soapstone Withstanding the Test of Time Your Questions, Our Answers

Transcription

1 soapstone Withstanding the Test of Time Your Questions, Our Answers

2 GREEN MOUNTAIN SOAPSTONE CORPORATION 4 IS SOAPSTONE A NATURAL STONE? 6 WHAT SIZE SOAPSTONE SLABS ARE AVAILABLE? 7 WHICH TYPE OF SOAPSTONE IS APPROPRIATE FOR KITCHEN USE? 8 WHAT IS MY PALETTE OF COLOR? 9 ARCHITECTURALLY, DOES SOAPSTONE HAVE OTHER USES? 10 WHAT QUALITIES MAKE IT KITCHEN-FRIENDLY? 11 CAN I CUT AND CHOP ON MY COUNTERTOP? 12 IS THERE A TIME-TABLE FOR OILING SOAPSTONE? 13 WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND OILING SOAPSTONE? 14 WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A SOAPSTONE SINK? 15 WHAT COUNTRY DOES SOAPSTONE COME FROM? 16 WHY TRUST GREEN MOUNTAIN SOAPSTONE KNOWLEDGE? 17 SOAPSTONE FEELS SOFT, WILL IT WEAR THIN OVER TIME? 18 WHY ISN T SOAPSTONE AS POPULAR AS GRANITE? 19 WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF SOAPSTONE? 20 IS SOAPSTONE CONSIDERED A GREEN PRODUCT? 21 CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR INVESTMENT 22 USE AND CARE OF YOUR SOAPSTONE SINK 24 STANDARD SOAPSTONE SINKS (Dimensions ) 26 Green Mountain Soapstone Corporation 680 East Hubbardton Road P.O. Box 807 Castleton, VT phone fax

3 soapstone YOUR QUESTIONS, OUR ANSWERS You should write a book about soapstone was suggested by a designer visiting our KBIS booth a few years back. There seems to be so much not known about soapstone, or at least projected inaccurately. Maybe you guys can correct that. Well, we took that advice and went to work developing this booklet. It contains a series of questions that are most often asked of Green Soapstone countertops are impervious to heat and stains, and virtually maintenance free. Mountain Soapstone. Over the years we have done our best to provide a response to architects, designers, fabricators and most importantly homeowners questions. This booklet provides what we feel to be clear, to the point, honest and informative answers. Hopefully we ve covered everything, but if not, we can always add a page to the next edition! A giant soapstone block just extracted from the ground, being prepared for the slab saw. Green Mountain Soapstone countertops are as attractive as they are durable. Soapstone is the perfect choice for a busy lifestyle. 3

4 GREEN MOUNTAIN SOAPSTONE CORPORATION Stone fabrication has been a way of life for three generations of the Socinski family. David Socinski is pictured here in the soapstone yard in Castleton, Vermont. 4 Green Mountain Soapstone Corporate Headquarters. Castleton, Vermont USA One of our quarries in the Green Mountains of Brazil. who we are Green Mountain Soapstone is a family owned business, located in the picturesque Green Mountains in Castleton, Vermont. Stone fabrication has been a way of life for the Socinski family for three generations. We didn t wake up one morning and say let s get into the stone business today. With stone quarries on two continents this is the Socinski family heritage, passed down from grandfather, to father, to son. Soapstone is only one of the natural stones we have worked with over the past 60 years, and it has become our favorite. We ve created soapstone countertops, sinks, fireplace surrounds and liners, flooring, steps, masonry heaters, lab tables and much more over the years. Our fabrication facility and showroom in Castleton, Vermont sits on over 20 acres and supports more than 30 local families. Combined with our quarries in Brazil, more than 100 people work each day in support of our customers. Soapstone has been a part of American homes since the heritage Something such as a way of life or a traditional culture passed from one generation to another. early 1800 s; many homes today still contain working sinks and wood stoves built over 100 years ago! While they all may not have been built by GMS personnel, they all have one thing in common, durability! what we do At Green Mountain Soapstone we quarry and supply soapstone for the kitchen and bath industry. We ship raw slabs and containers to suppliers and fabricators throughout the United States and Canada. We also supply dimensional cut-to-size soapstone for masonry heaters, wood stoves, restoration and duplication work. We offer the largest soapstone slabs and inventory available. We have the world s most beautiful soapstone, which we offer as Green Mountain Soapstone Original. Some call it customer service we call it a relationship. We do not sell soapstone, our customers do. We work hard to support the many fabricators, distributors and designers whom insist on specifying Green Mountain Soapstone. Our pro-active approach of

