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March, 2023

Types of Wood for Kitchen Countertops

Today we’re talking about wood species for kitchen countertops. There are so many options out there, but we’ll share the five popular types offered at Garden State Soapstone, Slate, & Wood Countertops: Granadillo, Mango, Teak, Monkeypod, and Black Walnut. Each type has its own unique characteristics that can help you create a beautiful and practical kitchen space. … Continue reading Types of Wood for Kitchen Countertops

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All about Aging: Soapstone Patina and Care

Friday April, 2019

As a natural stone, traditional soapstone ages gracefully and shows signs of wear over time – an organic and distressed look, if you desire. The aging of the soapstone or patina adds to the authenticity of your home, especially in your kitchen where most of the life action happens. This aging of soapstone is very… Continue reading All about Aging: Soapstone Patina and Care

Why Choose a Slate Sink

Friday March, 2019

There’s no denying that a slate sink makes a striking first impression in your kitchen. The color options and custom design will be a focal point of the space. However, appearance alone isn’t the only reason to go with slate. Design Variety Slate has a variety of colors and patterns, from the neutral black and… Continue reading Why Choose a Slate Sink

2019 Top Kitchen Trends

Tuesday March, 2019

It’s the beginning of a brand-new year, and with that comes exciting kitchen trends and products. Because the kitchen is one of the most-used rooms in the home, the space should have elements that excite you, but also simplify the necessary work. How do the 2019 trends meet these goals? Let’s find out! Color of… Continue reading 2019 Top Kitchen Trends

How to Choose the Best Soapstone Hardness for Your NJ Home Project

Friday January, 2019

How to Choose the Best Soapstone for Your Project One of the reasons homeowners love soapstone is its soft and soap-y feel (where it gets its name!). The traditional stone has a higher Talc content giving it that feeling, while a harder stone will have less talc content. The softer stone will age organically over… Continue reading How to Choose the Best Soapstone Hardness for Your NJ Home Project

6 Advantages of Soapstone in the Kitchen or Bath

Tuesday December, 2018

What Exactly is Soapstone? Soapstone is a natural quarried stone that is renowned for its smooth, soft touch and natural beauty. Traditional soapstone is softer than most other naturally occurring minerals because of its high levels of talc, which gives the material its lovely soapy feel—hence, where it’s gets its name. However there is harder… Continue reading 6 Advantages of Soapstone in the Kitchen or Bath

The Rise of Mixed Materials in Modern Kitchens

Saturday October, 2018

The new millennium has brought with it a penchant for mixed materials, as much in fashion as in interior design. Uniform and cold minimalism have given way to an era of greater expressivity, in which styles and materials are freely blended for greater vivacity. The warmth of wood has made a big comeback, but once… Continue reading The Rise of Mixed Materials in Modern Kitchens

Slate Countertops 101

Saturday August, 2017

Slate Countertops 101 At Garden State Soapstone ™, we love using natural stone for home renovations. One of our favorite materials is slate. Though slate has been used throughout the home for quite a while, using slate is a relatively new way to think about countertops. It’s beautiful, sustainable, and maintenance free. Most of our… Continue reading Slate Countertops 101

The Best Countertops for Busy Kitchens

Saturday August, 2017

The Best Countertops for Busy Kitchens What are the best countertops for busy kitchens? You may have had a countertop that didn’t last very long. On the other hand, you may have had a countertop that out-welcomed its stay as it collected scratches, burns, or discoloration. As you renovate your kitchen, it’s important to chose… Continue reading The Best Countertops for Busy Kitchens

Slate Countertop Guide: Care and Maintenance

Friday August, 2017

Slate Countertop Guide: Care and Maintenance As a natural stone, slate is one of the easiest countertop materials to maintain. For those of you considering slate, we’ve compiled some important information as a slate countertop guide. On the Surface Unlike marble and granite, slate does not need to be sealed. However, organic oil can polish… Continue reading Slate Countertop Guide: Care and Maintenance

