens or yellows.

Hardness.... how much should I worry? In the sink I certainly don't want to ding it every time I wash a cast iron skillet, but I don't know how to tell?

Should I just go with the relatively affordable Original P.A. (of course I'd go see and get samples)? Or dare I try granite people that claim to also do soapstone? Dare I have it all shipped from NJ and get my GC to do it?

Thanks for any guidance!

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Comments (7)

arlosmom
16 years ago
I think quite a few people have Original PA soapstone. Look in the Finished Kitchens Blog for mary_in_nc. I know she has it, loves it, and has included some photos of her stone.

Here is a link that might be useful: Finished kitchens blog
sabjimata
16 years ago
My advice: Order the sample pack from MT and then smash a pot to them. You will quickly see how the hardness of soapstone varies. If you don't feel so violent, scratch them with a key. ;)

I had Cobra in my last kitchen and LOVED it. Very hard, very consistent black look when oiled.
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gb85
16 years ago
If you live near VA keep check out the Alberene Soapstone Quarry.
marthavila
16 years ago
I have Original PA. If you are looking for a very dark, hard soapstone, with little to moderate veining, then Original PA may be just the stone for you. I've had it for approximately 18 months now and I'm very pleased with it.
zillapgh
Original Author
16 years ago
Marthavila,

I'd love to see pictures of your kitchen counters, but I can't find your name on the finished kitchen blog. I feel like I've seen your name around forever on GW... could that be?

In any case, please tell me where to look for your photos.

To everyone: Thanks! I think I'll likely go with the local guy, it'll be so easy for me and I think I will be perfectly fine with Original PA... pictures of it from Mary in NC look just what I want.

Of course I'll go see for myself in the coming weeks.
marthavila
16 years ago
Zillapgh, you're darn right you've seen my name around GW "forever" but you can't find my name on the FKB. LOL! That's because I've been around "forever" and have yet to "finish" my kitchen! :-( Although I've previously shared a few photos of some very unusual veining in my Original PA counters, I think you're probably more interested in seeing how they look in general (which is primarily black and quietly elegant). Tell you what, I'll take some photos just for you and email them to you! Give me a day or so to get it together -- probably by the weekend.
colickyboy
16 years ago
It'd be in your best interests to check out at least 2-3 different soapstone fabricators to see how they all differ (not just the stone itself but the fabricators' work). If a fabricator also deals in granite, I always ask if they seal their soapstone and whether they think soapstone is porous as a couple barometer questions of whether they know what they're doing. I ruled out a couple fabricators that way.