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July, 2026

Beyond the Backyard: Creating a Masterpiece with Soapstone and Slate

Transforming a backyard into a functional extension of the home has become a primary goal for many homeowners looking to maximize their living space. When designing these open-air environments, the selection of materials plays a pivotal role in determining both the longevity and the aesthetic appeal of the area. Two of the most reliable and… Continue reading Beyond the Backyard: Creating a Masterpiece with Soapstone and Slate

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Why Slate Countertops? 10 Facts

Thursday August, 2016

When it comes to countertops, slate is growing in popularity. It’s no surprise: slate is a consumer-friendly, natural stone that’s quarried locally. With a variety of colors from grey and green to red and mottled purple, it presents a wide range of selections for home renovations. Here are 10 facts about slate countertops you should… Continue reading Why Slate Countertops? 10 Facts

Back to Basics: Soapstone 101

Saturday August, 2016

10 Facts About Soapstone Consider this Soapstone 101. There’s a lot of information around about soapstone. We want to make sure you have the most accurate details. We made a list of our “Top 10” soapstone facts! 1) Soapstone is impermeable and stain resistant. It’s easy to clean with mild soap and water, and no… Continue reading Back to Basics: Soapstone 101

Home Tour: New York City Soapstone

Thursday August, 2016

Renovating Your Home with Soapstone: New York City Last week, we took a tour of homes throughout New Jersey. However, Garden State Soapstone ™ beautifies homes beyond the Garden State. We’ve served customers throughout the Mid-Atlantic, from Connecticut to Maryland. This week, we’ll take a tour of homes in New York City, updated with soapstone… Continue reading Home Tour: New York City Soapstone

Tour: New Jersey is all about Soapstone

Saturday July, 2016

Improve your Kitchen with Soapstone: New Jersey Tour Garden State Soapstone ™ has improved homes throughout New Jersey, New York City, and Pennsylvania. Those who have been following us for a while know that we’ve recreated kitchens with slate, marble, and wood, but it’s our soapstone that makes us special. This week, we’re inviting you… Continue reading Tour: New Jersey is all about Soapstone

Where to Start when Renovating Your Kitchen

Saturday July, 2016

Renovating your kitchen in New York City or New Jersey? A major kitchen renovation can not only beautify your home, but result in a major return on investment. So it’s important to think through the process of renovating by choosing a design that’s right for you, with materials that will last forever. You should begin… Continue reading Where to Start when Renovating Your Kitchen

Bamboo Countertops: Renewable and Beautiful

Saturday July, 2016

Choose Bamboo for your Wood Countertops Whether you’re interested in a functional butcher-block countertop or unique edge profiles and finishes, wood is a wonderful material for countertops. Want a countertop that decreases your carbon footprint? Bamboo countertops are the way to go. Bamboo is one of the strongest, most versatile plants. Its tensile strength has… Continue reading Bamboo Countertops: Renewable and Beautiful

Let’s Talk Tile: Natural Stone

Friday July, 2016

Natural Stone Tile: Soapstone and Slate Natural stone tile can be used in a bathroom floor, kitchen floor, or as a backsplash. Tile can be used in a tub or sink, or used as a mosaic to add subtle designs anywhere in your home. Despite the many uses and versatility, our customers are often faced… Continue reading Let’s Talk Tile: Natural Stone

What Are Whiskey Rocks, Anyway?

Saturday July, 2016

All About Whiskey Rocks Now that summer is officially here, we’re ready for the outdoors. Not just hiking and outdoorsy stuff, (Though there are some great places to explore around the Garden State), but for a cold drink on the porch. Any summer whiskey cocktails may look good, but there’s no better way to enjoy… Continue reading What Are Whiskey Rocks, Anyway?

Maintaining Marble in your Kitchen

Saturday June, 2016

Marble In Your Kitchen Marble is beautiful and timeless. It brings a soft elegance that brightens up any room. Plus, the growing interest in texture has lead to an increased demand for honed, long-lasting, natural stones. Many of our clients are wary that this material might be difficult to maintain. Though it’s one of the… Continue reading Maintaining Marble in your Kitchen

Thinking about a Soapstone Sink?

