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

"Charlene Charette" > ha scritto nel messaggio
...
> 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

They will, and also chip if abused. I like them very much, but they need
some care. A careful person would have to do little, but my friend's
slaphappy housekeeper has done violence on hers. They can be reground and
rebuffed. I don't have them here, I have marble which is equally
vulnerable. And can be repaired too.
--
http://www.judithgreenwood.com

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.

Sky

--
Ultra Ultimate Kitchen Rule - Use the Timer!
Ultimate Kitchen Rule -- Cook's Choice

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

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

Soapstone is relatively soft. I wouldn't use it for countertops Granite,
maybe. Marble? Yikes, it chips! Even Corian has problems. The thing that
seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica. Trust me,
this stuff isn't going anywhere. But of course, that can't be seen in an oh
so never used for cooking kitchen.

Jill

"jmcquown" > wrote in message
...
> 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
>
> Soapstone is relatively soft. I wouldn't use it for countertops Granite,
> maybe. Marble? Yikes, it chips! Even Corian has problems. The thing
> that
> seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica. Trust me,
> this stuff isn't going anywhere. But of course, that can't be seen in an
> oh
> so never used for cooking kitchen.
>
> Jill
>


I'm guessing that you know more about counter tops than the people that
build and install them.
But, then again, you are the expert on everything.




NOT!

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.


Soapstone countertop? I can't see that. We used to carve soapstone in art
class. It is very soft and very brittle. The only advantage I can see is
that it it scratches you can rub it will oil and get s shiny finish again,
but it will still be scratched.

Charlene Charette > wrote in
:

> 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

Too soft for me and my usages.

"sandi" > wrote in message
anews.com...
> Charlene Charette > wrote in
> :
>
>> 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
>
> Too soft for me and my usages.


Soapstone is really nice looking. Put it in an area for baking, then let
him do some baking so he'll be spending some time there enjoying it as well
as refreshing it if it needs it.

We got new counters and it took us a long time to decide granite or quartz.
We chose Cambria vs. Silestone or Zodiak because it had in the upper grades
patterns that were closer to granite in looks.

Dee Dee

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.

Quoting from:
http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1...urehazards.txt

Serpentine, soapstone, and greenstone may contain
asbestos, which can cause asbestosis, lung cancer,
mesothelioma, and stomach and intestinal cancers.

Quoting from:
http://www.baughnormanoils.com/specific_materials.htm

For example, sandstone, soapstone, and slate may
contain asbestos. New York soapstone contains
asbestos. Always wear a good quality dust mask
respirator (not a nuisance filter), goggles, and
gloves as necessary and use water spray over the
sculpture to keep the dust down.

On Dec 8, 12:21�pm, "Strange Brew" > wrote:
> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
>
>
>
>
> > 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
>
> > Soapstone is relatively soft. �I wouldn't use it for countertops �Granite,
> > maybe. �Marble? �Yikes, it chips! �Even Corian has problems. �The thing
> > that
> > seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica. �Trust me,
> > this stuff isn't going anywhere. �But of course, that can't be seen in an
> > oh
> > so never used for cooking kitchen.
>
> > Jill
>
> I'm guessing that you know more about counter tops than the people that
> build and install them.
> But, then again, you are the expert on everything.

Actually even if she didn't know and just guessed she still guessed it
all correctly.

Soapstone is too delicate for countertops, however it was once very
popular and highly coveted for kitchen/laundry sinks.. Soapstone
stains very easily but one of its desirous attributes is that with use
it develops a very dark hued and rich patina. Soapstone is still very
popular with the artsy fartsy set for all sorts of sinks, tubs, and
bath fixtures/accoutrements.

