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April, 2024

Building a Patio to Enjoy Beyond Summer

If you’re working on building a patio this year, make it a space you can enjoy year-round. By carefully considering shade, heating, materials, lighting, and other features, you can construct a versatile and inviting patio that becomes an extension of your home’s living space beyond your summer celebrations. Strategic Shade Solutions: Let’s start with the… Continue reading Building a Patio to Enjoy Beyond Summer

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Great Ways to Use Soapstone in Bathrooms

Friday August, 2020

If you think soapstone looks great in a kitchen, you’ll love how it looks in your bathroom. Designers choose it for a simple, luxurious detail in the powder room, as well as statement features in a large master bath. Keep reading to find some inspiration for your next project! Soapstone Vanity Countertop The classic option… Continue reading Great Ways to Use Soapstone in Bathrooms

Things to Remember When Planning a Kitchen Renovation

Sunday August, 2020

The stay-at-home regulations had most homeowners spending more time in the kitchen cooking or baking. If you’ve decided it’s time to upgrade your kitchen (or prepare it to sell your home), remember a few details to make the process faster and more enjoyable. Before You Start Designing… Check for structural walls, complicated plumbing, and any… Continue reading Things to Remember When Planning a Kitchen Renovation

Why Choose Natural Stone for Your Kitchen

Monday July, 2020

Countertop options increase every year, adding new colors and levels of durability to your decision-making. But homeowners return to natural stone as their favorite look, whether for a modern or classic kitchen. While new materials may be trending, natural stone such as soapstone, slate, or marble, stand the test of time (and use!) in your… Continue reading Why Choose Natural Stone for Your Kitchen

Soapstone Sinks & How to Care for Them

Wednesday July, 2020

Sinks are one of the most used pieces in your kitchen. You pile them high with dishes, scrub vegetables clean, and rinse off the day’s projects down the drain. Whether you’re looking for a classic style or a new take on this useful piece, soapstone sinks fit in anywhere. Completely Customizable Soapstone Sinks Because soapstone… Continue reading Soapstone Sinks & How to Care for Them

Our Best Outdoor Kitchen Counters

Friday June, 2020

All this time at home may have you looking to update your outdoor space. An outdoor kitchen lets you stay outside while entertaining guests or watching your kids play before dinner. Guests will be more likely to help out and start chopping veggies for the grill when you have a beautiful outdoor space, and of… Continue reading Our Best Outdoor Kitchen Counters

Outdoor Entertaining: Tips & Tools

Tuesday June, 2020

You’ll probably be entertaining at home more often this summer with fewer restaurant options available, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great time with friends and family. Planning Your Outdoor Event Unless you have a pool, you probably shouldn’t have an outdoor event in the afternoon during the summer. Instead, try a fun… Continue reading Outdoor Entertaining: Tips & Tools

Soapstone vs. Quartz

Saturday May, 2020

While quartz grows in popularity for high-end countertops, it has a few drawbacks that you may not realize. The engineered stone seems to rise to the top with durability and color variation. However, soapstone shares many of those favorite qualities and, in fact, out-performs in some elements. Similarities between Soapstone & Quartz If you’ve been… Continue reading Soapstone vs. Quartz

Sustainable Kitchen & Garden Tips

Tuesday May, 2020

It’s finally starting to feel like spring! With the extra time spent at home, you’re probably looking for some new projects to keep the kids (and yourself) busy. With these garden and kitchen activities, you’ll see improvement for your home and watch growth happen before your eyes. Keep Herbs & Greens at Your Door Now… Continue reading Sustainable Kitchen & Garden Tips

5 Reasons to Choose Soapstone for your Restaurant or Bar

Tuesday April, 2020

At Garden State Soapstone Slate & Wood Countertops, we love choosing our natural stone for your home kitchen, bathroom, or outdoor space. But it’s equally beautiful in a commercial setting. Many restaurants around the country have chosen to incorporate soapstone or slate into their designs – including indoor/outdoor bars, tabletops, pizza ovens, and professional kitchens… Continue reading 5 Reasons to Choose Soapstone for your Restaurant or Bar

Get Your Dream Farmhouse Kitchen with Soapstone

Tuesday April, 2020

If you’re considering a farmhouse style kitchen in your home, soapstone creates the perfect rustic texture you’re looking for. In fact, when you scroll through images of “farmhouse kitchens,” you’ll see several soapstone counters and sinks throughout. What elements of the farmhouse style makes it a perfect match for soapstone? Large, Apron-Front Sink When you… Continue reading Get Your Dream Farmhouse Kitchen with Soapstone