5 reaching end-users includes national magazine advertisements. Fine Homebuilding, Old House Journal and Old House Interiors are just a few loyalty publications that A feeling of devotion, duty or attract attention to attachment to somebody or our soaps t o n e something products. Our web site receives several hundred information requests each week which we refer to the local dealer. Those referrals often convert to sales. We are long-standing exhibitors at national trade shows such as KBIS, IBS, Coverings and Stone Expo. Marketing is only part of our support. Our national fabrication network is fully supported by experienced, hands-on people. Combined, GMS independent fabricators carry well over 100 years of experience into the field each day. Availability, quality, marketing and fabrication support keep us the leader of the soapstone industry. our mission For decades, New Englanders have enjoyed the beauty, durability and longevity of soapstone. Our mission at Green Mountain Soapstone is to demystify the fabrication and installation of soapstone, enabling everyone access to this fabulous product. Until recently, soapstone was only distributed in New England. Consequently, traditional crafting skills were only known to those in the northeast. Today, GMS possesses several large soapstone quarries which enable us to offer soapstone nationally. We teach contractors, cabinet makers and solid surface fabricators nationwide the manufacturing techniques used by original Vermont craftsmen to create countertops, kitchen islands, fireplace surrounds and more. And how seams can be made so that the joint is smooth and inconspicuous. We can proudly say that we are one of the reasons for the resurgence of soapstone. Today we are the largest supplier of soapstone in America. We will continue to quarry, market and distribute quality soapstone for years to come. We longevity Long duration of life. have several legal quarries in Brazil that provide well paying jobs and safe working conditions. We ve been through the ups and downs of the soapstone market and have learned first-hand the importance of quality and planning for the future. We have seen other suppliers come and go. Most are just trying to cash in on the soapstone revival and neither have the supply, nor the experience to deliver long term. Others are granite companies quarrying from poor deposits and selling inferior stone cheaply, trying to make a quick buck. Quality soapstone is rare and hard to find. Our skilled geologists actively prospect and seek out the best architectural deposits. This enables us to continually secure new quarry locations ensuring our longevity in the soapstone business for years to come. 5

6 IS SOAPSTONE A NATURAL STONE? soapstone a soft metamorphic rock composed mostly of the mineral talc. Soapstone also includes chlorite, carbonate, and tremolite. Soapstone forms through the alteration of ferromagnesian silicate minerals during metamorphism. Soapstone (steatite) is a naturally occurring metamorphic rock found in various localities worldwide. It is geologically associated with ancient ocean rift zones of ultra-basic, igneous rock assemblages. These rock units become altered due to the tremendous heat and pressure that occurs during periods of mountain development and tectonic upheavals. The process of steatization changes the minerals in the rock into talc and dolomite (magnesium carbonate). The soft talc mineral gives soapstone its smooth feel of soap, and the carbonate mineral provides its strength and integrity. Green Mountain Soapstone keeps an active file of mineral test results on all soapstone we distribute. This information is available to those that require it, upon request. Quarry men prepare to block up another section in one of our Brazilian quarries. 6

7 WHAT SIZE SOAPSTONE SLABS ARE AVAILABLE? At one time soapstone blocks were cut smaller to avoid veins. Since seams in soapstone countertops are virtually invisible, this was not a problem. As other stone choices appeared in the marketplace, soapstone was forced to quarry larger blocks. Larger slabs may sometimes contain a few more quartz veins, but they only add to the aesthetics of the project. Our 1 ¼ slabs average in size 60 x 100. We also cut smaller sizes for fabricators that are not capable of handling large material. Custom thicknesses and sizes can be ordered, but time must be added for quarrying and sizing of blocks. Handling of larger slabs is the same as handling a large granite or marble slab. Due to natural fissures in those stones a mesh back is often applied to supply additional support. Since soapstone is a dense material, mesh has not been required. As our slabs continue to be quarried in even larger sizes, we may consider applying the mesh for safety reasons. Tiles are also available in 12 squares that are 1/2 in thickness. Larger slabs provide for longer runs of counter top, which equals fewer seams. Soapstone tiles are perfect for bathroom tub and tile surrounds as well as floors. 7

