DIY & Remodeling With Janet Hall
Look to science labs for the evidence: Soapstone is the material of choice for countertops designed to take a beating. A durable and hardworking natural stone that is virtually maintenance free—is soapstone too good to be true? We've done our research and test drives (I used soapstone in my Seattle kitchen remodel) and created a soapstone primer to help you decide if this is the countertop material for you.
Above: A soapstone counter defines the kitchen at Harbor Cottage in Maine designed by architect Sheila Narusawa (for more of this project, see our feature A Cottage Reborn in Coastal Maine). Photograph by Justine Hand.
What is soapstone?
Soapstone is a natural quarried stone. It's a metamorphic rock that got its name from the soft, or soapy, feel of its surface, which is thanks to the presence of talc in the stone. Most American soapstone is sourced from the Appalachian mountain range, or imported from Brazil and Finland. The two varieties—artistic and architectural—are differentiated by talc contact. Artistic-grade soapstone has a high talc content and is soft and easy to carve. Architectural-grade soapstone has a lower talc content (usually between 50 and 75 percent), which makes it harder and more suitable for countertop use. It's not as hard as granite or marble, however, and can be easily cut, shaped, and installed. Unlike granite and marble, however, it's typically quarried in smaller slabs, meaning that for counters longer than seven feet, several pieces (and visible seams) are necessary.
Above: A detail of lightly veined soapstone from Brazil. Photograph by Janet Hall.
Above: Architectural-grade soapstone can be easily fabricated to include options like an integrated drainboard. Photograph by Janet Hall.
Properties that make soapstone a great countertop material?
1. It doesn't stain. Soapstone is dense and nonporous; it does darken when liquid pools on its surface, but it lightens back up when the liquid evaporates or is cleaned off.
2. It can stand up to acidic materials. The fact that soapstone is chemically inert means it's not harmed by lemon juice or cleaners that must be avoided with other natural stone surfaces. That's why it's so popular for use as science lab tops.
3. It's heat resistant. The density of soapstone makes it an amazing conductor of heat, which enables it to withstand very high heat with no damage. You can put hot pans right on the surface without worry.
Above: In a San Francisco kitchen renovation, architect Mark Reilly used soapstone countertops to give a warm feel to the modern space.
Do soapstone counters need to be sealed?
Because soapstone is nonporous, it doesn't need to be sealed or protected. Not only does this cut down on maintenance (see below), the absence of chemicals in the fabrication and ongoing care leads many to consider soapstone an environmentally responsible choice.
Above: In addition to not requiring any sealer, soapstone stays looking good. Scratches and nicks are part of its character, but bothersome marks can be removed with sandpaper. Photograph via Mark Reilly Architecture.
Is soapstone available in a variety of colors?
Soapstone is available in a range of shades on a sliding gray scale, some with blue or green undertones. Each slab is unique and varies from quarry to quarry. The widest variation in soapstone is in the quartz fleck and veining patterns. Some slabs have large but few veins; others have dense veining.
Above: Richly-veined, medium-gray soapstone slabs at M. Teixeira in San Francisco. Photograph by Janet Hall.
Above: Soapstone naturally darkens with use over time. Architectural-grade soapstone can be altered to achieve a dark-charcoal black by applying mineral oil. You can see the result on this slab of soapstone that has been coated with mineral oil (L), and in its natural state (R). This process can also serve to highlight veining. Photograph by Janet Hall.
Above: Made LLC a New York–based design-build practice, often chooses soapstone for countertops. "We like to use materials that develop character as they're lived with, becoming increasingly beautiful as they wear in over the years," says founding partner Ben Bischoff. "Soapstone is one we come back to again and again. It's beautiful at the start and becomes even more so as it breaks in with your work patterns." Photograph via Made LLC.
Above: Food-Grade Mineral Oil; $7 from Brooklyn Slate Co.
To darken soapstone, Made LLC specifies: "You can speed up the natural darkening process by flooding the material's surface with mineral oil, allowing it to soak in, and then wiping it off. We repeat this process a few times before the client moves in and then provide a bottle of mineral oil that they can use to recoat as necessary until the surface is completely saturated."
Where can you use soapstone?
Because of its resilience and adaptability, soapstone can be used for much more than countertops; it works well as sinks, fireplace surrounds (thanks to its heat resistance), flooring, and throughout the bathroom. It's also a great choice for outdoor counters and sinks as it's impervious to weather and bacteria.
