Frustrated. Need advice re. soapstone, BB

16 years ago

I posted a few days ago regarding my countertop plans. Thanks for the great advice and comments! There's a link at the bottom to that original thread.

I tentatively decided to go with soapstone on the run with the sink and butcher block on the run next to the stove. Each one would be about 8 feet. I was feeling good about that, and then I got the price info from my fabricator: $23.50/square foot (raw price) for the soapstone, and a slab is about 45 sq ft. OK, I have no problem with the $23.50, but I cannot justify spending $1,000 for a slab when I only need a little over a third of it. The fabricators had indicated she might sell me something by the foot if she thought she could resell the rest of it, but she didn't seem interested in doing that with the soapstone. I might stretch it to half the slab if I used it for all the backsplash, but I'd have to scrap the BB altogether and go with all soapstone to come close to using the whole slab.

My original choice was the BB, but I didn't think I should use it around the sink. Now, I keep seeing it that way in magazines, and it looks great, and I'm thinking maybe it would be OK. All BB and scrap the soapstone.

Do any of you have BB around a sink and what are your experiences with that?

Also, has anyone ever tried selling part of their slab that they didn't need or even advertising in advance for someone to split a slab with you?

Here's a link to my original thread with pics and more info.

Thanks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Owl's countertop thread

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Comments (7)

amck2
16 years ago
We just built a modest cottage-style home and my favorite thing in it is my soapstone. I went with two varieties on my countertops and bi-level island.

I used a part of a slab as a vanity top in my laundry room lav. My fabricator was also able to fashion a soapstone hearth with a slightly arched backdrop for our parlor stove.

Since you're building an entire house, I don't know if you would consider incorporating the remainder of your slab for use in a room other than the kitchen.

My SS guy had a number of partial slabs from other jobs that he sold for similar small projects. I would think there would be a market for half a slab.

I want to look more closely at your design. Your place sounds like it will be lovely!
jenanla
16 years ago
Where are you getting your Soapstone and what type is it? Does your price include install? I've gotten 3 different quotes and they've all been between $100.00-$125.00 installed.
Sorry I didn't answer your question, but I'm planning on wood counters in my bathroom.
Jenn
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The soapstone that you are looking for seems to me like it is not a variety that is producing much at this time. . . Many people don't understand that a lot of these quarries are relatively small and when they don't produce a lot, because of various reasons, it is hard to get certain varieties. A lot of times the only thing certain suppliers have in stock is whatever they can get from that particular quarry. . . The fact that M. Tex carries what they do and also carries the most variety and quantity in the U.S. says something. . . From my experience the Indian slabs are usually 30 inches in width. So your stone is probably not an Indian variety. If youÂre going to diy, I wouldn't recommend seaming length wise. I wouldn't do it as a fabricator unless the situation is perfect . . . like when I can book match the stone. I doubt you will be able to order stone that you can book match. . . I've only had that situation come up one time in the past. So donÂt get frustrated with the supplier because of reasons they cannot control. . . Also one thing I have found is that communication is key. Sometimes miscommunication is the problem and they may have thought that the 26 inch rips would have better suited you being a diyÂer, less for you to do. One thing I would like to know is what specific variety you are after, and I can tell you if anyone else carries that variety even if they call it a different name. Nomorebluekitchen, I also would like to know the variety you were after and what dorado had that was similar. . .
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florida_mimi
16 years ago
If you're only doing a run of countertop and not doing an island in the soapstone I know you can buy "rips" (cut down slabs) typically 26-30" wide by 60, 72 and 84" in leangth from M. Teixeira www.soapstones.com. and maybe from other soapstone suppliers.

We order a limited amount of them since we use them for bathroom vanities, grill areas, sinks, small kitchens with weired angles..ect... Plus DIY'ers buy them as well since they are easier to work with. They (depending on the specific soapstone) are actually cheaper to buy then the big slabs (price per sq. ft). I'm not sure who your fabricator is getting their stone from but this may be an alternative. Good luck to you!!
jennymama
16 years ago
Hey Owl,

I LOVE soapstone, but I got a great deal on granite, so alas, that is what I am going with in my kitchen.

I will have a BB backsplash, but not next to any water. I DO want to put it around my airbath in the bathroom, but I've been strongly cautioned against it. I will probably do it anyway ;-), OR I may try one of the new vinyl or water resistent beadboard (saw them at Home Depot).

Where are you getting your soapstone? I know of 2 places in Mtn. Home that can get it for you...around 60 sq. ft, but may let you get only what you need. Let me know if you are interested.

BTW, your house is really coming along. It is really beautiful!
kitchenobsessed
16 years ago
Have you shopped around for remnants at various fabricators? My kitchen used less than a slab so I saved three sizeable squares in case I am ever able to remodel my small bathroom or add a powder room. Also, the Walker-Zanger in my area sells small slabs. I know it isn't your vision, but if you used soapstone for all your kitchen counters, it would take most of a single slab. Your table in the middle and that other piece of furniture would bring in the warm of wood, IMHO.

We use a Boos butcherblock table for everyday meals, but I know in this family BB next to the sink would be ruined in no time. I try to keep our table sealed with tung oil, but having the counter next to the sink out of commission while the tung oil sealant dries is simply not an option. We had to remodel our kitchen in large part because the tiled counter which was DIY by a previous owner failed and crumbled due to moisture damage. I guess BB would first get black and then soft if not inspected and repaired regularly.

I believe one has to use a drop-in sink with BB, and after having experienced the joy of having an undermount sink, I would never want anything else.

Butcher block IS beautiful and has a nice warm feel. It cushions noise, and dropped stuff won't break. But remember that magazine kitchens may be trophy kitchens and not working kitchens.

Every household is different, and certainly my small household is probably more careless, sloppier, and harder on everything than most, so YMMV!!!
owl_at_home
Original Author
16 years ago
Thanks for the responses, everyone. I checked out that M. Teixeira, and it looks like a possibility. Shipping is free.

Hi Jenny. Yes, I would definitely like to know about the places in Mountain Home. I'm heading up there this weekend, in fact, to hit the Lowe's and Home Depot. At that price it might not be worth it, but I could at least check with them.

Jenanla, that price I mentioned is NOT installed. It's just the price for the material, which then has to go through my fabricator. FWIW it's from Bedrock International in Little Rock, AR. They let the public come in to view slabs, but they only sell to fabricators, etc.

Here is a link that might be useful: Owl's house blog
jennymama
16 years ago
Owl,

Duh! I've got beadboard on my mind...didn't realize you were talking about butcher block, LOL!

Try National Supply for the soapstone...they even have a counter done in it. I believe it is Green Mtn. Ice Flower. It is pretty new for them, and I don't think they have sold much of it yet (I always lovingly stroke it when I'm there).
Also, the store that I am getting much of my flooring and countertops from is called B & D Interiors, and you want to talk to Billy. He doesn't carry soapstone but does have a contact for it (he has a contact for everything, LOL).

Have fun at Lowe's and HD! (They are starting to know dh and I by name!).

Frustrated. Need advice re. soapstone, BB

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Frustrated. Need advice re. soapstone, BB

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