8 WHICH TYPE OF SOAPSTONE IS APPROPRIATE FOR KITCHEN USE? Soapstone is found in two basic varieties, each defined by its talc content. ARTISTIC Soapstone has a high talc content making it very soft. Normal uses include carving and welders pencils. Common examples you may have seen are Inuit whale carvings and boot dryers. You do not want this stone installed for use as a kitchen countertop. ARCHITECTURAL Soapstone contains a lower percentage of talc and is used for sinks, countertops, floors and other architectural applications. This is the only type of soapstone quarried by Green Mountain Soapstone due to its strength and durability. not all soapstone is created equal Soapstone counter top and sink completes this log homes rustic look. 8

9 WHAT IS MY PALETTE OF COLOR? Basically one. Some of our stone has a green hue, but most is charcoal gray with flecks of other colors running through it and veining interspersed. Soapstone turns to a darker charcoal color with age, use and normal care, and can be color enhanced with mineral oil. As the discovery of soapstone quarries continue, there will always be some variation in its appearance. Still, the talc and quartz content will always decide the quality of the stone. Too much color, or inconsistent color are not good signs when looking at soapstone. Softness and hardness can vary in every piece of soapstone, so when choosing slabs take time to ask questions. We suggest wiping the slab down with a wet sponge (water), as this will give you an idea of how the stone will look when it is oiled. Our Original soapstone is the traditional look, feel and density that homeowners seek out after investigating soapstone. Large quartz veining in this soapstone makes for a striking countertop. Natural Soapstone Soapstone with an application of Green Mountain Soapstone Mineral Oil. 9

10 ARCHITECTURALLY, DOES SOAPSTONE HAVE OTHER USES? Soapstone adds charm and warmth to this fireplace by The SoapstoneWorks. Natural soapstone bathroom vanity with curved backsplash and stainless drop-in sink. Green Mountain s soapstone has been fabricated for multiple uses. Some include tabletops, benches, shower stalls, bathtubs, fireplace surrounds, Rumford fireboxes, windowsills, lintels, planters and Japanese soaking tubs. In addition, soapstone has become an excellent companion for radiant floor heat. Masonry heaters built of soapstone have, literally, set the market on fire. Soapstone is a highly neutral stone that adapts to a wide range of temperature shifts. From handling the heat of a woodfired pizza oven to surviving the cold and snow of the outdoor kitchen in winter, soapstone withstands it all. Now that the modern kitchen has moved outside to surround the barbecue, soapstone makes the transition right in stride. Its resistance to bacteria adds comfort to working on a countertop that is exposed to Mother Nature. Green Mountain Soapstone masonry heater (above right) captures heat and radiates it for hours. Custom designed soapstone steps and accents (right) make this entryway unique. 10

11 WHAT QUALITIES MAKE SOAPSTONE KITCHEN-FRIENDLY? Soapstone has three characteristics that make it an excellent choice. 1It adjusts to heat. You can place a red-hot pan or dish on a counter without any damage to the surface. 2 It is non-porous. Products that traditionally stain other natural stones will not penetrate soapstone. Surfaces such as granite, marble or limestone have to be repeatedly sealed to prevent liquids from staining them. 3 It is chemically neutral. Acids like lemon or tomato juice do not affect soapstone, nor do alkalis found in some household cleaners. No other solid surface countertop material combines all three of these favorable characteristics. an investment in soapstone just makes sense Green Mountains Original Soapstone pairs beautifully with a matching Chicago Wright apron front sink. 11

12 CAN I CUT AND CHOP ON MY COUNTERTOP? We believe that there was a good reason that cutting boards were invented, and that was to save your countertop and knives. We do not know of any surface, stone or otherwise, that will withstand daily beatings from a knife or cleaver! That said, we know that sooner or later somebody is going to cut on it (hey, we all have families), and what you will find are fine surface scratches. Often these scratches are not actual scratches but occur when a kitchen tool, such as a knife, removes the top layer of mineral oil from the counters non-porous surface. You can reapply mineral oil to hide them, or let them be. Surprisingly, they seem to add to the unique patina of the stone. Deeper scratches can be removed without bringing in an expert with messy tools. Please refer to our care information on page Soapstone countertops can be created with custom edges.