How do you clean and maintain soapstone counters?
Low maintenance is the name of the game with soapstone. Soapstone's nonporous quality makes it bacteria resistant, so harsh cleaners are not needed. Soap and water are all that's recommended.
If there is one maintenance issue with soapstone, it may be its softness and susceptibility to scratches and nicks. You can protect the surface by using cutting boards. And the good news is that user-caused imperfections generally can be removed, as mentioned above, with a quick sandpaper buffing. No professional repairs required.
Above: An architectural-grade, mineral-oiled darkened soapstone counter and apron sink. Photograph via M. Teixeira Soapstone
How much does soapstone cost?
Above: Sleek black counters in a Henrybuilt Kitchen with black under-the-counter cabinetry. The cost of soapstone is comparable to high-end granite and less than marble. Prices for soapstone range between $60 and $105 per square foot installed. Factors that affect price include where you live (M. Tiexiera Soapstone in San Francisco estimates $90 to $105 for high-quality soapstone), your countertop configuration, the thickness you're after, and any special fabrication. The good news is that soapstone is a one-time investment that will outlive you.
Above: A wider view of architect Sheila Narusawa's Harbor Cottage kitchen with soapstone counters. Photograph by Justine Hand.
Soapstone Counter Recap
Pros
Nonporous stone means no staining. Little to no maintenance; you won't need to call in professionals for repairs. Despite being a hard surface, soapstone offers a softer feel than other solid stone surfaces. Versatile in its aesthetic, soapstone is as comfortable in a farmhouse-style space as it is in a modern kitchen. Can be used in many different applications from countertops to fireplace surrounds.
Cons
Available in a limited range of colors: varying shades of gray. Soapstone is quarried in smaller slabs than some natural stones. You can rarely find slabs longer than seven feet; multiple pieces and seams are required if you have a long counter. Like other natural countertop materials, soapstone develops a patina with use. Unlike harder stones, it's easily scratched and nicked.
Intrigued by the idea of a soapstone sink? See our Soapstone Sink Roundup.
Researching new countertops? Read 5 Questions to Ask When Choosing Your Kitchen Countertops. And for more specifics on the subject, see our Remodeling 101 posts:
This post is an update; it originally ran on January 21, 2014, as part of our Paints & Patterns issue.
More Stories from Remodelista
Forward to a friend | 
Share on Facebook | 
Share on Twitter
Home Inspiration With Sarah Lonsdale
One of my favorite stores in LA on Abbot Kinney is Chariots on Fire. The shop is a rigorous collection of objects sourced by owner Ritz Yagi (her father is the award-winning art director Tamotsu Yagi)—she's a graduate of Central Saint Martins in London, and in addition to the store runs a small creative agency. Chariots on Fire showcases a mix of jewelry, apothecary items, objects for the home and other global finds.
Right now the shop is gearing up to present its third annual show of Japanese ceramic artist Makoto Kagoshima's work. Inspired by his travels and a love for Roman sculpture and architecture, the avid gardener uses floral motifs in his new collection. The pieces are all one of a kind and will be available in store at Chariots on Fire starting on July 23, when the exhibit opens. Here's an advance look.
Photography by Shuji Yoshida.
Above: Kagoshima has spent months gearing up to show his latest work at Chariots on Fire, which is his exclusive US representative and always has some examples on view. Sizes in the exhibit vary from small bowls to large serving platters priced from $70 to $700.
Above: The blues on Kagoshima's plates range from indigo to purple hues.
Above: Each piece is one of a kind: While some motifs may resurface, Kagoshima never repeats a pattern.
Above: Each of the plates has a food-safe glaze.
Above: Kagoshima himself will be in LA for his opening at Chariots on Fire on July 23. The shop is located at 1342 1/2 Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Venice.
Go to Ceramics to see more handmade tableware that we're coveting, including Japanese-Style Pottery Made in LA and 10 Easy Pieces: Handmade Dinnerware from Ceramics Studios.
More Stories from Remodelista
Forward to a friend | Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter
Living Rooms With Remodelista Team
Blu Dot is giving away a $1,000 Gift Card to one lucky Remodelista reader (see details below). A longtime Remodelista favorite, the Minneapolis design house makes a full collection of goods for the home—including Bedroom Designs, Rugs, and Outdoor Furniture—and has showrooms in SF, LA, Austin, and NYC. How would we spend $1,000 at Blu Dot? We couldn't resist taking our own hypothetical spree, and here are our answers.