On Dec 8, 2:24�am, 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

Soapstone is pretty --but much too soft for my kitchen, I have had
formica, it scratches easily and sometimes fades, corian,- it stains
easily and if you put something hot on it , it will burn, Granite, is
gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
Rosie

"Mark Thorson" > wrote in message
> Quoting from:
> http://www.uic.edu/sph/glakes/harts1...urehazards.txt
>
> Serpentine, soapstone, and greenstone may contain
> asbestos, which can cause asbestosis, lung cancer,
> mesothelioma, and stomach and intestinal cancers.
>
> Quoting from:
> http://www.baughnormanoils.com/specific_materials.htm
>
> For example, sandstone, soapstone, and slate may
> contain asbestos. New York soapstone contains
> asbestos. Always wear a good quality dust mask
> respirator (not a nuisance filter), goggles, and
> gloves as necessary and use water spray over the
> sculpture to keep the dust down.

So? They will be countertops, not being sculpted. NO chance of catching
anything when it just sits there.

"rosie" > wrote

>Granite, is
>gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
>kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.

I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
formica is showing its age.

nancy

"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
>
> "rosie" > wrote
>
>>Granite, is
>>gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>>too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
>>kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
>
> I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
> said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
> When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
> I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
> formica is showing its age.
>
> nancy

Jill says Formica is the only option because granite (and others) ship and
stain too easily. You'll just have to live with your old Formica.

Edwin Pawlowski wrote:
>
> So? They will be countertops, not being sculpted.
> NO chance of catching anything when it just sits there.

They might be cut to size on-site.
And holes drilled for faucets.

"Mike" > wrote in message
...
>
> "Nancy Young" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "rosie" > wrote
>>
>>>Granite, is
>>>gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>>>too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
>>>kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
>>
>> I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
>> said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
>> When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
>> I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
>> formica is showing its age.
>>
>> nancy
>
> Jill says Formica is the only option because granite (and others) <ship>
> and stain too easily. You'll just have to live with your old Formica.
>
That's supposed to be "chip" not "ship" but the cost of shipping could
possibly fit in the equation somewhere.

Sheldon wrote:
> On Dec 8, 12:21?pm, "Strange Brew" > wrote:
>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>
>> ...
>>
>>
>>> 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
>>
>>> Soapstone is relatively soft. ?I wouldn't use it for countertops
>>> ?Granite, maybe. ?Marble? ?Yikes, it chips! ?Even Corian has
>>> problems. ?The thing that
>>> seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica.
>>> ?Trust me, this stuff isn't going anywhere. ?But of course, that
>>> can't be seen in an oh
>>> so never used for cooking kitchen.
>>
>>> Jill
>>
>> I'm guessing that you know more about counter tops than the people
>> that build and install them.
>> But, then again, you are the expert on everything.
>
> Actually even if she didn't know and just guessed she still guessed it
> all correctly.
>
I wasn't guessing. I've lived in a lot of houses in my lifetime, in many
different places. All with different types of counter tops. Soapstone is
the last thing I'd have installed in my kitchen.

Jill

Mike wrote:
> "Mike" > wrote in message
> ...
>>
>> "Nancy Young" > wrote in message
>> ...
>>>
>>> "rosie" > wrote
>>>
>>>> Granite, is
>>>> gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>>>> too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of
>>>> any kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
>>>
>>> I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
>>> said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
>>> When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
>>> I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
>>> formica is showing its age.
>>>
>>> nancy
>>
>> Jill says Formica is the only option because granite (and others)
>> <ship> and stain too easily. You'll just have to live with your old
>> Formica.
>>
> That's supposed to be "chip" not "ship" but the cost of shipping could
> possibly fit in the equation somewhere.

I said soapstone is too soft, marble chips and so does granite and Corian.
I never said formica is the ONLY OPTION. But hey, I've lived in the same
place for 10 years and the formica hasn't needed to be replaced. Because...
wait for it... I don't cut things on the counter top. I use a cutting
board. Hello!

