DIY Network

Turn-of-the-Century (3of 3): Soapstone Counters and Sink Information From "Kitchen Renovations" episode DKTN-204

	Paul Ryan, host of Kitchen Renovations, starts a three-part project to convert this out-of-date kitchen...
	in a house that the homeowners are restoring ...
	into an authentically recreated Victorian kitchen ...
	complete with period appliances and ...
	new counters!

In this segment host Paul Ryan welcomes the fabricator as he delivers the soapstone counter and sink. The kitchen cabinets are prepped for the sink.

Materials and Tools:

For Prepping the Sink Cabinet--

measuring tape, level, shims, silicone, caulk gun, 2" x 4" support block, 3" nails, impulse framing nailer

For Countertop Installation--

helpers, sandpaper, silicone, caulk gun

For Modifying and Cutting the Soapstone--

safety glasses, tablesaw with guide, diamond blade

For Prepping the Soapstone Joints--

safety glasses, tape, level, shims, 2-part epoxy, silicone, caulk gun, small putty knife, Soapstone dust, orbital palm sander

For Installing the Backsplash--

silicone, caulk gun, 2-part epoxy

For Installing the Copper Backsplash--

safety glasses, gloves, 1/4" plywood, sheets of copper backsplash, pencil, Dremel tool with carberundum cutting wheel, copper nails, drill, vix bit, hammer, caulk gun, silicone

For Trimming the Copper--

safety glasses, chop saw, chair rail trim material, mold cover trim material, tape measure

For Sealing the Countertops--

mineral oil, clean lint-free cloth

For the Appliance Installation--

helpers, dolly

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Figure A

What is Soapstone?

Soapstone (figure A) is actually a talc quarried product such as granite or slate. The material is from Brazil and the cost is comparable to granite or slate. The joints are all tongue-and-groove construction and then epoxy is used all the way around. The advantage of using soapstone in your kitchen is that it's a natural, non-porous material, which means it won't stain and isn't affected by chemicals, acids, temperatures, etc. Lastly, mineral oil will darken soapstone if you so desire. The actual sinks and countertops are cut to size and fabricated at the mill for custom use.

Tip: The soapstone sink and counters were delivered by truck, but be sure to have some friends on hand to help with getting them into the kitchen.

	Figure B
	Figure C

Prepping the Kitchen for the Soapstone Sink and Countertops

1. The first thing to go in is the sink, and it weighs a few hundred pounds. Measure the sink and sink cabinet again to make sure it will fit.

2. Put in support blocks (figure B) that will lay across the inside of the cabinet to support the weight of the soapstone sink. Nail into place using an impulse framing nailer.

3. Bring in the sink and set it on 2 x 4s as a staging area. One last time, make sure you have the proper opening for the sink.

4. Once you've done the final measurement, it's time to set the sink in (figure C). Make sure the sink is level and square in the hole. Shim if necessary.

Figure D