Take a look, start your own shopping list, and enter your email address in our Blu Dot $1,000 Giveaway by July 14.
P.S. Join Remodelista editors at the Blu Dot San Francisco Store (560 Valencia) on Thursday, July 9, from 5 to 8 p.m., for drinks, light fare, and a chance to win one of five signed copies of our book, Remodelista: A Manual for the Considered Home. Bring your copy to have it signed (we won't be selling books on-site). And if you haven't already entered the $1,000 giveaway contest online, you can do so at the event.
Above: We like the wood-framed Diplomat Sleeper Sofa for its clean lines and ease of use: The firm foam cushions flip forward to become a queen-size bed. Shown here in Packwood grey, the sofa also comes in five other colors, all with walnut legs; $1,999.
Above: Slung-leather lounge chairs are having a moment, and Blu Dot's Toro Lounge Chair is one of the standouts. Says Blu Dot designer Warren Young, "It's a chair with not a lot of physical substance," noting that it weighs only 15 pounds, "but it still has a strong presence." Shown here in Day, it's also available in Night and Chocolate; $1,299.
Above: We've admired Blu Dot's Strut Table since its debut in 2005. Made of powder-coated steel topped with hard-wearing polyurethane-coated MDF, the design comes in three dining/worktable sizes: medium, large, and extra large (which seats 10). The collection has also grown to include Strut square and rectangular coffee tables, a console table, and side table, and prices start at $299. Shown here is the Strut Large Table in slate, also available in ivory, navy, watermelon, and white.
Above: The Shale 4 Drawer/2 Door Credenza is made of solid wood with handles of full-grain leather, adjustable shelves, and holes in the back for cord management. The drawers and doors all have self-closing—quiet—hardware. (Note: The bottom two drawers are actually one double-height drawer.) Shown in light walnut, the credenza is also available in walnut and smoke; $2,699.
Above: Summery and sculptural, Blu Dot's Laika Medium Pendant Light pairs rattan with an exposed metal frame. Made in natural (shown) and white rattan, it's $499. Other Laika shapes and sizes also available.
Above: All eight designs in Blu Dot's Hang 1 Mirror series—including the Drop Mirror shown here—are smooth-edged shapes mounted on simple walnut pegs. At home in just about any setting (and great en masse), they are $299 each.
Above: Blu Dot's Splash Coat Rack is made of powder-coated steel crowned with solid walnut. It comes in five colors, including bright blue shown here; $299. Watch this video to see the Splash Coat Rack's design and development, starting with the initial sketch.
Don't forget to enter your email address in our Blu Dot $1,000 Giveaway by July 14.
More Stories from Remodelista
Forward to a friend | Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter
Kitchens With Christine Chang Hanway
The Scenario: Lisa and Chris Goode, NYC green-roof designers and cofounders of Goode Green, undertook a top-to-bottom renovation of their shingle-style house in the Hamptons. Having designed many projects, including Brooklyn's Eagle Street Rooftop Farm and the meadow atop New York's Crosby Street Hotel, they decided to save money by acting as their own general contractor.
The Challenge: An avid cook who likes to be joined by a crowd, Lisa envisioned an island—but not just any: "An island is the one place where everyone congregates, so I wanted an overhang on two sides where we could pull up stools. This island had to be perfect and I needed to find someone to design it."
The Solution: Tight on time, Lisa began an initial search on the Internet and soon found herself, via Etsy, on the home page of Siosi Design & Build, a two-woman furniture workshop in Bloomington, Indiana, 860 miles away. "The image on the company's opening page had the exact aesthetic I was looking for," she says. "From the first email and throughout the process of dimensioning and pricing, I came to really trust owners Ivy Siosi and Audim Culver. Even though I hadn't met them, I could tell they were talented and professional craftspeople; they were the ones I was looking for."
The Result: On the same day that the Goodes moved into their newly renovated place, they received their wood-topped island—hand-delivered by Ivy and Audim, who had driven 14 hours to get it there. It's now the heart of the kitchen—and the home.