Non-Toxic Cleaners for Your Home

Wednesday April, 2020

When you install soapstone countertops in your home, you eliminate the need for harsh sealants and cleaners. Are you ready to move away from these cleaners in other aspects of your cleaning routine? Pull together a few simple ingredients to protect even your bathroom from bacteria and soap scum. Vinegar & Baking Soda: Powerful Cleaners… Continue reading Non-Toxic Cleaners for Your Home

Why Choose Soapstone Over Granite

Thursday March, 2020

While granite is a popular choice for kitchen remodels, soapstone has many of granite’s favorite qualities and more. Because granite has become common place in so many kitchens, homeowners look to soapstone for something unique and durable. Similarities to Granite To begin with, soapstone offers the best of granite’s attributes. You might be surprised to… Continue reading Why Choose Soapstone Over Granite

Kitchen Design for Entertaining

Monday February, 2020

You’ve probably noticed your kitchen is where the real party happens. Even if you have a tiny kitchen, all of your guests end up there at one time. Whether they’re trying to help, snack between serving, or just talk near the coffee maker, consider these kitchen design elements so you’re ready for entertaining. Take a… Continue reading Kitchen Design for Entertaining

Going Green in 2020: Sustainable Kitchen Resolutions

Tuesday January, 2020

No matter your stance on environmental issues, we can all see the benefits of a greener, healthier home. What better time to start than 2020? Set your home up for success and efficiency in the new year (and new decade!) with these simple tips. 1. Remember Reusable Shopping Bags If you’re sick of shopping bags… Continue reading Going Green in 2020: Sustainable Kitchen Resolutions

Looking Back over 2019

Friday December, 2019

Looking Back over 2019 Looking back over the year at Garden State Soapstone, we have a hard time choosing our “top projects” to share. Each simple kitchen counter looks elegant in its new space, but we do so much more than countertops. And even more than soapstone. So we tried to pick a few of… Continue reading Looking Back over 2019

Prepare Your Kitchen for the Holidays

Monday November, 2019

The holiday season is easily the busiest time of year for most families. Between Thanksgiving, school concerts, and corporate holiday parties you might feel like you’re not getting a lot of time at home. But you’re probably spending some time in the kitchen. Whether you pull out the baking supplies to make cookies for your… Continue reading Prepare Your Kitchen for the Holidays

Soapstone Stands the Test of Time

Thursday October, 2019

We love soapstone not only for its sustainable and natural properties, but also its unique history of durability around the world. With a large quarry in Virginia, some styles of this metamorphic rock are easy to find close to home. This lower-emission option is another reason we love it. Historic Stone with a Modern Vein… Continue reading Soapstone Stands the Test of Time

The Back-to-School Kitchen

Wednesday September, 2019

Maybe your kitchen had a little break this summer with all of your cooking taking place on the grill or out on the deck (you need to enjoy those long day of sunshine outside while you have them!). But the school year is getting into full swing, and with a new year, like in January,… Continue reading The Back-to-School Kitchen

Sustainable Kitchen Ideas

Tuesday August, 2019

You’ve probably heard about new sustainable options for your home and how we should do more to protect the environment. The kitchen is an easy place to get started with all kinds of sustainable tools – from recycling to storage solutions. At Garden State Soapstone ™, our primary focus is the kitchen, and our natural… Continue reading Sustainable Kitchen Ideas

Not Just Countertops: Soapstone Tile Flooring

Wednesday July, 2019

Choosing tile for your kitchen or bathroom renovation can be a daunting task with every color and pattern available. But have you considered soapstone tile for your new space? The dark color grounds the kitchen or bathroom, creating a sophisticated base for your cabinets and appliances. Benefits of Soapstone Tile If you’ve researched soapstone at… Continue reading Not Just Countertops: Soapstone Tile Flooring

Outdoor Kitchens: Making the Most of Your Backyard

Tuesday June, 2019

After a long New Jersey winter, there’s nothing better than enjoying the sunlight and eating outdoors. Keep your friends and family out of your kitchen by bringing the kitchen outside! Outdoor kitchens, complete with prep countertops and sinks for washing fresh produce, help you enjoy the entire process from your patio. Why Soapstone Is Best… Continue reading Outdoor Kitchens: Making the Most of Your Backyard

Dreaming of Summer: Try a Soapstone Pizza Stone

Monday May, 2019

When you picture the perfect summer evening, do you envision friends on your patio while you’re grilling? Instead of the typical hot dogs and hamburgers, consider adding pizza to the menu and throw it on the grill with our custom soapstone pizza stones. Or if you’re a true pizza lover, learn how our quarried natural… Continue reading Dreaming of Summer: Try a Soapstone Pizza Stone

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

Building a Patio to Enjoy Beyond Summer

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