Soapstone vs. honed granite?
loves2bake
13 years ago
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kngwd
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agoloves2bake
13 years agolast modified: 9 years agoRelated Discussions
Soapstone vs honed black granite - honest opinions needed!!
Comments (18)There's not a SS market here. I would not do honed AB because of all the bad things I've read about it re: etching, staining, upkeep etc. It's not a true granite so it doesn't behave like a lot of the other dark granites. From what I've read, they recommend not using an impregnating sealer but a color enhancing sealer. But even then, many have major issues with upkeep. I got so sick of cleaning then polishing my polished (but gorgeous) antique brown that I can't fathom risking adding even more upkeep on a countertop. Here's a detailed article on it by a marble/granite guy and comments below. I know people here have had issues with AB too. I know not everyone has had issues, but IMO it's a crap shoot. With my luck, I'd have issues. Article & Comments Below Here's one small blurb: Another Small Blurb I'd find a different one to use. There are lots of other dark/black granites and quartzes to use with soft/honed looks....See Morein search of better counters: soapstone vs. AB honed granite
Comments (12)I've been on several soapstone blogs over the last couple of years and as someone who has a soapstone counter with a soapstone sink in a bathroom for 25 years, I think I am qualified to talk to you about soapstone. My soapstone came from a well known company in Vermont--I'm sure you have come upon the name if you've been researching soapstone. It was a light grey when new and because I liked the black color, I oiled it and oiled it and oiled it. It is the bane of my existence. Thank goodness it is in a powder room or I think I would rip it out. Hand soap, soap from shaving or any organic product will lift the oil from the stone in places causing the light color to show through. It then looks awful. The company suggests one keep an oiled rag under the counter for touch-ups. That should tell you something. Now do you want to oil a dirty sink? If you don't, then you will have to clean it, say with an oiled soap, and then that will remove even more of the oil. Now you will have to do a major oiling job. Whoever decided that soapstone doesn't need oiled but every 6 to 8 months must not be using the counter. If you can find a color of soapstone you like without oiling it then maybe it would work but I believe it will now show oil spots. I don't think you can win with soapstone. I'd find another alternative. I know that the word laminate is not a popular one on this forum but I know someone with a high end house with beautiful cherry cabinets and yes, laminate counters. Her three young children eat on it, do crafts on it, spill everything imaginable on it and after 5 years still looks like new. I don't know why laminate gets no respect when it now comes in so many wonderful colors and textures. Just my opinion....See MoreSee, I do listen to you :)
Comments (38)LL: I think you may have misunderstood the budget question. You have said you won't have a budget until you meet with the architect and general contractor. But they won't give you a budget, they'll give you an estimate of how much it will cost to do what you want to do. What folks are asking is have you decided how much you can afford and/or how much you are willing to part with to get the kitchen of your dreams? It is a way of helping you to narrow your choices. You've been participating in this and other forums long enough to know that the same kitchen layout can cost $40 K or $140K depending on materials used and appliances purchased. As other responders have noted, you have been all of the map on this remodel. I understand that you now have a layout you like. That's great. And I think we all appreciate that visions change as we get more information and are exposed to new ideas. Your vision seems to have undergone more new iterations than most, and it is now proving to be a source of frustration for other participants in that we (they) are being asked to rehash much of the same information that has already been passed on to you or to examine in detail every possible permutation. There are two things any poster can and should do to be respectful of others' time and effort. First, as Marcolo and others have suggested, is search for the answer in previous threads. Many of the questions you have asked in recent weeks have been well covered...some in threads you originated. And second, try to narrow the options. For some fortunate participants on this forum, taste and preferences may be the only factors which narrow the options. But for most of us, the most serious limiting factor is $$$. You have acknowledged that you don't have an unlimited budget. So help us help you, by clueing us in on a range. Then we can spend our time usefully offering realistic suggestions. And if the budget does have a limit...ANY limit...prioritize what's important. Surfaces? Applilances? Where are you willing to cut back if you blow the budget somewhere else? Failing to do these three things, is a good part of what is leading some of us to conclude that you are still in the dreaming stage. And while it is amusing to sometimes fantasize with you about snow white kitchens, it can be wearying after the first dozen versions. Not trying to be mean or harsh, just trying to help......See Moretalk to me about honed uba tuba vs soapstone
Comments (8)OK thanks, you have convinced me to make time to go see the soapstone, it is 2 hrs each way so half a day . Not easy for someone working FT with weekend obligations. The money is not as much an issue as the availablity and the time here. I was really hoping to find the soapstone locally since today was my only "search granite yards" vacation day. Can someone answer the questions about the uba tuba? It's really very smooth and the 2nd picture was very surprising to me since I cannot feel or even see those irregularities well in real life....See Morejalsy6
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