trying to find soapstone in bklyn
Having finally decided on soapstone for kitchen counters, I’m looking for local source/installers. One brownstoner suggestion was smc stone. Went there today, they were very nice, and have only one kind of greenish soapstone (don’t know the name)and I like it. Is there any reason to go to a place that specializes in soapstone–should I…
Having finally decided on soapstone for kitchen counters, I’m looking for local source/installers. One brownstoner suggestion was smc stone. Went there today, they were very nice, and have only one kind of greenish soapstone (don’t know the name)and I like it. Is there any reason to go to a place that specializes in soapstone–should I just trust that whatever SMC Stone has will be good quality? Is soapstone a particularly fussy material, and needs to be bought /fabricated through soapstone outlet?
Another agree with Brooklynvista.
I installed soapstone in my kitchen and looked all over Brooklyn for it. The sad truth is that granite sellers don’t seem to know what they are talking about even if they carry a slab or two of soapstone.
Its worth the trip to NJ to MTex to see all the varieties as well as talk to a knowledgeable salesperson.
PS: We LOVE our soapstone. My husband was concerned about the “softness” but it hasn’t been an issue at all for us. The upsides of not having to baby it in terms of heat or stains were well worth it for us.
Kwar228, I don’t know what SMC knows about soapstone. All I know is that you should probably see a selection of soapstones and not just one type. Generally speaking, in yards where there is no real offering of soapstone varieties, there is less knowledge about the product, is all.
Jay Tauber (and his wife, Donna) at Garden State are the way to go, IMHO. They are a relatively small stone yard but they’ve also developed a super friendly and knowledgeable small family business that specializes in soapstone. They bring in their soapstone from several different quarries. As such, you’ll be able to see several different varieties of stones that are sold at Green Mountain, M.Teixiera, Dorado, etc., all in one place. No doubt it’s a bit of trek to get there but given the long term nature of the investment, I would say it’s well worth it.
thanks to all. M. Teixeira has a 30sq. ft. minimum, so that rules out all of us with smaller kitchens. Brooklynista—are you guessing that SMC doesn’t have real soapstone, or do you know if for a fact? It did have a name, i just can’t remember it. I’d already called garden state—they seemed good–it just seems a far drive from bklyn. i guess i should go anyway.
Agree with everything Brooklynista said. Another reputable soapstone dealer in the area is M. Teixeira (www.soapstones.com). They carry a wide variety of soapstones.
Yes, you should buy your soapstone from a vendor that is especially knowledgeable about soapstone. (At the very least, the vendor should be able to tell you the name of the particular type of soapstone you are viewing!) Unlike granite and marble, soapstone remains more of a niche market item that is hard to find in most stone yards all over the country. Even here in NYC, the majority of stone vendors either don’t carry it or, like SMC, carry only one kind of soapstone (or something they claim to be soapstone that is not soapstone in fact). Many stone vendors are still totally unfamliar with the product, don’t know its qualities, how to work with it,etc. When I was looking for soapstone for my own kitchen countertops two years ago, I could not find a sufficiently knowledgeable, well-supplied dealer in soapstone anywhere in NYC. I ended up contracting with a great supplier/fabricator in New Jersey: http://www.gardenstatesoapstone and heartily recommend them to you.
IMO, soapstone is a great stone that is not “fussy” at all. It is not hard to work with and many homeowners, with coaching from a knowledgeable source, are able to install themselves as a DIY project. Those who don’t sell the product, and are unfamiliar with its qualities, will often try to steer you away from it and towards a stone or solid surface that they do sell such as granite, marble, quartzite, pietra cardoza, silestone,etc. They will tell you that soapstone should not be used in kitchens and they will claim characteristics of the stone that are just not true. For example, the stone is NOT porous and therefore does NOT stain or etch and it doesn’t need sealing or enhancers. OTOH, as a “soft” stone, it is prone to dings and scratches (which are easily removed in most cases with a touch up of mineral oil or light sanding. If you don’t like natural stones that develop a patina, don’t get soapstone. Otherwise, it’s a great stone for kitchens and especially those with a classic period, eclectic vintage or farmhouse/cottage design theme.
For more about soapstone, do a search on Gardenweb.com’s Kitchen Forum. There are at least 4-5 active threads circulating on the topic of soapstone right now, including this one that might be helpful:
http://ths.gardenweb.com/forums/load/kitchbath/msg1014575927687.html?14
Good luck!
I’ve bought granite and marble from Mondial tile on 14th ave and 65th street, and their product and fabrication was terrific. I imagine they would have soapstone too. They have a great showroom and selection as well.