13 IS THERE A TIME-TABLE FOR OILING SOAPSTONE? We recommend weekly oilings for the first month, then twice a month for the next three months. After that a monthly oiling, or less, is recommended. Only you will know the timetable that works in your home. There is really no right or wrong schedule for oiling soapstone. Kitchens that get more use than others will require less oil in high traffic areas. This is because countertop moisture is naturally being replaced by constant usage. A thin layer of oil (too light to feel) will keep the stone a consistent shade of dark gray. As the oil evaporates, the stone will lighten letting you know it is time for another oiling. Green Mountain s Mineral Oil is a light grade, food safe product developed especially to color enhance soapstone. NATURAL Soapstone at installation. COLOR ENHANCED Soapstone after one application of Green Mountain Soapstone Mineral Oil. 13

14 WHY DO YOU RECOMMEND OILING SOAPSTONE? Soapstone is non-porous so nothing will penetrate its surface. When liquid is spilled or applied to the surface, the stone darkens due to the light refracted off of the stone. The stone lightens when the substance is removed from the surface either by evaporation or cleaning. Thus, in order to avoid inconsistent color across your countertop, we recommend applying mineral oil to its surface. While the aesthetic choice of applying oil is up to the homeowner, there is no right or wrong way to enjoy your soapstone. GMS has developed a special, lightweight formula mineral oil that makes application easier and offers more coverage, ounce per ounce, than other heavier oils. Please see our care information included in this booklet. Most importantly is the grade of mineral oil. FDA approved food grade mineral oil will not become rancid as will olive and other oils. It has neither odor nor taste, and in most cases a thin layer will dry overnight. We suggest using our bottled mineral oil, otherwise a heavier grade oil may be found in most drug and grocery stores. Boston Williams sink 26.5 x 18.5 x 7.75 (outside dimensions) Chicago Wright sink 30 x 18.5 x 10 (outside dimensions) 14

15 WHY SHOULD I CONSIDER A SOAPSTONE SINK? See pages for standard Green Mountain Soapstone sink drawings. In the 1800 s, before the kitchen existed as we know it, the soapstone sink was a mainstay of multiple uses. The old large double-bowl sink that many New England homes still have in their basement or laundry room today, were used to keep water warm, do the laundry (by hand) and bathe and rinse fresh foods. Often kept on the porch facing the sunny south, the farmer would boil water early in the morning and pour it into the bowls. Instantly the stone would begin to adapt to the water temperature and in return, with help from the sun also warming the soapstone, would keep the water warm throughout the day. When the kitchen moved indoors, those same soapstone sinks were too large to make the move. Today, the soapstone sink has been revitalized. Not only does it look great surrounded with soapstone countertops, but it offers the homeowner a chance to design their own sink. Because most soapstone sinks are custom built to fit the cabinet or wall placement, a homeowner that loves to cook can design a sink that uniquely works for their kitchen. Non-cooks, just needing a small sink for do- New England Double Bowl sink 36 x 18.5 x 10 (outside dimensions) ing a few dishes and wanting to save countertop space, can be accommodated as well. Green Mountain Soapstone offers custom built sinks (see photo above). In addition, we also have stock sinks that often fit customers needs and help with tighter remodeling budgets. As vanity sinks become a home staple, soapstone has once again adapted. Single block carved bowls make excellent bathroom sinks. Soapstone s non-porous nature leaves it unaffected by every substance from cleaners to make-up used in your daily routine. 15

16 WHAT COUNTRY DOES SOAPSTONE COME FROM? Soapstone prepared at our Brazilian stock yard ready to ship to our distributors in the USA. Soapstone is found throughout the world in relatively minor deposits ranging from small rocks to wide seams, boulders and other deposits. Soapstone is found in the Appalachian mountain range from Maine to Georgia with significant deposits in Vermont and Virginia. Finland and Brazil are the largest international producers of soapstone. Stone found in Brazil tends to be the best for use in the kitchen, while Finnish stone works well in stoves. Two thirds of the soapstone that is imported yearly from Brazil to the United States is via Green Mountain Soapstone quarries. Our green friendly quarries are quickly reclaimed when they are tapped out. Often after a few years of regrowth our quarries blend back into the country side. 16

17 WHY TRUST GREEN MOUNTAIN SOAPSTONE KNOWLEDGE? Soapstone varies in color, hardness and purity from deposit to deposit. We only distribute stone suitable for the intended end use. Top quality soapstone is rare and hard to find. Our skilled geologists actively prospect and seek out the richest deposits. This enables us to continually secure new quarry locations. We are the largest soapstone supplier in America. Two-thirds of the Brazilian soapstone arriving in America annually is from Green Mountain Soapstone s secure, legal quarries that provide well-paying jobs and safe working conditions. Large Green Mountain Soapstone blocks are matched up prior to cutting (above) being the largest supplier of soapstone slabs in the united states, keeps our inventory fresh. Soapstone slabs just cut off the saw. (below) 17

