--- title: "Garden State Soapstone — Countertop | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/garden-state-soapstone-pfvwus-pf~814744011 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~814744011.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "Garden State Soapstone" category: ["Countertop"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/18c381970464dadd_4730-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "104 Davidson Mills Road, North Brunswick, New Jersey 08902, United States" latitude: 40.4538 longitude: -74.4823 phone: "(732) 828-7000" website: http://www.gardenstatesoapstone.com rating: 5 review_count: 98 best_of_houzz_awards: 12 followers: 64 last_updated: 2026-09-03 --- # Garden State Soapstone Original Houzz profile: [Garden State Soapstone](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/garden-state-soapstone-pfvwus-pf~814744011) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Countertop - **Location:** North Brunswick, NJ - **Serves:** Newark, Jersey City, Elizabeth, Edison, Woodbridge, Trenton, Bayonne, East Orange, Union City, Old Bridge, New Brunswick, Perth Amboy, East Brunswick, Sayreville, Sayreville Junction, Princeton, Somerset, Raritan, South Old Bridge, Colonia, Iselin, South River, Princeton Meadows, Highland Park, Metuchen, Bradley Gardens, Middlesex, Fords, Somerville, Bound Brook, Manville, Blackwells Mills, Monmouth Junction, Dayton, Madison Park, Bloomingdale, Dunellen, Heathcote, Finderne, Jamesburg, Cranbury, Society Hill, Rossmoor, Plainsboro Center, Concordia, Clearbrook Park, Middlebush, Brownville, Helmetta, Princeton Junction, Weston, Kingston, Griggstown, East Millstone, Pleasant Plains, Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Staten Island - **Houzz rating:** 5.0 out of 5 (98 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2015–2026), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 250 Ideabook Saves - Best of Houzz winner - Locally owned - 30 years in business Garden State Soapstone is your premier destination for exquisite handcrafted soapstone, slate, and wood countertops. With over three decades of industry expertise, we specialize in creating unique and meticulously crafted projects. Our skilled artisans take pride in their traditional craftsmanship, ensuring that each project is a masterpiece without the use of CNC machines. As the owner is personally involved in every step, from design to installation, we provide unparalleled personalized customer service. Discover the transformative beauty of our soapstone and slate countertops, along with our custom wood surfaces, as they enhance the aesthetics and functionality of your space. Choose Garden State Soapstone for exceptional craftsmanship, attention to detail, and a truly personalized experience. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and embark on a journey to create stunning, handcrafted stone and wood installations that will elevate your home. ### Services Provided - Custom Countertops - Backsplash Installation - Countertop Installation - Natural Stone Countertops - Marble Countertops - Wood Countertops - Bathroom Remodeling - Kitchen Remodeling - custom soapstone - slate sinks ### Areas Served - Newark - Jersey City - Elizabeth - Edison - Woodbridge - Trenton - Bayonne - East Orange - Union City - Old Bridge - New Brunswick - Perth Amboy - East Brunswick - Sayreville - Sayreville Junction - Princeton - Somerset - Raritan - South Old Bridge - Colonia - Iselin - South River - Princeton Meadows - Highland Park - Metuchen - Bradley Gardens - Middlesex - Fords - Somerville - Bound Brook - Manville - Blackwells Mills - Monmouth Junction - Dayton - Madison Park - Bloomingdale - Dunellen - Heathcote - Finderne - Jamesburg - Cranbury - Society Hill - Rossmoor - Plainsboro Center - Concordia - Clearbrook Park - Middlebush - Brownville - Helmetta - Princeton Junction - Weston - Kingston - Griggstown - East Millstone - Pleasant Plains - Connecticut - New Jersey - New York - Staten Island ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | Garden State Soapstone | | Address | 104 Davidson Mills Road, North Brunswick, New Jersey 08902, United States | | Phone | (732) 828-7000 | | Website | http://www.gardenstatesoapstone.com | | Followers on Houzz | 64 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/GardenStateSoapstone/ - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/SoapstoneSlate - LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/company/garden-state-soapstone - Blog — http://www.gardenstatesoapstone.com/ ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [Garden State Soapstone](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/garden-state-soapstone-pfvwus-pf~814744011) - **Website:** http://www.gardenstatesoapstone.com - **Phone:** (732) 828-7000 ## Credentials - **Best of Houzz:** 12 awards (2015–2026), for Service. ## Reviews **Overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 — 98 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 49.