On Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:36:31 -0600, Sky >
wrote:

>Charlene Charette wrote:
>>
>> We're building a new house next year and are currently in the design
>> phase. I was all set to put in Silestone countertops when the hubby
>> suggested soapstone. Does anyone here have soapstone countertops? How
>> do you like them? My main concern would be if they scratch easily.
>>
>> Thanks,
>> --Charlene
>>
>> --
>> A no smoking section in a restaurant is like a no peeing section in a
>> swimming pool.
>>
>> email perronnellec at earthlink . net
>
>Sorry I can't help with the 'soapstone' question, but I can direct you
>to the August 2007 issue of the Consumer Reports magazine. The cover
>page has the title "Great Kitchens for Less," along with "10 most hyped
>kitchen products and what to buy instead." Page 24 of said issue is
>about "Countertops -- The hottest Rocks" except I don't see any mention
>of soapstone. The other topics in this issue a flooring, cooking
>appliances, refrigerators, dishwashers, detergents, sinks & faucets,
>appliance stores, and contractors (etc.). HTH.
>
Thanks for the heads up! I'm going to send the following links to my
kids, who are new owners of old homes that need kitchen remodels.

Here's the link to consumer reports
http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/c...eng0708kit.htm
or
http://tinyurl.com/2xbnd4

Quartz is harder than granite, prettier too (IMO)
http://www.thesimpledollar.com/2007/...s-august-2007/
"Quartz is the best choice for classy but tough kitchen countertop
It looks comparable to granite, but is slightly cheaper and wears much
better. CR recommends staying away from butcher block unless you enjoy
devoting tons of time to counter maintenance. (p. 24) "

Articles regarding soapstone
(better for rustic style kitchens, apparently)
http://interiordec.about.com/od/kitc..._Soapstone.htm
"True Soapstone is inert. Alkalis and acids won't affect it as they
will a granite, marble, or slate. For over one hundred years,
soapstone sinks and tiles have been used in science class rooms and
labs along with work tables and counter tops. Its longevity to long
term - high traffic use is amazing!"

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/arti...203434,00.html

http://blogs.consumerreports.org/hom...ch-counte.html

HTH2

--
See return address to reply by email
remove the smiley face first