18 SOAPSTONE FEELS SOFT, WILL IT WEAR THIN OVER TIME? Soapstone will wear, the edges will soften and accumulate some nicks, scratches and dents over time. It will never wear thin and it certainly will not wash away! Most scratches are not actual scratches but occur when a kitchen tool, such as a knife, removes the top layer of mineral oil from the counters non-porous surface. If deeper scratches should occur, they can be removed with light sanding if desired, but often left alone they tend to add to the unique patina of the stone. Sinks that were built well over 100 years ago (those found in many New England garages and cellars) are still in use and just as attractive as the sinks built today. Custom bathroom vanity constructed entirely from soapstone complete with towel racks. 18

19 WHY ISN T SOAPSTONE AS POPULAR AS GRANITE? Soapstone is probably less popular due to its relative rarity and limited supply. Quarrying soapstone takes knowledge and patience. Because it is un- soapstone adds style & value to any project like most other architectural minerals, soapstone has not been quarried or marketed by large companies and has not been sold through traditional stone distribution channels. Due to the limited supply of architectural quality stone, the chances of soapstone ever reaching the sales magnitude of granite is highly unlikely. Soapstone is, however, readily available from Green Mountain Soapstone. Non-porous soapstone is the perfect practical design element for any wet environment. 19

20 WHAT ARE THE DISADVANTAGES OF SOAPSTONE? 20 Depending on how you look at it, and you would have to speak to several soapstone owners, maintenance of the stone when it is first installed can be a disadvantage. Applying the mineral oil to get the aesthetic appearance consistent can take time, however, we ve had soapstone lovers revisit us over the years and speak of how much they enjoy oiling their countertops often referring to it as therapeutic. In summary, we feel these three points best describe any of soapstone s drawbacks : 1Soapstone is basically available in only one color. It will age to a darker, almost black charcoal finish. This is not all bad, we ve had a few customers tell us they like the limited color choice as it speeds up product selection by a few weeks. 2 Soapstone requires some maintenance such as periodic oiling to maintain a consistent appearance. That said, it s up to the homeowner to decide what the oiling time table will be. 3 Soapstone is softer and tends to get fine scratches. These are easily removed by reapplying mineral oil. If you meet a person that has installed quality soapstone like ours, be prepared to hear nothing but rave reviews. Most people that are turned off by soapstone have installed a subpar artistic product (mentioned earlier), or were expecting a polished stone such as granite.

21 IS SOAPSTONE CONSIDERED A GREEN PRODUCT? At the current time no stone fits every requirement to be considered part of the Green Movement. Yet soapstone is accepted by many Green-minded designers, builders and homeowners due to its earth-friendly qualities. The following are green points about soapstone: 1Soapstone is quarried in an open pit, thus, the land is refilled with dirt, allowing grass and trees to reclaim the land. 2 Soapstone is chemical free; It needs no sealer as it is used in its natural state. Because it is non-porous, a mild soap and water clean up is a snap. Mineral oil, also a natural food safe product, is used to enhance it. 3 Soapstone is a onetime, life-time investment. Sinks that have been used since the early 1800 s in New England are still being used today in many laundry rooms. 4 Soapstone is recyclable. Old high school and college science labs, that for some reason are being taken out and replaced with other materials, have been reused for sinks, countertop and vanity tops with simple reconditioning. 5 Soapstone has withstood the test of time and is ready to take on the future. Whatever use it has been specified for, more than likely it is still in place today. Soapstone is ready for the Green Movement, in fact it has been ready for more than 200 years! 21

22 CARE & MAINTENANCE OF YOUR INVESTMENT Using Green Mountain Soapstone in applications with other materials can create an eye pleasing environment. (above) Why is it recommended to oil soapstone? Since soapstone is non porous, nothing penetrates the surface. When any liquid is spilled or applied to the surface, the stone darkens because the light is refracted off the surface. The stone will lighten when the substance is removed from the surface either by evaporation or cleaning. In order to avoid an inconsistent color or tone, we recommend applying mineral oil to the surface of the stone. First Oiling When applying mineral oil for the first time a stone changing experience will occur! Instantly the gray soapstone will turn a dark charcoal color and the characteristics of the soapstone will come to life. These few simple steps will make the oiling experience easier. Be sure to first wipe down the soapstone with a wet sponge. This will gather any dust residue left behind that can gum up the oil. Use only food grade mineral oil as it is safe for human consumption. We recommend specially formulated Green Mountain Soapstone Mineral Oil. With a clean, dry cloth, apply the oil to the stone, covering all areas evenly. (Yes, you can cheat and just pour it on!) It will be oily to the touch when first Soapstone is very user-friendly. If you can design it, it can be built. One restriction is, it does not bend well! 22