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — murrayv, June 2026** > After working in laboratories for ~40 years, I knew I wanted soapstone countertops in my new kitchen (lab benches are made from soapstone). My cabinet designer sent me to a big warehouse in Edison where they had only two slabs which didn't even match. Then the rep wanted me to travel to Brentwood, on the ass end of Long Island, to their other showroom. I don't think so. I found Garden State Soapstone online and made an appointment with Jay. Followed the GPS down the gravel road next to the power lines and to my delight I came upon dozens of slabs of soapstone. Goosebumps. I picked out my slabs and the rest is history. Jay is a very unique and meticulous individual, but he loves soapstone as much as I do. I highly recommend Garden State Soapstone. **★★★★★ — HU-216033861, March 2026** > We recommend highly Jay Tauber. Jay is a consummate professional and a uniquely talented artist. We hired him to build a fireplace surround in soapstone, and raw-edge shelves for our den. Both projects were show-stoppers in our home. A few years later, we reached out to Jay to create bespoke table legs for a coffee table. He spent some time with us discussing the finish that we wanted, making sure that he could deliver exactly what we wanted for the project. The legs were beautiful. We endorse Jay whole-heartedly. **★★★★★ — HU-306696375, Jan. 2026** > Had a wonderful experience working with Jay on my kitchen counters. He is a soapstone master. His attention to detail and knowledge of the material were top notch. Would definitely recommend him. **★★★★★ — Rob B., Jan. 2026** > We're very pleased with the utility sink Jay built for us. It's exactly what we wanted and it looks great. Everything came together because of Jay’s diligence in carefully addressing every measurement and detail. We really appreciated his great work. **★★★★★ — Peter, Nov. 2025** > Had a great experience working with Jay on our soapstone countertops! Very easy to communicate with, and even helped out when we had a couple of last-minute changes. **★★★★★ — Chris, May 2025** > Jay, did our soapstone counters 10 years ago and they have been excellent. We just had him refinish them due to standard wear and tear. Jay is a craftsman and great to work with and i recommend him highly. **★★★★★ — Leah Sameth, May 2025** > I loved working with Jay for my countertop project. He was knowledgeable and responsive to my emails and questions. The install went great and my black walnut countertops are beautiful. Really appreciated his attention to detail. **★★★★★ — Tsiki Naftaly, April 2025** > Jay was able to turn our kitchen into the center of the house with a beautiful 2.5" oak counter. We had an excellent experience working with Jay who was professional and knowledgable. > > Will definitely hire him again! **★★★★★ — Fred Cannon, Nov. 2024** > Jay is a soapstone artist! He worked closely with us to choose just the right stone and was a perfectionist with the installation. The results are beautiful. **★★★★★ — HU-678015798, May 2024** > Jay is amazing to work with and his work is impeccable. He manufactured one of a kind trough sink for us that is a masterpiece in our bathroom. He’s very responsive and provides excellent advice. Would absolutely recommend working with Jay. **★★★★★ — Jack, April 2024** > Jay is incredibly knowledgeable and gifted in his craft. > > His work was virtually flawless and he delivered exactly as he said he would. > > Prices were reasonable and he had great ideas to add to our original request, which we did. > > Highly recommend!! **★★★★★ — Kim Richter, Nov. 2023** > We used Jay at Garden State Soapstone for several projects in our house. From Our beautiful soapstone island and countertops to our gorgeous custom dining table and breakfast bar. He’s very professional and understood what we were looking for. He worked with us every step of the way, double checked our measurements and made sure everything was right! Plus we have the custom looks we wanted in our new home! Thank you Jay! We can’t wait to show it off. **Comment from Garden State Soapstone:** > Thanks Kim:) It was pleasure working with you!! Thanks again. > Jay ## Selected projects - [Soapstone Countertops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soapstone-countertops-pj-vj~1223318) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 93 - Description: This natural quarried stone is softer than most other naturally occurring minerals. Although it is soft, soapstone is a very dense and a non-porous stone; denser than marble, slate, limestone and even granite. Because soapstone is impenetrable, it will not stain, as liquid will not permeate the surface. - [Cherokee Marble](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cherokee-marble-pj-vj~6619173) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - [Bathrooms and Vanities](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bathrooms-and-vanities-pj-vj~827873) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 15 - Description: Your bathroom deserves some love too! We have completed bathroom vanities in a range of materials, including soapstone and slate. Our work does not stop there, as we have installed soapstone in showers, on thresholds, and more. We have also created custom wood bases for our vanities. - [Outdoor Grill Countertops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-grill-countertops-pj-vj~6551660) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - Description: Turn your grill area into something special with our outdoor grill counter-tops. - [Fireplace Surrounds](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/fireplace-surrounds-pj-vj~784609) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 31 - Description: A soapstone fireplace surround adds natural beauty and accents any existing fireplace. - [Custom Soapstone & Slate Sinks](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/custom-soapstone-and-slate-sinks-pj-vj~1011779) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 44 - Description: A well designed sink can become the centerpiece of your kitchen. Custom soapstone kitchen sinks and custom slate kitchen sinks can be designed in any way your heart desires! Whether its farmhouse, or apron, large or small, we love to get creative with various designs. Ask and you shall receive. We have various types of soapstone that vary in color and natural vein details. We offer slate sinks in a variety of colors such as green, mottled