Saturday June, 2016

Garden State Soapstone ™: Soapstone Sinks If you have a love of all things soapstone like we do, you might be thinking about a soapstone sink. All of our soapstone sinks are made to your specifications. However, there are a few industry-standard sinks: Chicago Wright, Boston Williams, and New England Double Bowls. We’ve fabricated custom… Continue reading Thinking about a Soapstone Sink?

Is Soapstone Sustainable?

Friday June, 2016

We love soapstone for a variety of reasons. But mostly, because it’s a sustainable material. Soapstone has been used for centuries, primarily for cooking, due to its heat resistant properties. Primarily composed of talc, magnate, and chlorite, it occurs naturally. In terms of hardness, it ranges from a 2.5 to a 5.0 on the Mohs… Continue reading Is Soapstone Sustainable?

Soapstone and the Mohs Scale

Friday June, 2016

What is the Mohs Scale? At Garden State Soapstone ™, customers frequently ask about the difference between harder soapstone and softer (traditional) soapstone. To answer this question, it’s important to first talk about the Mohs scale. The Mohs scale characterizes the range of hardness that different minerals contain. Specifically, it identifies scratch resistance of various… Continue reading Soapstone and the Mohs Scale

Soapstone in 10 Ways

Thursday May, 2016

There’s more than one way to use soapstone. At Garden State Soapstone ™, we’ve discovered that there’s not just one way to use soapstone. In fact, it’s a natural, organic material with versatility that makes it perfect for just about everything. Luckily, we were able to narrow down our favorites. Here are the top 10… Continue reading Soapstone in 10 Ways

Should I Oil, Wax, or Leave Them Be?

Thursday May, 2016

Soapstone Wax and Oil From the kitchen, to the bathroom, to an outdoor kitchen, soapstone counter and table tops add a flare of natural beauty to any decor style. How to finish soapstone is a personal preference, though your fabricator may have some input. Garden State Soapstone ™ recommends three ways to age your soapstone… Continue reading Should I Oil, Wax, or Leave Them Be?

Soapstone and Glass Knobs: Sustainable & Decorative

Tuesday March, 2016

New: Soapstone & Glass Knobs We’re so excited about our new soapstone knobs that we had to write a blog post. If you’ve been thinking about adding soapstone to your home, soapstone knobs are a great place to start. Or, if you already have soapstone anywhere in your home, show it off with these knobs.… Continue reading Soapstone and Glass Knobs: Sustainable & Decorative

Soapstone: Now Trending in NYC

Tuesday February, 2016

New York City Soapstone Garden State Soapstone ™ has installed soapstone countertops and done other services for customers who span the mid-atlantic coast, from Maryland and Pennsylvania to Upstate New York. Lately, we’ve gotten a lot of attention from homeowners from Brooklyn & Manhattan. That’s because soapstone makes a great addition to any modern, urban establishment. It’s… Continue reading Soapstone: Now Trending in NYC

Soapstone Veining

Tuesday February, 2016

Soapstone’s Unique Veining Characteristics When it comes to soapstone, each individual slab is unique. When it comes to the range of varieties, there are subtle to dramatic tonal and veining variations through each type. Some slabs have dispersed and minimal veining. Other slabs have dense and dramatic soapstone veining. How does soapstone veining occur? Soapstone… Continue reading Soapstone Veining

Getting Technical: Colors of Slate Countertops

Tuesday February, 2016

Slate Countertop Colors Slate is formed by compressed layers of sediments under the ocean and riverbed. The heating and compression of these sediments altered the alignment of minerals, giving slate the ability to be separated into layers. It can be made into great slate countertops. For a natural stone countertop, slate countertops are fascinating. Slate occurs… Continue reading Getting Technical: Colors of Slate Countertops