23 applied. Give the oil a few minutes to rest and then with a dry cloth wipe away any excess oil. The remaining oil will dry overnight and leave your new soapstone beautiful and ready for work. How often does soapstone have to be oiled? We recommend weekly for the first month. Then twice a month, or less, depending on use over the next three months. The thin layer of oil, too light to feel, will keep the stone a consistent shade of dark gray. The oil does evaporate so the stone will lighten with time. And, most importantly, if you never oil it, that s fine, just expect to see darker spots in areas where you do most of your work (this is not a stain). If you become tired of the spots oil it! ful though, as in most cases a scratch is no more than removal of the oil from the stones surface not an actual scratch. This is easily repaired by reapplying a small amount of mineral oil. Now use it! Soapstone loves to be used! In fact, five, ten and even twenty years from now, you will marvel at how beautiful the stone has aged. Soapstone adds to the love of cooking and baking. Remember, this is natural stone, your pattern of veining and uniqueness are unlike anyone else s in the world. No two kitchens are ever the same. Does the softness of soapstone affect wear? Soapstone will wear, softening the edges and accumulating some nicks, scratches, and dents over time. Sinks that were built 100 years ago (those found in many New England cellars) are still as attractive as sinks built today. If you want to remove a scratch, it can be removed by lightly sanding with an 80 grit sandpaper (80 grit is the finish of your stone). Soft pressure and circular strokes should be used letting the paper do the work. Be care- The natural matte (honed) finished works well with all kitchen cabinets and appliances. 23

24 USE AND CARE OF YOUR SOAPSTONE SINK Chicago Wright apron front sink (shown above) is available at: A Few Simple Points of Reference Detergents To our knowledge, there is no detergent that will adversely effect soapstone. From a mild dishwashing liquid to abrasive cleaners such as Comet or Ajax, soapstone has shown no ill effects due to soapstones nonporous nature. In most cases, a milder soap and warm water clean up is all that is needed. Inside the sink You will notice that the bottom of your sink is sloped for drain- why you made a great decision to install soapstone age, but due to the sinks slab construction, it has square corners. With regular rinsing, build-up should not be a problem. When you see a need to clean those corners, we suggest using a soft scraper (like a vinyl vegetable brush) for a safe and easy clean up. Oiling History has proven that oil inside the sink reacts a bit differently than on the countertop. We believe this is due to dish detergent removing the oil. Thus, sink areas may take a few more rub downs with mineral oil to create a The Look. 24

25 consistent, dark look. Use and time will bring the sinks appearance to the traditional soapstone look. Why You Made a Great Decision to Install Soapstone Soapstone has three characteristics that make it an excellent choice for use as kitchen sinks and countertops. Soapstone is heat resistant. You can place a hot pan or dish directly on the counter without any damage to the counter. In most cases, the stone will not even feel warm to the touch. Soapstone is non-porous. No products found in the kitchen will penetrate the stone. Other stone surfaces such as granite, marble or limestone have to be repeatedly sealed to prevent liquids from staining them. Soapstone is chemically neutral. Acids like lemon or tomato juice do not effect it, nor do alkalis found in some household cleaners. No other solid surface countertop material has all three of these favorable characteristics. Thank you for choosing to include our soapstone in your lifestyle. We know you will enjoy it for many years to come! Soapstone sinks can be custom made to fit your needs. 25

26 Boston Williams sink 26.5 x 18.5 x 7.75 (outside dimensions) STANDARD SOAPSTONE SINKS Chicago Wright sink 30 x 18.5 x 10 (outside dimensions) New England Double Bowl sink 36 x 18.5 x 10 (outside dimensions) 26

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28 Green Mountain Soapstone Corporation 680 East Hubbardton Road P.O. Box 807 Castleton, VT phone fax Green Mountain Soapstone is the largest supplier of soapstone slabs to the United States and Canada.