On Dec 8, 6:34�pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
> Sheldon wrote:
> > On Dec 8, 12:21?pm, "Strange Brew" > wrote:
> >> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>
> ...
>
> >>> 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
>
> >>> Soapstone is relatively soft. ?I wouldn't use it for countertops
> >>> ?Granite, maybe. ?Marble? ?Yikes, it chips! ?Even Corian has
> >>> problems. ?The thing that
> >>> seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica.
> >>> ?Trust me, this stuff isn't going anywhere. ?But of course, that
> >>> can't be seen in an oh
> >>> so never used for cooking kitchen.
>
> >>> Jill
>
> >> I'm guessing that you know more about counter tops than the people
> >> that build and install them.
> >> But, then again, you are the expert on everything.
>
> > Actually even if she didn't know and just guessed she still guessed it
> > all correctly.
>
> I wasn't guessing. �I've lived in a lot of houses in my lifetime, in many
> different places. �All with different types of counter tops. �Soapstone is
> the last thing I'd have installed in my kitchen.
>
> Jill

You're really losing it... that was a compliment, I took your side,
you idiot! LOL Jill, I do believe you suffer from clinical paranoia.

Sheldon

On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 10:40:24 -0600, "jmcquown" >
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
>
>Soapstone is relatively soft. I wouldn't use it for countertops Granite,
>maybe. Marble? Yikes, it chips! Even Corian has problems. The thing that
>seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica. Trust me,
>this stuff isn't going anywhere. But of course, that can't be seen in an oh
>so never used for cooking kitchen.

I wonder why everything other than formica is considered and "upgrade"

Lou

On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 18:21:19 -0500, "Mike" > wrote:

>
>"Nancy Young" > wrote in message
...
>>
>> "rosie" > wrote
>>
>>>Granite, is
>>>gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>>>too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
>>>kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
>>
>> I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
>> said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
>> When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
>> I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
>> formica is showing its age.
>>
>> nancy
>
>Jill says Formica is the only option because granite (and others) ship and
>stain too easily. You'll just have to live with your old Formica.
>
LOL

"Mike" wrote:
> "Mike" writes:
>
> > Jill says Formica is the only option because granite (and others) <ship>
> > and stain too easily. You'll just have to live with your old Formica.
>
> That's supposed to be "chip" not "ship"

Your reading comprehenison is as poor as your ability to write
intelligibly... Jill never mentioned about Formica chipping... she
said that stone chips.

To me plastic laminate countertops make more sense, you can change
your countertop five times and still not spend the cost of granite.
With granite unless you are independantly wealthy you need to live
with the same look your entire lifetime or move, and then you will not
recoupe any more money for used granite counters as you will for used
plastic laminate counters. And plastic laminate is no longer your
mother's old Formica: http://formica.com/publish/site/na/us/en/index.html

Sheldon

Lou Decruss wrote:
>
> I wonder why everything other than formica is considered an "upgrade"

An upgade in price/snob appeal... imagine, folks with so severe an
inferiority complex that they show off the price of their kitchen
counters as if that number represents their IQ.

Sheldon

On Dec 8, 6:55�pm, Sheldon > wrote:
> Lou Decruss wrote:
>
> > I wonder why everything other than formica is considered an "upgrade"
>
> An upgade in price/snob appeal... imagine, folks with so severe an
> inferiority complex that they show off the price of their kitchen
> counters as if that number represents their IQ.
>
> Sheldon

Not necessarily, formica is less attractive and not as durable as
other counter tops. Most homes today are built with either granite or
some sort of corian type material. I prefer granite, so what. You seem
to really like formica, to each his own I say.

I had formica counters, they come in lots of colors and texture looks,
but they do not do the job of granite, if you put a hot pan down on
the formica, it will leave a burned spot, eventually the pattern will
wear and fade.

Granite is super if you do baking, you can roll out crusts or cookie
dough right on the cool surface. It cleans up in a snap.

One reason they are considered a basic , is because most of the other
options cost more.Therefore they are an upgrade.If you are looking for
a good basic counter top, then go for the formica , it is probably one
of the very least expensive. As far as changing it out, I have not
heard too often of someone changing formica counters for..... another
formica counter.Usually, if someone is going to make a change in
counters they will upgrade.

