I know Piracema isn't one of the more popular soapstones - and since you buy it sight unseen from M. Tex. - it's a bit of a leap of faith, but we had a fabricator install our DIY slabs yesterday.

When we uncrated the slabs, one was really damaged. Two huge chunks out of the edge! I almost wanted to cry. Okay, I did cry. We need our CO no later than July 21st and of course, we need the kitchen sink hooked up to get it.

My fabricator got down to business despite the damage and hoped he could make it work. And, he did, with a lot of color matched epoxy and allowing a bit of a gap that will have to be covered by a traditional 4" backsplash.

We only have one piece where the damage is visible to the front, and it couldn't be helped.

Picture of the damaged slab edge:

Unoiled:

Oiled vs. Unoiled (and with chips on the underside:

Corner Run where there's a scrap piece laminated into a chunked out gap:

Sink run, with nice veining:

As you can imagine, I've seen how the workers work, so I bubble wrapped and styrofoamed the edges after I gave it an initial wax last night. One ladder resting up against that stuff - or god forbid someone stands on it (it does happen!) that stone is toast. There is some coppery color to the veining that is smashing with the concrete floor.

I'm going to have to get another slab to make the 4" backsplashes, but honestly, I actually like the look (I know!). I think it helps the kitchen look less 2010, if you know what I mean.

The other good news about the soapstone? My husband loves it!