DIY Network

Soapstone Kitchen Countertop From "Rock Solid" episode DROC-305

In this Rock Solid project, it's a journey back in time as Dean Marsico and Derek Stearns create an old-fashioned country kitchen using new materials and techniques.

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	Before
	After

DIY's expert stone masons transform an unfinished kitchen into a showplace reminiscent of a country kitchen, adding soapstone countertops and backsplash. The basic steps in this project, along with tools and materials required, are summarized below.

Tools:

square
spring clamps
clamps
painter's tape
tape measure
circular saw with diamond blade
random orbit sander
nylon string
mask
safety glasses
glue gun
straight edge
belt sander with vacuum attachment
file
styrofoam
sandpaper (36 and 80 grit)

Materials:

soapstone
luan plywood
adhesive caulking
epoxy, fast drying
mineral oil

Note: The quantities needed for each of these materials vary with application. For your specific project, Dean and Derek suggest taking the dimensions to a local dealer, where they will calculate the amount of each product needed.

Design and Materials

Dean and Derek transform an unfinished kitchen into an old-fashioned country kitchen with soapstone. Soapstone is a malleable stone with exceptional density that feels, to the touch, like a dry bar of soap. Dean and Derek work with expert Glenn Bowman, owner of Vermont Soapstone, to install custom cut soapstone on the countertops, backsplash and island.

	Figure A
	Figure B

Measuring and Templates

• Before you begin cutting, it's a good idea to double check your measurements. Measure each part of the counter, taking into account an overhang of 1.25 inches in front. Also, use a level and nylon string make sure your cabinets are square.

• Next, build a template (figure A) for each piece of stone that needs to be cut. This is especially helpful for those pieces that have unusual shapes and are not strictly rectangular. Make the template using luan board. It's best to build the template right on the cabinet base, nailing and gluing the pieces together to get an exact measurement.

• When the template is ready, lay it directly on the stone to be cut and trace it with a pen (figure B). Hold the template in place with clamps.
  

  	Figure C
  	Figure D
  	Figure E

Safety Alert: Remember to wear your protective mask when you are cutting and sanding stone!

• Cut the stone using a circular saw with a dry cutting diamond blade. Set up a straight edge to guide you as you use the saw. Cut along the marked lines with a steady hand (figure C).

• Once the piece is cut, sand it with 36 grit sandpaper, using a belt sander with a vacuum attachment (figure D).

• Sand the soapstone in a back and forth motion to smooth out the surface. You don't need to apply a lot of pressure.

• Once the piece is cut, dry set in place and check that it fits exactly (figure E). Also check that your overhang is 1.25 inches.
  
  
  

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  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Soapstone Kitchen Countertop