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Soapstone
Countertops & Sinks
for
more info please visit our website at :
www.theslatecompany.com
THE
SLATE COMPANY
10101
HARWIN Dr SUITE 322
Houston,
Texas 77036
Phone:
(713) 780.0054 ......Toll Free: 1-888-21-SLATE
Email:
info@theslatecompany.com
Non-porous, that's right! Most people believe that because the stone is so soft
to the touch that it is a very porous stone. But, while softer than other natural
stones, soapstone is non-porous. Soapstone makes up for lack of hardness with
it's density. The natural formation soapstone is the compression of talc, quartz
and impure minerals over millions of years in the earth.
When
mined, architectural soapstone is normally blue or gray. It darkens with age
and oiling to a rich, charcoal gray. For hundreds of years soapstone has been
used in industry, labs and in luxury homes for soapstone counter tops, sinks,
and fireplaces.
As is true with all luxury stones, the beauty of soapstone certainly accounts
for much of its popularity. Soapstone, however, holds some advantages over both
marble and granite.
All
three-luxury stones claim a healthy resistance to water, chemicals, and acid.
Soapstone, however, outperforms marble on this measure. Marble sometimes stains.
Soapstone doesn't since it is non-porous.
Soapstone is extremely workable. This means that it can be cut with tools used
for cutting hard woods. Seams can be worked so tightly as to make them almost
invisible.
Scratches in soapstone can be easily removed with fine sandpaper. This is not
true of other stones used in sinks and countertops.
More than granite, soapstone is extremely durable; hence we at Vermont Soapstone
are able to offer a 100% lifetime guarantee on all of our soapstone products.
Soapstone is an especially good choice for fireboxes, hearths, and fireplace
surrounds. Soapstone absorbs the heat of a roaring fire quickly and then releases
it slowly over the course of hours. Fireboxes made from soapstone can be 300%
more efficient than fireboxes made from other materials.
Over the past decade as soapstone has increased in popularity, the soapstone
sinks, counters, and fireplaces made by our company, have gained a lot of accolades—so
many that generic soapstone has come to be called Vermont Soapstone. But don't
be confused. Vermont Soapstone is not a stone, it's a company—a 148-year-old
company!—that has long set the standard for excellence in the mining and
importing of soapstone and in the manufacturing of soapstone sinks, counters,
and fireplaces.The soapstone we select for your kitchen or bath must not only
have the exquisite natural beauty you have come to expect from Vermont Soapstone,
but must also excel in performance once it is in place in your home. We look
for soapstone with the finest structural integrity needed for your use, from
a predictable and dependable source, and at competitive prices. Only soapstone
that meets all these criteria can earn the right to be called "Vermont
Soapstone." We're committed to continue our proud tradition of supplying
soapstone that has beauty, is functional, and always dependable. All of our
soapstone is backed by our "guaranteed forever" warranty.
Mount Holly
Our
exclusive Mount Holly stone has long been the standard bearer of our company's
reputation for quality and beauty. Known for its slightly flecked, consistently
smooth appearance; Mount Holly mellows to a deep warm charcoal gray with oiling,
use, and care in your home. The stone occasionally has some slight, lightly
colored veining, but overall, homeowners value Mount Holly for its solid look
and consistent beauty.
Designers
seeking an antique look choose Mount Holly for its traditional appearance, reminiscent
of the soapstone countertops, fireplaces and sinks of centuries gone by. Designers
pursuing a contemporary look also select Mount Holly when a kitchen or bath
needs the sophistication of the sleek consistent color tone in this soapstone.
We
hope you will contact us with any questions that you may have regarding our
products or about soapstone in general.
Counter
Tops
Vermont
Soapstone
PO Box 268
248 Stoughton Pond Road
Perkinsville, VT 05151-0268
802-263-5404
Fax 802-263-9451
sales@vermontsoapstone.com
“I remember soapstone. My high school lab tables and sinks were soapstone.”
We’ve heard that remark more than once. That comment often answers the
question “how durable is soapstone in the kitchen?"
Of the natural stones available in today’s market, soapstone is the only
time tested material. Because of its non-porous nature, traditional problems
for counter tops such as red wine, lemon acid, tomato sauce and olive oil do
not pose any staining issue. This is due to the fact that soapstone is chemically
neutral. Frying pans that are red-hot off the burner, or baking dishes right
out of the oven may be placed directly on the counter top without doing damage
to the soapstone. As a matter of fact the same type of stone we custom cut for
counter tops is used in both conventional and wood-fired pizza ovens, fireplace
boxes and surrounds. This is due to the fact that soapstone is also temperature
neutral.
