Going to look at soapstone - what to ask for?

12 years ago

I'm going to look at soapstone slabs again this Friday. I'm hoping he will have something I like. If he does, and he will honor the price we originally discussed (a couple of months ago), then I'm going for it. When I went before, he showed me Beleza. I wasn't familiar with it, but it did have the beautiful white veining running through it. I wish I had just gotten then, but I am quite the procrastinator. I hope he still has it, or something close. I was wondering if there is any advice that soapstone people may have for me. I want a very slightly eased edge (I think), and a finish that isn't overly shiny. I'm not sure how much experience he has with soapstone, since it's primarily a granite company. Any suggestions??

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (6)

MIssyV
12 years ago
Sounds like if you are looking at Beleza you are looking at good soapstone. I went to look at "soapstone" that was not really soapstone in my opinion. It was ....I don't know, weird looking and UGLY!

One thing I did was (when they weren't looking) try to scratch it lightly with my key. And I always asked them to wet it down, completely. I have heard though its better to ask if they are willing to oil it though because wetting isn't quite the same as oiling it.

Have you looked on youtube at dorado's soapstone video's? They are real short, but show you the stone and he talks about each one.

Good luck!
Lake_Girl
Original Author
12 years ago
Thanks for your comments MissyV. I've seen some "ugly" soapstone too. And sometimes it's hard to tell what it looks like if it's not wet or oiled. When I went to this guy before (about 2 months ago), I took a water bottle and towel. He didn't seem to mind me wetting it. I wonder how he would feel if I brought mineral oil. (Is it just plain ol' mineral oil??) That's a great tip to watch the Dorado stone video. I've watched it, but it was quite awhile back, and it was very helpful. Afterwards, in fact, we were determined to DIY it. But I couldn't find any stone in the Atlanta area, even from the Dorado stone guy. He did have some, but nothing we liked, and he wouldn't call back to let us know when and if he were getting more. It was just poor communication I guess. And I thought his prices were high. The fabricator we are talking to now gave us a price for just the stone, and a price with install. It was only a few hundred dollars difference. My husband would rather a fabricator do it for just a few hundred dollars. (This is assuming he will honor his previous quote.

I'm also looking for any advice on edges or finishing the soapstone, if anyone can help.