Introducing: The Original Wood Oil

Thursday July, 2017

Introducing: The Original Wood Oil Garden State Soapstone ™, Slate & Wood Countertops, has developed a natural and organic oil: the Original Wood Oil. Like our original soapstone wax and soapstone oil, our wood oil was formulated to nourish and enhance surfaces using all natural and organic ingredients. Our wood oil is a food safe… Continue reading Introducing: The Original Wood Oil

Houzz Trends Reports

Thursday July, 2017

Houzz Trends Reports Each year, Houzz publishes a homeowner renovation report based on data for the previous year. In 2017, kitchen renovations were a top priority among homeowners, so we decided to take a look at the research of these Houzz Trends. When it came to Kitchen Renovations, 95% off the top upgraded features are… Continue reading Houzz Trends Reports

Welcome to Our New Soapstone Products Website

Tuesday July, 2017

A New Design for Soapstone Products Soapstone Products (www.soapstoneproducts.com), the sister page to Garden State Soapstone ™, has recently undergone a major transformation. On this page, you’ll find our usual products, like pizza stones and pizza peels. But you’ll also find multiple viewpoints of images, interactive zooms, and expanded descriptions of what our pizza stones… Continue reading Welcome to Our New Soapstone Products Website

Pair Your Countertop with a Backsplash

Friday June, 2017

Pair Your Countertop with a Backsplash A recent article from Restonnow offers a unique perspective on pairing countertop with backsplash. What’s a backsplash? Anna Gibson, the writer of the post, offers some thoughts: “Backsplash: The word “tile” became so broad in recent years that we no longer just talk about ceramic. Tiles for backsplash are… Continue reading Pair Your Countertop with a Backsplash

Soapstone: Versatile Home Style

Friday June, 2017

Soapstone: Versatile Home Style One thing we love about soapstone is that it has been around forever. In fact, soapstone artifacts have been found that date back tens of thousands of years. Soapstone’s impermeability and heat-resistant qualities make it a historic and a traditional tool for baking. Flash forward, soapstone is now used for all… Continue reading Soapstone: Versatile Home Style

Ready for Summer – Outdoor Soapstone

Friday June, 2017

Ready for Summer – Outdoor Soapstone You don’t have to have an outdoor kitchen to enjoy the benefits of soapstone in the great outdoors. There are multiple ways to enjoy soapstone during the warm weather, in ways that are small and big. Whiskey Rocks If you’re not used to soapstone, one way to enjoy soapstone… Continue reading Ready for Summer – Outdoor Soapstone

Slate Makes a Great Countertop Surface

Saturday June, 2017

Benefits of a Slate Countertop Surface Slate is a Natural Stone The number one reason why slate should be on your radar is that slate is a natural stone. With that, it doesn’t take a vast amount of resources or unsustainable practices to install a beautiful slate countertop. Slate has a distinct look, feel, and… Continue reading Slate Makes a Great Countertop Surface

Introducing: White Cherokee Marble

Friday May, 2017

New: Marble. Garden State Soapstone ™ Introduces Honed White Cherokee Marble. Cherokee Marble has light grey veining across the stone’s surface. While it complements any of our Soapstone colors, it’s great for kitchen countertops, islands, or bathrooms. It’s been said that White Cherokee Marble is characterized by a soft blend of shimmering white crystals and… Continue reading Introducing: White Cherokee Marble

Time to Renovate?

Friday May, 2017

Is It Time for a Renovation? Are you looking for the right moment to renovate? If so, how do you know what that moment is? Whether your kitchen and bathroom is making your house look dated, or maybe too many things need repairs, here are some tips on the renovation you’ve dreamed of. In terms… Continue reading Time to Renovate?

