Kitchen Island Countertops . . . Marble or Soapstone?
Hi Everyone,
Okay, I know this has been rehashed a hundred times, but I would love to get your opinions as to the countertop material for our kitchen. We have a relatively small kitchen (11'x11'), and are in the process of remodeling. I'm attaching some of our inspiration photos below.
The layout (open to the breakfast room) makes it possible to add a small island. We've designed an island to look like a furniture piece, with freestanding legs and a stretcher bar, so it doesn't take up too much visual space in the kitchen. See below:
As we are in desperate need of additional counter space, we are building the island first, and will work it into the design of the major kitchen remodel next year. Sounds a little backwards, I know, but we don't always do things apropos. Our island is in production, and we are in the process of picking a countertop. I am completely torn between a calacatta marble or soapstone. I love and hate things about both of them. I've gone to countless stone yards, and everytime I fall in love with a slab of each.
I should mention that the island will be the workhorse of our kitchen. We have young children, are messy cooks, and will care for, but not "baby" the stone. I also am not a fan of oiled soapstone (I don't want black, but do love the natural gray). I've attached some images below of some beautiful countertops in both materials (hence my dilemma):
Can anyone provide their input as to your experience with these materials? Durability? Maintenance? I know this is personal, but perhaps some words of wisdom can help me make my choice.
Thanks, everyone, for voicing your opinions.
Comments (10)
sombreuil_mongrel
12 years agoRelated Discussions
Would soapstone perimeter clash with marble ion island?
Comments (17)SecondHalf, hi. I meant to answer your RI fabricator question, but now don't see the thread, so I'll post here. We used Minas Granite (though I think they are changing their name to Black Diamond Granite). I know they work with granite and marble, but don't know about soapstone. The owner, Geneci Silva, was very patient, sending us to several stone importers until we finally found the stone we liked. Then he stored it for us until we could get started. Once we were ready for countertops, he was out to template within a few days and the counters were ready within a week. We needed an l-shape with a sink and cooktop cutout + runnels on both sides of the sink. We wanted a curved end to the peninsula part of the L; he and his operations guy spent about an hour with me, laying out how the curves should look for the best appearance. Together we also laid out the counters on the stone (it took two slabs) so that what I thought was the best part of the stone would be in the most visible places. Geneci and the ops guy also listened to what I wanted for the sink cut out and the runnels. That part turned out just perfect. From GardenWeb Photos They are a small operation and don't have high tech equipment, such as lasers for measuring or computer-driven cutting. I don't know how important that is to you. We used some of the remaining granite for a buffet top and for various surfaces for the bathroom that we also were updating. Again, Geneci was very sensitive to time issues and getting the material to us so that the bathroom work was not held up. The company is listed as being in Providence, but the fabrication shop is in Assonet (Exit 11 on Rt. 24). If you'll email me, I'll send you Mr. Silva's phone number....See Morewhite countertop options-soapstone? marble?
Comments (4)In the course of my kitchen reno drama I have become a bit of a white countertop expert. Take a look at Caesarstone (www.caesarstoneus.com) also a man made quartz like Silestone. They have a nice selection of whites - many used in more modern schemes - you will see photos on their website. Blizzard or Pure White might be of interest to you. Ikea also sells Caesarstone but you have to use their fabricator to install and that could be a risky endeavor - guess it depends who you get - I would not chance it myself. Soapstone is always dark. There are some beautiful white granites - I have seen some that have wonderful veining similar to marble. Granite is harder than marble so easier to maintain. Marble is lovely - looks so great in those kitchen photos - but porous and easily stained and etched. This board is full of renovators who love marble but either canâÂÂt get up the nerve to make the plunge because of all the scary stories they have heard or (like me) have spouses who donâÂÂt want to hear us sob hysterically when the first stain appears. From the description of the period of your home, IâÂÂm not sure marble is the best fit - but you just have to hit the kitchen stores and slab places to see what you like. Also $ is a factor. Marble is not that expensive - at least here in Southern California. Good luck!...See MoreFinito! one more white/marble/soapstone kitchen
Comments (102)THanks so much, Willow. Yes, the marble is polished. The slab came that way, and I thought it was going to get honed, but it didn't. I decided to try it out like that, partly because it's so pretty, and partly because I thought the kitchen needed a little bling -- muted colors, matte soapstone, brushed stainless, why not try something polished? I do not baby it. I haven't left red wine on it all night or anything, but it doesn't seem to stain at all. I do not know what sealer they used; I will contact the fabricator and find out. It was in a big jug with no label, just sharpie pen "marble sealant" or something like that. I imagine they just refill from larger containers. Yes, there are etches. I pay little attention to them, they certainly don't jump out. There is so much going on in there, that frankly I don't think they are very noticeable. I get a lot of natural light, so there are trees reflected in it. And there are tons of different colors and shadows already, maybe you can see from the pic of the slab. Not only white and gray and gold but black and rust and beige and pale pale gray, etc. So maybe it's different than having something a little less active. Or maybe I just don't see things that others do. But so far, it's been wonderful!...See MoreVote: Soapstone or Danby Imperial Marble Countertops
Comments (27)I love the Danby Marble. For over a year now, I have had 2 square samples I use to put my coffee mugs on and I keep in the kitchen to get abuse and they look as good as new to me. I really love this marble so much. When I am ready to redo my kitchen again, this will be a top contender along with a few others....See MoreRedhead47
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