Thanks!
Related Discussions
What forum do I go to ask for help?
Q
Comments (11)
Well, I'll just have to call you green thumb. Looks like you are off to a good start! From what I can tell in the Photobucket photos---I saw the hens and chicks photo. Is the flower you are trying to identify the one directly behind the hens and chicks one with the tall spikey blue/purple flowers? If so, then I know that one REAL well. It is called an East Friesland Sage (Salvia). I'm pretty sure that is the one. Then if not then it may be the May Night Salvia. I have both in my gardens. BUT, I am almost 100 percent certain yours is the first one mentioned. These are (once stablished pretty xeriscape (drought tolerant). Mine get water on a regular basis--just a little bit each time though (I have drip irrigation EVERYWHERE since I live in the desert). They LOVE full sun too. I had one in a terra cotta pot in the front yard (west facing). Last fall I hatcheted the plant (roots and tops) to make 3 more plants--all of them have survived and are thriving. If you have the may night salvia they are about the same--just that the flower is a bit different--shorter and bees LOVE this one!!! Hope I've been help. I absolutely LOVE salvias! They are such an easy plant to grow in my arid community! Love, Jules Here is a link that might be useful:
...See More
Don't Even Ask, just go Look at the Pics
Q
Comments (8)
Last week he assembled the lift platform attached to the tractor up even with the roof, placed a BIG ladder against it and went on the roof to repair a shingle that had come up where the roofers left a bent nail. Everything went great, good safety measures. I didn't make photos because I was fetching things, including a brick to hold down the shingle until the black cement cured. You know how pliers, bricks and other necessary items get up there if he's on the roof and you are on the ground. In the picture, he's about to retrieve the brick with the long pole that he uses to change light bulbs in high places. I just happened to walk up, camera still around my neck from my trip to the wilds. Those of you with DIY husbands know that this is just one in a long succession of fun events, as evidenced by FlowerLady's report above. Nell
...See More
OMG! Soapstone going in now - its gorgeous! pix soon
Q
Comments (27)
thx,all - i am petting my countertops every time i go by..TSO perhaps? rjr220, i was really nervous about it and we went back and forth about keeping the raised part- but finally just cut it and am really glad we did. we're having folks for dinner on sun night (assuming i get all the stuff out of the DR) and am looking forward to having people sitting there talking to me while I cook. I also put the faucet on the most right hand hole on the sink ( it had 5 holes) rather than in the center hole. Whaddya think? I liked how it did not distract from the view into the family room. NOw on to backsplash, paint colors and knobs. We are leaning toward carrara subway tiles and will start looking tomorrow. MY DH has been champing at the bit to pick out tile but I kept saying that we needed to wait till the backsplash went in. so now are are there. will be searching the kitchens forum for ideas and probably posting. any ideas are welcome! L
...See More
Soapstone sink - good idea, or asking for trouble?
Q
Comments (21)
Wow, what a lot to think about. florida_joshua - I'm happy to see you chime in here. I've read so many of your posts regarding SS. I'm curious as to what you mean when you say that the less talc, the less like soapstone it is. What properties am I giving up by going with the harder stone? Will it be shinier, like a granite? Here's a photo of one of the Anasazi slabs they will be getting in: As far as sink construction, the only thing I know for sure is that the bottom is fabricated to slope towards the drain and that the seams are seamed together using epoxy. I will definitely ask about how the joints are made. I've included a link below that shows photos of their sinks. I don't know if you can tell about the quality from the photos, but I thought I'd put it out there... palimpsest - thanks for your honest opinion about your sink. Our home is only 12 years old, so your comment about the feel of the house makes me wonder if I need to go with the SS. lithigin - the thought of the gunk has me questioning if this is the best choice too. They ARE beautiful...*sigh* What to do, what to do? Here is a link that might be useful: Soapstone Sink Photos
...See More
logansmum
12 years ago
Hey Lake Girl

Are you in Atlanta? Where are you getting your soapstone from? We've talked to the Dorado person and they are supposed to be getting a new shipment in, but the selection when I was there a month ago was slim and I still haven't heard back if the new shipment is in. What price did you get if you don't mind me asking?

Please email me if you don't feel comfortable giving out the info on the forum.

Thanks!
Lake_Girl
Original Author
12 years ago
Yes logansmum, I'm in the Atlanta area. I'll email you with our details so far. Thanks for your interest!

Hmmm... It seems like I remember hearing soapstone owners who were frustrated that their's wasn't finished right, then FloridaJoshua came to the rescue. To you guys - anything I should know upfront???

Signed,
A little nervous to
spend lots o' money
and not be thrilled
logansmum
12 years ago
Thanks Lake Girl. I'll keep an eye out for the email. If you sent it already--didn't come thru. My email is sspencer(insert at sign)mindspring.com.

What Lake are you on? Lanier? Or do you just like to go to the lake? ;-)
Lake_Girl
Original Author
12 years ago
Hey logansmum - I did email (or thought I did). I'll just email to your regular. Love Lanier, but we have a place on a lake in the great state of Alabama!

Going to look at soapstone - what to ask for?

Comments (6)

MIssyV

Lake_Girl
Original Author

Related Discussions

logansmum

Lake_Girl
Original Author

logansmum

Lake_Girl
Original Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Going to look at soapstone - what to ask for?

Comments (6)

MIssyV

Lake_GirlOriginal Author

Related Discussions

logansmum

Lake_GirlOriginal Author

logansmum

Lake_GirlOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Lake_Girl
Original Author

Lake_Girl
Original Author

Lake_Girl
Original Author