What’s Unique About Soapstone

Friday May, 2017

What’s Unique About Soapstone What makes soapstone unique? It’s no surprise that we, Garden State Soapstone ™, are all about unique soapstone and other natural stones for countertops. But what’s so special about soapstone? Why is it better, or even different, than other natural stones? We hear questions like these all the time. Of course,… Continue reading What’s Unique About Soapstone

Press Release: Slate Countertops in Homes Across NJ, NYC

Friday May, 2017

Slate Countertops Appear in Homes Across New Jersey The latest slate news from Garden State Soapstone ™. North Brunswick, NJ – As the centerpiece to a kitchen, countertops reflect a unique part of a home. More frequently, homeowners are moving towards natural stone when renovating their homes. Jay Tauber, of Garden State Soapstone ™ in… Continue reading Press Release: Slate Countertops in Homes Across NJ, NYC

Organic Wax and Oil

Friday April, 2017

Organic Wax and Oil Garden State Soapstone ™ developed and makes our very own organic wax and oil for your soapstone countertops. While very few customers prefer leaving their soapstone untreated, we highly recommend treating your soapstone to increase the aging process, and beautify and enhance your soapstone as well. Here’s why. Soapstone comes from… Continue reading Organic Wax and Oil

Don’t Forget the Details: 5 Soapstone Products We Recommend

Friday April, 2017

Don’t Forget the Details: 5 Soapstone Products We Recommend During any renovation, it’s easy to get caught up with the big picture. You finalize the layout, choose the materials, and even go back and forth between different edge details. But just because the installation is complete doesn’t mean your kitchen is. The details come next… Continue reading Don’t Forget the Details: 5 Soapstone Products We Recommend

Updating Your Bathroom?

Friday April, 2017

Updating Your Bathroom? Don’t know where to begin? There’s a lot involved in a bathroom renovation, but once you pick a starting point, the rest falls into place. What’s Your Material? The material, or materials, you choose suggest an overall style. If you’re looking for contemporary, you might pick soapstone. If you’re looking for elegant,… Continue reading Updating Your Bathroom?

Press Release: Local Homeowners Welcome Spring with Outdoor Countertops

Friday April, 2017

Local Homeowners Welcome Spring with Outdoor Soapstone Countertops North Brunswick, NJ – Outdoor kitchens represent a growing trend with today’s homeowners. Not only do they increase the value of a home, but they provide a modern, exterior space where family and friends can gather and enjoy the weather. Garden State Soapstone ™ of North Brunswick,… Continue reading Press Release: Local Homeowners Welcome Spring with Outdoor Countertops

Edge Detail: What’s the Difference?

Friday March, 2017

Countertop Edge Detail: What’s the Difference? Before choosing a countertop, there are a few questions you’ll need to ask. The first is a big one: material. What type of countertop works best for your home? The next question is finish. Our soapstone and slate come in a natural, honed finish. Our wood countertops are protected… Continue reading Edge Detail: What’s the Difference?

History of Soapstone Around the World

Friday March, 2017

History of Soapstone Around the World Soapstone’s natural, heat-resistant qualities and impermeability set it apart from other trends. In fact soapstone has been used as a tool for baking and architecture for thousands of years. Soapstone artifacts have been found across the world, from the United States to Brazil to Norway. Here’s a little bit… Continue reading History of Soapstone Around the World

Why It’s Important to Choose a Local Fabricator

Friday March, 2017

Choose a Local Fabricator When most people think about choosing local businesses and services, it sounds like a great idea if only to contribute to the local economy. But when it comes to home renovations, choosing local ensures that your project is tailored towards you, and installed with consideration for the unique aspects of your… Continue reading Why It’s Important to Choose a Local Fabricator

The Case Against Granite and Concrete

Sunday March, 2017

Considering Concrete or Granite Countertops? Garden State Soapstone ™, Slate & Wood Countertops, is an advocate for natural stones like slate and soapstone. However, we don’t carry all kinds of countertops, like granite and concrete. There are a few reasons why. The number one reason is sealing. Granite is a stone that requires periodic sealing.… Continue reading The Case Against Granite and Concrete

Why Chefs Use Soapstone

Sunday February, 2017

Great cooking requires the right kitchen. A lot of chefs and cooks come to us and ask what types of countertops they should consider. We always recommend soapstone countertops. Soapstone is easy to clean and maintain. Soapstone countertops are non-porous, stain resistant, heat resistant. They don’t require sealing. Some homeowners choose to wax or oil… Continue reading Why Chefs Use Soapstone