When
installed, your soapstone counter top will be a light silvery-gray in color
and fairly constant looking in appearance. The sealer (sorry, did we say sealer,
there are no sealers that work with soapstone), the enhancer you want to apply
to the top is mineral oil. Mineral oil may be brought at your local drug or
grocery store. Generously rub the mineral oil on the stone, after covering all
areas, wipe excess oil off with a clean dry rag. Instantly your counter top
is ready for use. The oil, which is FDA approved, will bring out the natural
beauty in the soapstone and darken the stone to a deep charcoal-gray as well.
“Isn’t
soapstone too soft for the kitchen?” Yes and no. Depending on the grade
of soapstone being used softness can be a factor. Basically there are two types
of soapstone. Artistic soapstone is a softer stone (contains more talc) that
artist like to use since it carves so easily. Architectural soapstone is a harder
stone (less talc) that is very durable once installed. What architectural soapstone
lacks in hardness versus other stones, it makes up for in density. Architectural
type is the only soapstone that we use. Working with soapstone is one thing,
knowing soapstone is another. That is why we have no problem guaranteeing our
soapstone forever.
“I
can cut on it, right?” Like any counter top, we wouldn’t suggest
that. Cutting boards were invented for a reason. If you do cut on it, two things
may happen. First, you may find that knives are dulling rather quickly, there’s
nothing we can do about that. Second, you may see some minor scratches in the
stone; this is an issue you can do something about. Since most scratches are
superficial, they are easily removed by re-applying mineral oil.
Often
past customers stop and comment on how wonderful the stone has aged in their
kitchen. Photos you see of soapstone only show you it’s natural beauty.
It’s remarkable how soapstone sells itself when people get to lay hands
on it. We’ve even been told some folks find it therapeutic to rub. We’ll
be happy to send you a sample of the stone if you're considering tops. If you
have a sample from other sources, PLEASE do not use that to judge our soapstone.
We have a one of kind soapstone that has become our trademark.
Sizes
& Pricing
When
considering tops we recommend using 1 ¼” thick material. With this
thickness there is no need for a sub-base on the cabinets. If you choose to
use a thinner ¾” material, a sub-base is highly recommended. Most
backsplash is done in ¾” material. We also offer a 2 ½”
material. But keep in mind that soapstone weights about 20 pounds per square-foot
at 1 ¼” thickness, so if you choose to work with the 2 ½”
soapstone the weight would be up around 40 pounds per square-foot.
For
the most part, our stock slabs run 30” x 72”. Thus a seam is necessary
for runs of more than six feet. The seam, when done properly (we can teach you
how) is virtually invisible once the mineral oil is applied.
On
occasion we have some oversized slabs that seem to work well on an island. Sizes
can vary anywhere from 44” x 72” to 51” x 84”, availability
can be confirmed with our sales people.
Sinks
Kitchen,
Bathroom, Laundry with or without Backsplashes
The Winthrop Sink
Hartford,
CT circa 1870
24"
x 20" x 7 3/4"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Williams Sink
Boston,
MA circa 1835
27"
x 20" x 9 3/4"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Wright Sink
Chicago,
IL circa 1907
30"
x 20" x 9 3/4"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Wagner Sink
San
Francisco, CA circa 1920
33"
x 20" x 9 3/4"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Windsor Sink
Philadelphia,
PA circa 1885
Single Bowl
Two
Equal Double Bowls
36"
x 20" x 9 3/4"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Walker Sink
New
York City, NY circa 1910
42"
x 24" x 6 3/4" with 12" splash
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Cooper Sink
Pittsburgh,
PA circa 2004
16"
x 5 1/2"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Cabot Sink
Richmond,
VA 2002
16"
x 14" x 5 1/2"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The
Carter Sink
Baltimore,
MD 2001
30"
x 20" x 9 5/8"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Vermont
Soapstone
PO Box 268
248 Stoughton Pond Road
Perkinsville, VT 05151-0268
802-263-5404
Fax 802-263-9451
sales@vermontsoapstone.com
The Williams, Wright and Windsor Sinks were originally named by us.
While
others have copied our work, the workmanship has never been duplicated!
We
build soapstone sinks for the kitchen and bathroom in single, double, and triple
bowls of any size. We are a custom shop and build to your specifications.
Soapstone
sinks may sound like a new concept to you. But, like marble sinks and granite
sinks, they have been in luxury homes for the past 200 years. Vermont Soapstone
has been mining soapstone and making sinks for the past 150 years.
We
start with a slab of soapstone and machine it into the individual parts of your
sink. We then assemble it using our own glue. We will machine your custom sink
to drain to the location that you specify. Please take a look at few custom
sinks we have built below. Our soapstone sinks should be supported from underneath
on at least two sides. Thus, supporting the sinks left & right or front
& back is necessary, building support on all sides is fine, but not mandatory.
