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

(Continued from page 1)

Figure F

Cutting the Pieces for the Island

• The next step is to measure the island (figure F). A template is not needed for these pieces of stone because they are rectangular. The island countertop will be made with three separate pieces of soapstone.
  

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  Figure G

• Dean and Derek add an overhang of 12 inches on one side and 8 inches on another to create an eating area. The other two sides maintain a 1.25 inch overhang. The whole island measures 37 inches from front to back and 70 inches from side to side.

• Next transfer the measurements to the stone. Because of the size, the island counter will be made of three equal pieces that will be joined together. Each section measures 37 inches by 23 1/3 inches. Cut each piece for the island the same way as you did with the previous pieces.

• Because these pieces will be joined together, the edges have to be treated in a special way. Use a router with a diamond bit along the seam edges to smooth them out and create an edge that is 90 degrees to the surface (figure G). Work the router along the edges in a back and forth motion and apply a steady, even pressure. Use a straight edge to guide you. This treatment will ensure a tight seam that will almost disappear when you join the pieces together.
  

  Figure H

• Dry-set the three pieces on the island and look at the seams. You want the island to appear seamless. Look at the veins and see how they move across the seams. By turning a stone around and positioning it differently, you can get the seams to disappear. Once you are satisfied with the orientation of the stones, set them in place with the correct overhang measurements and clamp them into place.

• The next step is to glue the soapstone pieces into place. You need to glue the seams together with a fast drying epoxy and then glue the pieces to the cabinet below with an adhesive caulk. To minimize clean up of the epoxy, tape the edges of the seams with painter's tape (figure H).

• Dean and Derek begin with an end piece. Unclamp the stone and place the soapstone on blocks of foam. Place a bead of adhesive caulk on the edge of the cabinet in a smooth thin line. Set the stone back into place. Line it up with the stone next to it, which should be set exactly in place.

• Next, move the center stone onto the foam blocks. Apply caulking to the cabinets as before. Apply a quick drying epoxy to the seams of the stone. Set the middle section back into place and gently squeeze the epoxy together against the first stone. Repeat the process for the last stone. Firmly press the pieces together. Let the epoxy and adhesive dry.
  
  
  

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  ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:
  	Soapstone Kitchen Countertop