Baking & Grilling with Soapstone

Sunday February, 2017

Soapstone Pizza Stones Rumor has it that a Chicago food writer named Pat Bruno actually “invented” the pizza stone. Bruno claims that he was with the famous cook book author Julia Child when she was making pizza. She made a comment that the crust would be so much more crisp if someone could just get… Continue reading Baking & Grilling with Soapstone

What’s New with Slate

Sunday February, 2017

What’s New with Slate? 2017 Trends: Slate Has it All It’s been a while since we talked about slate. So what’s new? Well, turns out, there’s a lot. Natural stone is back on the “trends” list in 2017. As a sustainable, durable, easy-maintenance material, it’s not going anywhere. Sate is definitely trending in 2017 and… Continue reading What’s New with Slate

In The Spotlight: PA Soapstone

Sunday February, 2017

In The Spotlight: PA Soapstone PA Soapstone, short for Pinheiros Altos, is a harder variety of soapstone that sits at a 5.0 on the Mohs Scale. When treated, Pinheiros Altos is dark black, with off-white veins containing a slight green hue. Pinheiros Altos contains less talc than traditional varieties of soapstone, like Mariana or Churchill.… Continue reading In The Spotlight: PA Soapstone

Natural Home Design in 2017

Monday January, 2017

Home Design in 2017 Natural is Back As 2017 gets into full swing, home design trends move towards functionality, minimalism, and natural materials. On Improve Net, natural stone makes the list again, along with butcher block countertops. Soapstone: Your Go-To Soapstone has repeatedly been named as a go-to material lately. We’ve mentioned the history and… Continue reading Natural Home Design in 2017

Happy New Year!

Sunday January, 2017

Happy 2017 from Garden State Soapstone ™!

Attention Breweries, Wineries, and Restaurants

Wednesday December, 2016

Restaurants: Choose Soapstone Soapstone is a material that’s growing in popularity. But it’s no new trend. For tens of thousands of years, soapstone has been used for cooking, baking and eating. Even right here in New Jersey, soapstone as a tool dates to 12,000 years ago, when it was once used for baking in Native… Continue reading Attention Breweries, Wineries, and Restaurants

Why Homeowners Need to Know About Soapstone

Thursday December, 2016

Soapstone is the Perfect Material for Homes Soapstone is becoming more and more common for households. It’s a natural stone that seems to fit perfectly with every style and every design. Neutral tones with subtle veining characteristics add an element of timeless elegance that doesn’t draw attention to itself, but never goes unnoticed. Because no… Continue reading Why Homeowners Need to Know About Soapstone

Thoughts on Soapstone Seams

Friday November, 2016

Soapstone Seams There’s no better way than to celebrate the holidays in style, with beautiful, sustainable soapstone countertops. And there’s never been a better time to consider remodeling with soapstone (many sources are claiming it’s the end of granite, and soapstone is taking over). With soapstone’s growing popularity, we’ve received a lot of questions about… Continue reading Thoughts on Soapstone Seams

What is Patina?

Sunday October, 2016

We frequently talk about Patina Patina is how your soapstone naturally ages. It’s why quarried traditional soapstone, in its natural state, is light blue gray or darker grey. Typically the darker soapstone is harder, with less talc. Soapstone countertops will age (patina) or darken naturally. However this could take some time and typically is inconsistent,… Continue reading What is Patina?

Soapstone: Not Your High School Chemistry Lab

Saturday October, 2016

Soapstone is a Hot Newcomer for Countertops. This year, soapstone is in. You’ll see a lot of places referring to soapstone as “the material used in your high school chemistry lab”. While it is true, because soapstone is both heat resistant and impermeable, soapstone has gotten a little more fashionable, to say the least. Soapstone… Continue reading Soapstone: Not Your High School Chemistry Lab

Trending Triple Vanities

Saturday October, 2016

Trending Renovations For Your Bathroom This fall, Forbes posted an article describing the design and nuance of a custom triple vanity sink. We all know that a new vanity can change the entire feel of your bathroom, but typically we talk about materials, style, or even the surrounding decor when it comes to your vanity.… Continue reading Trending Triple Vanities

Types of Wood for Kitchen Countertops

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