Rosie

Sheldon wrote:
> On Dec 8, 6:34?pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>> Sheldon wrote:
>>> On Dec 8, 12:21?pm, "Strange Brew" > wrote:
>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>
>>>> ...
>>
>>>>> 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
>>
>>>>> Soapstone is relatively soft. ?I wouldn't use it for countertops
>>>>> ?Granite, maybe. ?Marble? ?Yikes, it chips! ?Even Corian has
>>>>> problems. ?The thing that
>>>>> seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica.
>>>>> ?Trust me, this stuff isn't going anywhere. ?But of course, that
>>>>> can't be seen in an oh
>>>>> so never used for cooking kitchen.
>>
>>>>> Jill
>>
>>>> I'm guessing that you know more about counter tops than the people
>>>> that build and install them.
>>>> But, then again, you are the expert on everything.
>>
>>> Actually even if she didn't know and just guessed she still guessed
>>> it all correctly.
>>
>> I wasn't guessing. ?I've lived in a lot of houses in my lifetime, in
>> many different places. ?All with different types of counter tops.
>> ?Soapstone is the last thing I'd have installed in my kitchen.
>>
>> Jill
>
> You're really losing it... that was a compliment, I took your side,
> you idiot! LOL Jill, I do believe you suffer from clinical paranoia.
>
> Sheldon

DUH, Sheldon. I knew you took my side. I was agreeing with you agreeing
with me. Hello??

Jill

On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 16:55:20 -0800 (PST), Sheldon >
wrote:

>Lou Decruss wrote:
>>
>> I wonder why everything other than formica is considered an "upgrade"
>
>An upgade in price/snob appeal... imagine, folks with so severe an
>inferiority complex that they show off the price of their kitchen
>counters as if that number represents their IQ.

So what you're saying is your countertops were free?

On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 17:57:47 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
wrote:

>
>"rosie" > wrote
>
>>Granite, is
>>gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>>too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
>>kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
>
>I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
>said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
>When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
>I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
>formica is showing its age.
>
>nancy
>

god damn it, things in the kitchen should show their age! think of it
as battle-tested.

your grizzled pal,
blake

On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 17:34:01 -0600, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

>Sheldon wrote:
>> On Dec 8, 12:21?pm, "Strange Brew" > wrote:
>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>
>>> ...
>>>
>>>
>>>> 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
>>>
>>>> Soapstone is relatively soft. ?I wouldn't use it for countertops
>>>> ?Granite, maybe. ?Marble? ?Yikes, it chips! ?Even Corian has
>>>> problems. ?The thing that
>>>> seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica.
>>>> ?Trust me, this stuff isn't going anywhere. ?But of course, that
>>>> can't be seen in an oh
>>>> so never used for cooking kitchen.
>>>
>>>> Jill
>>>
>>> I'm guessing that you know more about counter tops than the people
>>> that build and install them.
>>> But, then again, you are the expert on everything.
>>
>> Actually even if she didn't know and just guessed she still guessed it
>> all correctly.
>>
>I wasn't guessing. I've lived in a lot of houses in my lifetime, in many
>different places. All with different types of counter tops. Soapstone is
>the last thing I'd have installed in my kitchen.
>
>Jill
>

yeah, that's what we say here. 'old jill, she's been around the
butcher block a few times.'

your pal,
blake

On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 20:21:32 -0600, "jmcquown" >
wrote:

