tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post5685939388750290168..comments2024-01-18T09:10:20.358-08:00Comments on The Conscious Kitchen: Counters: SoapstoneRachelehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12894304450233199345noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-17588041922080684092012-02-12T10:49:34.085-08:002012-02-12T10:49:34.085-08:00My husband likes you! He and I have been having &...My husband likes you! He and I have been having 'the soap stone debate' for our new house and I read every word of your blog out loud to him. He is sold on your ideas....I just don't want chipped counter tops!!- but I, too am tired of the glossy kitchen counters in everyone's kitchens. They seem so hard and cold. Are you still happy with your decision? Do you wish you had waited for the Minas? Thanks- GaleGalenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-39905649781025333902011-11-30T17:37:55.605-08:002011-11-30T17:37:55.605-08:00We've had soapstone counters for 5 years now. ...We've had soapstone counters for 5 years now. I'm a chemist, so I wanted the connection with vintage lab benches.<br /><br />We used soapstone from Finland -- mostly because that's what was available from the same company that sold/installed our soapstone masonry fireplace. (Another great choice, BTW.)<br /><br />While we have a few very small chips around the sink, the rest of the countertop is still in great shape. We did have to designate one section for opening wine bottles (they really scuff-up the surface). I've had absolutely no problem with stains, water circles, etc. Everything wipes away with a damp sponge.<br /><br />You can't beat the heat resistance. I have to remind myself when I'm in other kitchens that I can't just take something out of the oven and put it on the counter!<br /><br />As for installation, our very talented carpenter fabricated the countertops -- soapstone works just like hardwoods. We had a few scraps for him to practice on, and he did a FABULOUS job. Including fabrication, it cost about the same as granite or quartz.<br /><br />Soapstone isn't for everyone, but it suits us fine.Susan Rollinsonhttp://home.ntelos.net/~rollinsonoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-64946570272068644332011-02-04T12:30:53.604-08:002011-02-04T12:30:53.604-08:00Hi. Loved your blog. I have had soapstone counter...Hi. Loved your blog. I have had soapstone counters in my kitchen for about two years. I do love them and they are very beautiful, for the reasons you have described in your blog. My only problem is that I am now noticing a lot of chips, especially around the dish drainer where many chips are very noticeable. My kitchen is a very hard working kitchen. I am willing to sand out the chips but I don't know what grade sandpaper to use. I hope that you enjoy your countertops as much as I have enjoyed mine. Good luck. JoAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-41304905592485873962010-07-23T13:18:34.136-07:002010-07-23T13:18:34.136-07:00Yes, I still love the Duro Minas!Yes, I still love the Duro Minas!Rachelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12894304450233199345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-15855722761018814152010-05-02T13:27:11.229-07:002010-05-02T13:27:11.229-07:00May 2010..,do you still love minas duro.May 2010..,do you still love minas duro.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05960505097470830388noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-46063781358726163342009-09-16T10:11:01.011-07:002009-09-16T10:11:01.011-07:00Soapstone definitely does not stain. A stain is d...Soapstone definitely does not stain. A stain is defined as a permanent discoloration. <br /><br />I do get oil marks and water rings, which many people would hate, but they are temporary discoloration, not permanent -- they wipe up or oil out easily. They were much more noticeable in the first few weeks. Now that the soapstone has been in place for almost two months, and the stone has started to oxidize some, those temporary marks are becoming less noticeable.<br /><br />Oil marks and water rings do show up much more on some varieties of soapstone versus others, and in various levels of sanding grit versus others. Some of my samples of other varieties were too "temperamental" for my tastes.Rachelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12894304450233199345noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-42402072301638870912009-09-15T22:01:09.009-07:002009-09-15T22:01:09.009-07:00Curious how the soapstone is working out for you? ...Curious how the soapstone is working out for you? I have soapstone too, and was VERY surprised to learn that it definitely DOES stain. Sure, it comes out eventually but I always have stains on my countertops from it absorbing oils, liquids, you name it.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2451314172442110580.post-50709389588458592852009-04-22T05:54:00.000-07:002009-04-22T05:54:00.000-07:00Bravo! You are going to love your soapstone counte...Bravo! You are going to love your soapstone counters. Don't be surprised if having them in the center of your home turns you into a "touch person!"Paul Anaterhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05777487147630173644noreply@blogger.com