Note: Since completion of the house I have also decided to allow guest bloggers to post articles related to remodeling. This continues the education process.
TIMELINE
Architect Selection - December 2002 through January 2003
Getting a Permit - January 2003 through November 2004
Construction - November 2004 through September 2006
Post Construction - October 2006 through ???
Soapstone Counter Installation
Below is a play-by-play of the installation.
These guys drove in from Arizona, and within 2 days measured, fabricated, and installed the soapstone countertops.
These slabs are HEAVY at 20 lbs/sq ft.
There is a 3/8" overlap of the sink. The holes for the faucet, soap, drinking water, and vent are drilled.
Black epoxy is mixed up to join the soapstone pieces and fill in any voids.
A ding is repaired with the special epoxy. After it dries you can't even see it.
Even through the talcum powder layer you can see the caramel vein showing through.
Soapstone installation is messy work.
Soapstone is much denser than granite and can't be stained. However, it is soft enough so that hand sanding can be accomplished to smooth the edges.
This looks gray now but wait until it's oiled.
I oiled the soapstone with mineral oil. It's shiny because it's still wet. When dry, it will have a matte finish.
The counter looks great! The door to the laundry room has a "Delta" pattern in it.
Next Page
Be sure to browse the 2,000 picture Photo Gallery for more step-by-step construction details.
