Soapstone Countertops in Hampton, VA
We measure, supply and fit soapstone countertops in kitchens and bathrooms across Hampton, Virginia.
- Quotes in writing
- 17 areas covered
Hampton Countertop Pros fits soapstone countertops in homes across Hampton. We measure your cabinets first, then have each soapstone slab cut to fit them.
What soapstone is
The U.S. Geological Survey says soapstone is a metamorphic rock rich in talc, so it is not as strong as other rocks. It says soapstone is fairly easy to cut and shape with tools, and very smooth thanks to the talc. That is why, it says, native people used to carve soapstone into bowls, vases and decorative objects.
We'd have you look at the actual soapstone slab before it goes on your kitchen counters, your island or a bathroom vanity top.
Why soapstone feels soft
The U.S. Geological Survey says talc is the softest mineral. On the Mohs hardness scale, it gives talc a 1 and diamond a 10. It says talc is made of microscopic platelets held together by very weak bonds, so they slide past one another and give talc its soft, greasy feel.
Because soapstone is soft, we'd have you use a cutting board for knives every time on a soapstone top we fit. If you want a harder stone, we can show you granite or quartzite next to the soapstone.
Dust when soapstone is cut
An OSHA and NIOSH hazard alert on stone countertops tells countertop firms to do as much of the work as they can in the shop instead of at your house. OSHA calls silicosis an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death. Whoever you hire, ask them where your slab will be cut and how they keep the dust down.
What sets the price of soapstone
We price soapstone countertops for your house once we've measured, and you get that quote in writing. Our price depends on the slab you choose, how much counter we cover, the edge you pick, and how many holes we cut for the sink and the cooktop, the burners set into the counter.
Not sure soapstone is the one? We also fit quartz, granite, quartzite and marble, and we can quote more than one.
What to get in writing
Ask for these in writing, whoever you hire:
- The name of the soapstone and the thickness of the slab.
- Which slab is yours, so the one you picked is the one that gets cut.
- A drawing of the layout, with every seam and cutout marked.
- Which edge you are getting.
- Where the slab will be cut and shaped.
- Whether taking out and hauling away the old countertops is in the price.
- Who disconnects and reconnects the sink, faucet and cooktop.
Questions about soapstone countertops in Hampton
Is soapstone the same as talc?
No. The U.S. Geological Survey says talc is a mineral, and soapstone is an impure rock containing talc and other minerals.
Is soapstone found in the United States?
The U.S. Geological Survey says significant talc deposits in the United States are found in the Appalachians and the Piedmont, from Vermont to Alabama. It says some U.S. deposits have been important sources of darker talc, commonly called soapstone, which gets its color from impurities.
Do I need a permit for new soapstone countertops in Hampton?
The City of Hampton says you don't need a permit to replace a plumbing fixture in the same location, other than a gas water heater. Water lines, electrical wiring, gas lines and sheetrock (drywall) are on its list of work that does need one. If your new soapstone top means moving the sink or adding an outlet, we'll check with the city's permit office with you before we start.
How do I clean soapstone countertops?
FoodSafety.gov says to wash countertops with hot, soapy water, especially after they've held raw meat, poultry, seafood or eggs. On any countertop we fit, we'd still set hot pans on a stand or pad.
Can you fit soapstone on a bathroom vanity?
Yes, we fit soapstone on bathroom vanity tops as well as kitchen counters, and we'll go through slabs with you for either room.
Can you replace my old laminate with soapstone?
Yes, we can take out old laminate or tile tops and fit soapstone in their place as part of a countertop replacement job.
Can you put in a backsplash at the same time?
Yes, we can. Once the soapstone is set, we do backsplash installation, facing the strip of wall just above the counter with tile or stone that goes with it.
Can you fix a scratch or chip in a soapstone countertop?
Send us a photo, or we can come out and look. We'll tell you whether a countertop repair will hold or the piece should be replaced.
Get a quote for soapstone countertops
Call us, or send the quote form with your ZIP code and the rooms you want done. We'll measure, go through soapstone slabs and edges with you, and give you a written quote. To see the other countertops we fit, go to the Hampton Countertop Pros home page.
Ready to talk about your countertop job?
Send the quote form with your ZIP code and what you need. We will get back to you with a written quote.