All sinks manufactured for ISE disposal or Chicago Specialty’s Spin and
Lock basket strainer.
Because
soapstone is impermeable to chemicals, acid, and water, food won't stain it.
Because soapstone absorbs and retains heat, hot pots won't burn it. (Incidentally,
soapstone's heat retaining qualities make it an excellent stone for fireplaces.)
Common
household cleaners (like Ajax and Comet) can be used to clean soapstone sinks.
A bristle brush will be helpful for inside sink corners.
If
you have questions about shipping, maintenance, or installation we hope you
will contact us. We're here to help you with your plans. Although we are primarily
a custom shop, our stock sinks often will fit many needs.
Soapstone
Countertops & Sinks
Soapstone
has earned it\'s way back in american homes today. The homeowners who want an
exquisite and exclusive product in their home, are choosing soapstone countertops
over granite and other surfaces due to many good reasons :
Soapstone does not stain. Soapstone counters are not harmed by hot pots, citrus,
wine, acids or chemicals. The only maintanance required is the mineral oil treatment
to enhance the natural darkening process the stone goes through.
Cleaning can be done with any of the common household cleaners, no need to buy
special sealants or other "hard to find" chemicals.
Even after all the above listed advantages, soapstone is comparable in cost
to other natural stones.
Soapstone is impervious to chemicals, acids, and heat. Low maintenance is another
advantage: It resists food stains, and ordinary spills can easily be cleaned
up with soap and water. If the countertop gets scratched, the scratch is easily
removed with a light sanding .
For information on our soapstone sinks, please click sinks.
For
more general information on soapstone click About soapstone, it may answer some
of your questions.
Colors:
Unlike granite , marble and other natural stones, soapstone in it\'s natural
state, only comes in a gray color, sometimes with a "hint" of green
or blue. This gray color will turn into a very dark charcoal gray, almost like
a black once it is treated with mineral oil. We are currently working with four
soapstones, IPANEMA RESERVE, SANTA RITA,PIRACEMA, WAVY IPANEMA and COBRA SOAPSTONETM.
Please click the link "Stone Gallery" on the left, to see a brief
description and pictures of each soapstone
We
are happy to serve all customers, from small residential projects to commercial
projects.
We
can install in most Eastern states and California, and we ship nationwide. Depending
on the size of your project, we can travel anywhere in the USA to install. One
of our commercial projects includes the Valley Fair Mall( Westfield Shoppingtown
) in San Jose, CA.Do it yourselfers, click on Do it yourself , for information
on our do it yourself countertop slabs.
To
get a full quote on custom soapstone countertops and sinks, just fax us or e-mail
us your project dimensions, along with your zip code, and we\'ll get back to
you with a full quote including shipping and / or installation
Soapstone
Sinks :
Soapstone has been used as wash tubs and sinks since the 1800\'s. Because soapstone
is so durable and easy to maintain, many homes still have their original soapstone
sinks and wash tubs originally from the 1800\'s.
We
can offer you two ways of having your sink , quality made sinks, from our 1
1/4" slabs and solid block seamless sinks, carved out of a massive block
of soapstone.
Custom Made Sinks :
Although these dimensions are "not written in soapstone " , we suggest
some standard sizes . We at M. Teixeira Soapstone, understand that every home
is unique and may require some slight size adjustments, reason why we do not
charge any extra to custom design your very own sink. Please contact us, and
we\'ll help you decide on the best size and/or shape to fit in your layout.
27" x 18 1/2" x 9 3/4"
30" x 18 1/2" x 9 3/4"
33" x 18 1/2" x 9 3/4"
36" x 18 1/2" x 9 3/4" (double bowl)
Solid
Block Hand Carved Sinks & Bath Tubs :
The main advantage of having a solid block sink, is the fact that the inside
corners are round, making it easier to clean.
We
currently have two sizes in stock :
27"
x 18 1/2" x 10"
30"
x 18 1/2" x 10"
Please
inquire about or special models such as
"high
back sink", "pitched front" and sandblasted front.
We
can custom hand carve virtually anything for you in soapstone : Tubs, trough
sinks, vessel sinks, water fountains etc. Just give us the specs. and we will
give you a free estimate.
Custom
Carved Bath Tub :
200
Year Old Sink/ Restored :
Photo Gallery
We
all understand that soapstone is not a very easy to find stone.
We ship all our products nationwide, and can offer competitive prices on shipping,
as we pass along to clients, the discount we get from the carriers.
We can install our soapstone countertops in most Eastern States and California
however , depending on the size of your project, we can travel anywhere in the
USA to install.
All our products are very carefully packed in wooden crates.
In addition, all our freight is 100% insured .We also have distributors currently
in Southern California and in the very near future in the San Francisco Bay
area.
