I can't find the soapstone we want in our area.

15 years ago

We are building in Asheville, NC and the only soapstone we have been able to find is a dark green Brazilian stone with no veining. The price isn't too bad ($70 a square foot, materials, fabrication, and installation) but we really want a black stone with white veining. Do you think it would be worth it for us to get our tops from Charlotte from M Teixeira. Their delivery charge is $1.00 per mile over the first 50 miles. We are 136 miles from their warehouse so that wouldn't be that much. Or we could have them fabricate and install it at a cost of $85 a square foot. If they fabricate it they said we would be charged the trip charge X 4. I'm not really sure why they would have to come up here to template it since it is new build and they would be taking the measurements from a blueprint wouldn't they?

Anyways..what do you guys think? Is the soapstone from M Tex worth the extra money? Plus you would think they would be very experienced working with the stuff, right? The other but local company said they typically installed 6 or 7 soapstone kitchens a year, but they work with granites, quartz, and corians as well. Would M Tex be my best bet for quality and to get specifically what I want? By the way we're going to be needing about 85 square feet of stone with two sink cut outs.

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Comments (9)

erikanh
15 years ago
Ncamy!! Whatever happened to your white kitchen that wouldn't sell?

Congrats and good luck on your project ... Can't wait to see pics!
ncamy
Original Author
15 years ago
I tried to respond yesterday to the old thread but for some reason it didn't post. We have done some work on the kitchen but you will have to wait for pictures. The knobs and faucets didn't come in time to install last week when we were down there. I promise pictures by the end of the month. We're going back to finish it in three weekends!
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nomorebluekitchen
15 years ago
Hi! I had the same issue; all I could find locally was green stone and what I wanted was dark black. I couldn't get myself to be okay with the green stuff so I had my slabs shipped to my state from a soapstone specialist (Dorado) and having a local fabricator who does a lot of soapstone fabricate and install.

Leaving aside the issue of getting the stone you actually want, which is very important but only you can decide if it is worth the extra $1275, you have the question of having a soapstone expert do your fabrication & install vs the local company.

In my relatively inexperienced opinion, I would think it would be worthwhile to have someone who does a lot of soapstone do your install.

FWIW, my price was $28 a square foot for the slab material from Dorado Soapstone plus $400 shipping for the slabs; my install cost was $55 a square foot plus something like $125 each for my sink and cooktop cutouts. This is in the same price range per foot as you're talking about at $83 per foot. Compared to many quotes for soapstone I've seen on the board, I think this is a pretty good price.

Anita
victoriajane
15 years ago
Hi ncamy,

We got our soapstone from M. Tex (but we are only about 30 minutes from their Hackensack, NJ location.) For me it would be worth it to get the specific soapstone I wanted and also the peace of mind of dealing with a company that works exclusively with soapstone. M. Tex is having a sale right now as you probably know; I was pleasantly surprised by the cost of our python. And they have several lovely black stones with white veining. We are not at the template stage yet but so far I have had a positive experience working with them. Good luck.
nomorebluekitchen
15 years ago
I forgot to link to this thread which lists some soapstone suppliers other GWers have used, in case you'd like to see if any others are near you.

http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1014575927687.html

Anita
mary_in_nc
15 years ago
Hi Amy! Welcome to Asheville! I live up near UNCA. Asheville Kitchen Tops installed my Green Mountain Original PA. It is black with veins. If you take a flash picture of it you will see green but in every day light it is black. I love it. It is hard. It's been in for about 8 months now. No complaints.

Asheville Kitchen Tops-670-1315

Also, Benbow Cabinets did my kitchen and I think they have someone new they are working with for soapstone. They can help you get connected. 281-2700

Feel free to email me with any questions through the link on my page.

Mary
eandhl
15 years ago
Mary, beautiful soapstone, cabs, sink and especially beautiful dog.
ncamy
Original Author
15 years ago
Mary thanks for the connections. I'm glad to hear that there are more options in my area. I'll probably be emailing you soon and perhaps we'll meet someday. We're going to be building new construction on St Dunstans Circle if you know where that is. Of course we can't start building until we sell our house in Charlotte. Meanwhile we rent, wait, and plan. By the time we can actually start building I should have every detail of this thing down pat.
mary_in_nc
15 years ago
I know St Dunstans Circle! That is a very sweet neighborhood! Lots of cool old houses with loads of character. A great location. I think Charlotte's market will turn before other parts of the country. It remains a desirable place to live. Hang in there!

Mary

I can't find the soapstone we want in our area.

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erikanh

ncamy
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I can't find the soapstone we want in our area.

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erikanh

ncamyOriginal Author

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