purple, red, black, and grey to enhance any design. - [Valongo BLACK ™ Slate](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/valongo-black-™-slate-pj-vj~5387044) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: Slate is an incredible building material, known for its durability, natural beauty, and versatility. The natural colors, textures, and inherent qualities of slate are in tune with today's lifestyles with warmth, elegant charm, and easy maintenance. Slate is a metamorphic stone with very distinctive properties and performance criteria. Slate counter tops, slate table tops, and slate sinks are just a few examples of how genuine slate may be used. - [PA (Pinheros Altos) Soapstone](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pa-pinheros-altos-soapstone-pj-vj~1751003) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 20 - Description: Soapstone is the fastest-growing all natural stone choice for counter tops, flooring, cookware and heaters in the United States today. While soapstone has been used for centuries in New England and outside of the US, demand for authentic soapstone counter tops and sinks is higher than ever, as consumers seek natural, environmentally friendly, maintenance-free, durable alternatives to synthetic, concrete and semi-natural products. - [Cree Wine Company](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/cree-wine-company-pj-vj~6928451) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 34 - [PA (Pinheiros Altos) Island & Counter-tops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pa-pinheiros-altos-island-and-counter-tops-pj-vj~6629110) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - [Black Walnut Counter-top & Island](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/black-walnut-counter-top-and-island-pj-vj~6624567) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 6 - Description: A color combo you’ll fall in love with: Black Walnut + this beautiful blue! - [Wood Countertops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/wood-countertops-pj-vj~1440812) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 37 - Description: Our custom wood countertops will not disappoint! We use only the finest wood. Our wood countertops for kitchens or bar areas are a beautiful option for any design. Our domestic wood collection consists of American Cherry, Beech, Black Walnut, Chestnut, Cypress, Douglas Fir, Heart Pine, Hickory, Redwood, Red Gum, Red Oak, and White Oak. Our exotic wood kitchen countertop collection consists of Bubinga, Canary, Iroko/Plantation Teak, Padauk, Purple Heart, Sapele, Teak, Wenge, and Zebrawood. - [Green Slate Countertops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/green-slate-countertops-pj-vj~1513355) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 31 - Description: Slate is an incredible building material, known for its durability, natural beauty, and versatility. The natural colors, textures, and inherent qualities of slate are in tune with today's lifestyles with warmth, elegant charm, and easy maintenance. Slate is a metamorphic stone with very distinctive properties and performance criteria. Slate counter tops, slate table tops, and slate sinks are just a few examples of how genuine slate may be used. - [Black Slate Counters](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/black-slate-counters-pj-vj~1639794) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 14 - Description: Slate is an incredible building material, known for its durability, natural beauty, and versatility. The natural colors, textures, and inherent qualities of slate are in tune with today's lifestyles with warmth, elegant charm, and easy maintenance. Slate is a metamorphic stone with very distinctive properties and performance criteria. Slate counter tops, slate table tops, and slate sinks are just a few examples of how genuine slate may be used. - [Soapstone & Marble Installation](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/soapstone-and-marble-installation-pj-vj~1971728) - Location: New Brunswick, NJ - Photos: 22 - Description: During installation, you will be able to see our custom designs come to life! Marble and soapstone are two very different, both stunning, pieces of natural stone. We see many customers mix and match materials for double the amount of beauty. - [Outdoor Kitchen](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/outdoor-kitchen-pj-vj~1639700) - Location: Princeton, NJ - Photos: 3 - Description: Outdoor kitchens can make just as big as a statement as your indoor space! Check out our custom work for bbqs, grill surfaces and patios. - [Churchill Soapstone](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/churchill-soapstone-pj-vj~1639717) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - Description: Soapstone has unique veining characteristics. Over time, Soapstone will naturally oxidize (patina), from it's original grey/blue color to dark charcoal/black. Applying a soapstone wax or soapstone oil will expedite this process. We carry many different varieties of soapstone with distinctively different shades and veining. We are confident you will find just the right choice for your kitchen counters. - [Marble Counters](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/marble-counters-pj-vj~935532) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - Description: If you're looking for an elegant, timeless quality to your interior, marble is the choice for you. Cherokee Marble in particular has qualities of a low absorption rate and high density, making it our personal favorite for residential applications. With a stronger durability than most types of marble, it is an excellent choice for a kitchen or bathroom. - [Noire