Top Tip: The Web is smaller and more personal than you think. "When it comes to pulling the trigger on final decisions, online research is incredibly useful for comparing costs and finding discounted items, not to mention talented designer-builders." Read on to see all the kitchen elements Lisa sourced on the Internet.
Photography by Lisa Goode.
Above: The Goode's custom kitchen island sits in the elbow of their L-shaped kitchen. As Lisa envisioned, it has a butcher-block top and two overhangs so that people can congregate around one corner, leaving the other corner free for her to cook and move around.
Above: The Goodes incorporated shiplap paneling on the walls to match the vernacular of historic houses in the area. The walls and ceiling are painted in White Dove by Benjamin Moore. Learn more about interior shingles in Expert Advice: The Enduring Appeal of Shiplap.
Above: "The pendant lights are by my friend Michele Quan of MQuan who makes beautiful ceramics and jewelry," says Lisa. "The lamps are celadon-dipped porcelain and the metal finishes are brass." Quan also makes Ceramic Bells Inspired by Japanese Temples.
Above: The countertop is Alberene soapstone, which Lisa bought directly from a quarry in Alberene, Virginia. "Sourcing the slabs from images at a distance was difficult, but I persisted because of the large cost saving," she says. "The slabs were shipped to a local fabricator, and I worked with him on setting up the patterning and seams. I love the waxy, warm feel of the stone, and this particular soapstone has a slight veining that adds depth and character without becoming too much of a pattern." Later today, see our Remodeling 101 primer on soapstone countertops.
Above: The carpenters who renovated the house also built the kitchen's wood cabinets and painted them Midnight by Benjamin Moore. "I designed the cabinets with lots of drawer access—I think it's easier," says Lisa. The existing Douglas fir floors weren't salvageable and were replaced with new Douglas fir. "Although the new Douglas fir doesn't have the color variation of the older wood in the rest of the house, the Bona Traffic matte lacquer that we used does a great job of pulling it all together."
Above: The island has two drawers and a powder-coated metal base of open shelves. "There are several items that I use every time I cook, and I love being able to access them so easily. Also, the metal is so easy to clean," says Lisa.
Above: The island's butcher block is called ambrosia maple; the sink side is detailed with a continuous grain waterfall edge achieved with a miter joint. The wood is named for the ambrosia beetle that burrows in maple trees, causing the darker coloring. Lisa's everyday plates, purchased as part of an auction lot, are easily accessible.
Above: On the inside of the island drawer, a spline-reinforced rabbet joint in contrasting wood tones is an example of Siosi's ability to, in Lisa's words, "take a common joint and make it into a beautiful and defining design element."
Above: "Working with Audim and Ivy was a definite highlight of the project, and having them show up at my door with the island after several months of emails and phone calls was like having long-lost friends appear for dinner," says Lisa. "Anyone who has done construction knows that there are often mishaps and frustrations. Having something go so well is worth taking note." Reluctant to see the duo go, Lisa commissioned them to design and build something else—a small writing desk for a corner of the kitchen.
Above: "I knew I wanted a spot in the kitchen for my laptop and for flipping through cookbooks," Lisa says. "Sometimes the island works for this, but it's also nice to have a chair with a back when you've been on your feet." The chair is part of a set of eight that Lisa sourced on 1stdibs. "They're Willemer Stuhl Chairs from 1958 that German artist Markus Friedrich Staab painted in 2013."
Above: "The desk is in constant use as a place to plug in electronics," says Lisa. Contemplating your own remodel? See Remodeling 101: Where to Locate Electrical Outlets, Kitchen Edition.
Above: The original owners named the house Massakeat after a character in The Maid of Montauk, a 1902 story by Forest Monroe. "The name was painted on the floor at the entry to the kitchen," says Lisa. "We just recently had it repainted where it originally was."
Before
Above: A decidedly different kitchen with a table in the center.
Above: A look at the walls that the Goodes removed to open up the space.
For more island inspiration, see:
On Gardenista have a look at Brooklyn landscape architect Julie Farris's Rooftop Meadow, and read Michelle's domestic dispatch on The Unused Kitchen (for all that she wishes she'd known when she remodeled).
This post is an update; it originally ran on November 6, 2014.
More Stories from Remodelista
Forward to a friend | Share on Facebook | Share on Twitter
If you're looking for an excellent contextual advertising company, I suggest you try ExoClick.
BalasHapus