>Sheldon wrote:
>> On Dec 8, 6:34?pm, "jmcquown" > wrote:
>>> Sheldon wrote:
>>>> On Dec 8, 12:21?pm, "Strange Brew" > wrote:
>>>>> "jmcquown" > wrote in message
>>>
>>>>> ...
>>>
>>>>>> 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
>>>
>>>>>> Soapstone is relatively soft. ?I wouldn't use it for countertops
>>>>>> ?Granite, maybe. ?Marble? ?Yikes, it chips! ?Even Corian has
>>>>>> problems. ?The thing that
>>>>>> seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica.
>>>>>> ?Trust me, this stuff isn't going anywhere. ?But of course, that
>>>>>> can't be seen in an oh
>>>>>> so never used for cooking kitchen.
>>>
>>>>>> Jill
>>>
>>>>> I'm guessing that you know more about counter tops than the people
>>>>> that build and install them.
>>>>> But, then again, you are the expert on everything.
>>>
>>>> Actually even if she didn't know and just guessed she still guessed
>>>> it all correctly.
>>>
>>> I wasn't guessing. ?I've lived in a lot of houses in my lifetime, in
>>> many different places. ?All with different types of counter tops.
>>> ?Soapstone is the last thing I'd have installed in my kitchen.
>>>
>>> Jill
>>
>> You're really losing it... that was a compliment, I took your side,
>> you idiot! LOL Jill, I do believe you suffer from clinical paranoia.
>>
>> Sheldon
>
>DUH, Sheldon. I knew you took my side. I was agreeing with you agreeing
>with me. Hello??
>
>Jill
>

uh-oh. trouble in paradise.

your pal,
blake

On Sat, 08 Dec 2007 18:08:34 -0600, Lou Decruss >
wrote:

>On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 10:40:24 -0600, "jmcquown" >
>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
>>
>>Soapstone is relatively soft. I wouldn't use it for countertops Granite,
>>maybe. Marble? Yikes, it chips! Even Corian has problems. The thing that
>>seems to last longest and is the least pretentious is formica. Trust me,
>>this stuff isn't going anywhere. But of course, that can't be seen in an oh
>>so never used for cooking kitchen.
>
>I wonder why everything other than formica is considered and "upgrade"
>
>Lou

because just any old body can have *formica*. so déclassé. you might
just as well have vinyl on your floors.

your pal,
blake

"blake murphy" > wrote in message
...
> On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 17:57:47 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
> wrote:
>
>>
>>"rosie" > wrote
>>
>>>Granite, is
>>>gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>>>too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
>>>kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
>>
>>I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
>>said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
>>When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
>>I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
>>formica is showing its age.
>>
>>nancy
>>
>
> god damn it, things in the kitchen should show their age! think of it
> as battle-tested.
>
> your grizzled pal,
> blake
>

My countertops were battle-tested. A huge black-burnt circle to the side of
the stove. Stains that never came out over the years. The wooden edges'
were washed out from water being spilled. A new sink probably was in order.
It was time to move on and start over again.

As far as people choosing granite (which I didn't choose), there are other
things that make people choose granite than upgrading their kitchen when the
house is up for sale, or 'keeping up with the Jones' ' etc., and that is
beauty. If one can afford beauty, I'm for it. Beauty and endurance --
that's got to be a winner.

Dee Dee

"blake murphy" > wrote in message
...
>
> because just any old body can have *formica*. so déclassé. you might
> just as well have vinyl on your floors.
>
> your pal,
> blake


Whut! You mean you can't have granite and vinyl in the same kitchen?
News to me.
Dee Dee

On Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:24:54 -0600, 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

Hi Charlene,

You may want to buy some samples and play with them before investing
in countertops:
http://www.soapstones.com/shop.html

Best -- Terry

On Dec 9, 1:06�pm, Janet Baraclough >
wrote:
> The message
> >
> from rosie > contains these words:
>
> > Most homes today are built with either granite or
> > some sort of corian type material.
>
> � �Really? �Which planet are you posting from?
>
> � � Janet.

I am posting from Texas, and I cannot say that I am in love with this
place, but have done a LOT of looking at homes in the last 6 months or
so and most of the homes have either corian, or some corian look
alike, or granite counters, with the most being granite, I am not
speaking of million dollar homes either.

Rosie

rosie wrote:
> On Dec 9, 1:06�pm, Janet Baraclough >
> wrote:
>> The message
>> >
>> from rosie > contains these words:
>>
>>> Most homes today are built with either granite or
>>> some sort of corian type material.
>> � �Really? �Which planet are you posting from?
>>
>> � � Janet.
>
> I am posting from Texas, and I cannot say that I am in love with this
> place, but have done a LOT of looking at homes in the last 6 months or
> so and most of the homes have either corian, or some corian look
> alike, or granite counters, with the most being granite, I am not
> speaking of million dollar homes either.
>
> Rosie

I'll second that. We're building in Texas and if I put in Formica, I'd
never be able to re-sell.