Soapstone](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/noire-soapstone-pj-vj~1999854) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 19 - Description: Noire soapstone has stunning natural veins! Its perfect for custom countertops and islands. Garden State Soapstone offers premium grade soapstone available from several Brazilian quarries and "Alberene Soapstone" of Virginia. The soapstone will not scratch or chip. Each piece is totally unique and natural. - [PA (Pinheros Altos) Soapstone Countertops](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/pa-pinheros-altos-soapstone-countertops-pj-vj~1440822) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 23 - Description: PA (Pinheros Altos) Soapstone Countertops [See all 32 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/countertop/garden-state-soapstone-pfvwus-pf~814744011) ## Community Q&A **Q: Soapstone - can we oil after waxing** *(in Kitchens)* We have been using Chapman's part oil part wax and the color only holds like 2 days. Otherwise, it keeps water beading nicely unlike the section we haven't done anything with yet as they just fixed yesterday. I don't know what type of soapstone it is- it was called silver. It does get nice and dark for about 2 days after waxing. We do live in dry Colorado. My question is - can we try oil over the wax without any prep? Or should I just keep waxing once a week. We have only waxed it about 3 times in 8 weeks. A: It sounds as though you may have a traditional soapstone which is softer and has more talc. Therefore it takes longer to age or darken. Continue to apply your soapstone wax or oil more frequently. **Q: Soapstone for windowsill?** *(in Kitchens)* Renovating our small kitchen and have to replace a 38" x 8" windowsill next to the stove. Our counters are going to be cream Hi-Macs and it seems kind of weird to make the windowsill out of the same surface as my counter. Thought it might be fun to do the windowsill in soapstone, not just for beauty but also it will give me a heat resistant surface. Any pros or cons to a soapstone windowsill? A: No cons, other then soapstone is a darker material. Durable, non-porous, indestructible. **Q: Outdoor garden sink idea** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello Houzz Readers I'm looking for ideas on how I can incorporate a small garden sink in a very tight space along the side of our house and against the back deck (which is being replaced with either a horizontal or tight lattice design) The space is small, given the angle required to drive our car into the garage. The driveway is also shared, so this will be visible to the neighbours. It would be ideal to create something "multi function" that could serve my gardening needs ( sink, counter/work space, storage with a faucet and hose connection) my sons play needs ( water balloon and water gun fill ups) and also be nice enough to use as a serving and cleanup area for outdoor bbq's. I have included two "idea pictures" - one outdoor kitchen idea (which I love but it would never fit the space) and one simple outdoor water station (which is functional but doesn't reflect the style or multi-purpose function I am hoping for) The solution needs to use materials that would be suitable for all Canadian seasons) To conserve space, I was also thinking the counter/work space beside the sink could be hinged to fold down when not in use, and allow for "rolling type" drawer unit to fit underneath as needed (IKEA inspired?) I am design stumped and could really use the creative ideas and talent from The Marilyn Dennis Show, HGTV shows - OR Houzz Readers! Do you have any ideas? Thank you! A: Like RubyRoses mentioned, you could use soapstone. It will last through all the seasons, since it is naturally impermeable and temperature-resistant (heat, cold, and rain will not affect it). **Q: countertop weight comparisons** *(in Design Dilemma)* http://trippinwithlsd.com/airstream/2016---demo-day.html does anyone know the weight differences between granite, quartz, soapstone, limestone, wood butcher block and laminate over wood? 24x72. I have a tiny house that will be mobile so weight and distribution of weight is an important consideration. Thanks! A: Wood butcher block is the least heavy and soapstone is the heaviest. **Q: Plywood under soapstone countertops?** *(in Kitchens)* We're doing Ikea cabinets with 3cm soapstone tops. The soapstone guy says we don't need plywood on top of the cabinets before the soapstone goes in (note that we will be notching the metal crosspieces into the cabinet sides so they're flush). My contractor is dubious, saying he always puts plywood under stone tops. Any experience/expert opinions on this? A: There is no need to add plywood on top of the existing base cabinets. This will raise the entire countertop up the thickness of the plywood. Which means you will see the plywood edge at the front. However, since these are Ikea cabinets, the cabinets are supported only on the metal strips or stretchers. Ikea typically supplies these small metal pcs to apply to the top of the base cabinet to level off the base cabinets consistent with the metal strip. We recommend adding strips of wood on top of the base cabinets to keep everything level to the front metal strips. Soapstone is extremely heavy at 22 lbs sq/ft, so we also recommend adding wood cleats at rear of base cabinets, where you can, to add additional support.Hope that helps. **Q: Did you oil this soapstone?** *(in Photo Questions)* Typically soapstone has a chalky look / finish, until or unless it is oiled. Did you oil this piece? A: Soapstone, when aged, typically should not look chalky. Keeping it pristine with soapstone oil or soapstone wax always makes it look great! --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-09-03.*