--Charlene


--
A no smoking section in a restaurant is like a no peeing section in a
swimming pool.


email perronnellec at earthlink . net

Dave Smith 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.
>
>
> Soapstone countertop? I can't see that. We used to carve soapstone in art
> class. It is very soft and very brittle. The only advantage I can see is
> that it it scratches you can rub it will oil and get s shiny finish again,
> but it will still be scratched.

There are differing grades of soapstone. My husband was looking for
soapstone to carve for metal casting. He ordered a sample and this
particular piece is a b*tch to carve. Even so, it is still softer than
granite. My first choice is Silestone, but he asked me to look into the
soapstone option.

--Charlene


--
A no smoking section in a restaurant is like a no peeing section in a
swimming pool.


email perronnellec at earthlink . net

"Charlene Charette" > ha scritto nel messaggio
...
> Dave Smith 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.
>>
>>
>> Soapstone countertop? I can't see that. We used to carve soapstone in
>> art
>> class. It is very soft and very brittle. The only advantage I can see is
>> that it it scratches you can rub it will oil and get s shiny finish
>> again,
>> but it will still be scratched.
>
> There are differing grades of soapstone. My husband was looking for
> soapstone to carve for metal casting. He ordered a sample and this
> particular piece is a b*tch to carve. Even so, it is still softer than
> granite. My first choice is Silestone, but he asked me to look into the
> soapstone option.
>
> --Charlene

You've had lots of opinion, practically no experience. You might want to
try a site where people don't HAVE to say something whether they know the
answer or not. There must be some compaison sites somewhere.

On Sun, 9 Dec 2007 10:43:33 -0500, "Dee.Dee" >
wrote:

>
>"blake murphy" > wrote in message
.. .
>> On Sat, 8 Dec 2007 17:57:47 -0500, "Nancy Young" >
>> wrote:
>>
>>>
>>>"rosie" > wrote
>>>
>>>>Granite, is
>>>>gorgeous, and wonderful for baking, and you can set hot pans on it
>>>>too, Have had mine for three years and have not had a problem of any
>>>>kind with it so far, and it looks wonderful.
>>>
>>>I did a quick measure of my countertops for the survey, Ron
>>>said, you measuring for granite countertops? No! I wish!!
>>>When I had my kitchen redone, granite wasn't so widespread,
>>>I didn't think it was even feasible to afford it. I regret it. My
>>>formica is showing its age.
>>>
>>>nancy
>>>
>>
>> god damn it, things in the kitchen should show their age! think of it
>> as battle-tested.
>>
>> your grizzled pal,
>> blake
>>
>
>My countertops were battle-tested. A huge black-burnt circle to the side of
>the stove. Stains that never came out over the years. The wooden edges'
>were washed out from water being spilled. A new sink probably was in order.
>It was time to move on and start over again.
>
>As far as people choosing granite (which I didn't choose), there are other
>things that make people choose granite than upgrading their kitchen when the
>house is up for sale, or 'keeping up with the Jones' ' etc., and that is
>beauty. If one can afford beauty, I'm for it. Beauty and endurance --
>that's got to be a winner.
>
>Dee Dee
>

well, i'd agree it would be silly to go from granite to formica.

your pal,
blake

On Sun, 9 Dec 2007 11:06:20 -0500, "Dee.Dee" >
wrote:

>
>"blake murphy" > wrote in message
.. .
>>
>> because just any old body can have *formica*. so déclassé. you might
>> just as well have vinyl on your floors.
>>
>> your pal,
>> blake
>
>
>Whut! You mean you can't have granite and vinyl in the same kitchen?
>News to me.
>Dee Dee
>

sure, you *can*, but martha stewart will snicker up her well-tailored
sleeve.

your pal,
blake