Benefits of Organic Soapstone Wax and Soapstone Oil

Tuesday February, 2016

Organic Wax and Oil: A sustainable solution for sustainable soapstone countertops. Earlier, we had a post about care & maintenance for your soapstone countertops. Soapstone is easy to maintain because of its non-porous qualities. Soapstone should not be sealed, but should be treated and enhanced with soapstone wax and soapstone oil. Since then, we’ve had… Continue reading Benefits of Organic Soapstone Wax and Soapstone Oil

Care and Maintenance for Soapstone

Wednesday January, 2016

Soapstone Care and Maintenance One of our frequently asked questions is, how do you care for your soapstone? It’s actually pretty simple. Here’s why soapstone countertops are easy to maintain: It will not stain It is non-porous and should not be sealed It is heat resistant It is bacteria resistant, so it is food safe,… Continue reading Care and Maintenance for Soapstone

Soapstone: Your Key to the Perfect Holiday Party

Tuesday December, 2015

The holidays are the perfect time to bring out the soapstone. Soapstone has properties that allow for the retaining of flavor and temperature for pizza, meats, and veggies. It also makes a great serving presentation for hors d’oeuvre. These 10 uses of soapstone take away the stress from last-minute party planning. We love soapstone, and… Continue reading Soapstone: Your Key to the Perfect Holiday Party

Brooklyn Soapstone Countertop Installation

Monday December, 2015

Natural, Durable Brooklyn-Area Soapstone Looking for soapstone in the Brooklyn area? Soapstone is the fastest-growing all natural choice for counter tops in the Brooklyn NYC area. Demand for authentic soapstone counter tops and sinks is higher than ever, as consumers seek natural, environmentally friendly, maintenance-free, durable alternatives to synthetic, concrete and semi-natural products. Soapstone is… Continue reading Brooklyn Soapstone Countertop Installation

Manhattan Soapstone Countertop Installation

Monday December, 2015

Looking for soapstone in the Manhattan area? Soapstone is the fastest-growing all natural choice for countertops in Manhattan and NYC. Demand for authentic soapstone counter tops and sinks is higher than ever, as consumers seek natural, environmentally friendly, maintenance-free, durable alternatives to synthetic, concrete and semi-natural products. There are several advantages to installing Manhattan soapstone… Continue reading Manhattan Soapstone Countertop Installation

Soapstone and Slate Fireplace Designs

Tuesday November, 2015

Design a Fireplace Perfect for Your Home The weather is chilly. The days are short. It’s starting to feel like winter (But wait…Winter doesn’t officially begin until December 21!). Whether you’re a stickler for dates or not, we can all agree that it’s not just sweater weather anymore. If you’re spending more time inside, your… Continue reading Soapstone and Slate Fireplace Designs

Heart of the Home

Friday November, 2015

No matter how big or small, every home needs a kitchen. The kitchen sets the tone for the rest of the home. It provides experiences for anyone who enters and uses the space. It’s the median place of congregation for family, roommates, friends. Even the beloved family pet knows where to go to get fed.… Continue reading Heart of the Home

Soapstone Video: Template & Install

Sunday November, 2015

New Video from Garden State Soapstone ™ Check out our newest soapstone video: featuring countertop removal, template, and installation for a home in Monroe, NJ. Garden State Soapstone ™ Video: Learn More Have a question about soapstone? Contact Garden State Soapstone ™, Slate & Wood Countertops.

‘Tis the Season (For New Countertops)

Sunday November, 2015

The Perfect Time for New Countertops It’s November 1st. Halloween is barely over. What’s the rush, right? Wrong! ‘Tis the season for new countertops. If you’re giving the gift of countertops for the holidays, act now. Here’s how: Send us your project details (Dimensions, Layout, Location) Schedule a visit to learn more Choose your material… Continue reading ‘Tis the Season (For New Countertops)

A Survey of Renovations

Friday October, 2015

Houzz Survey of Homeowners & Renovations A recent Houzz publication surveyed the percentage of homeowners across generations, their goals for renovations, and the most common renovations. Last year, 58% of surveyed homeowners were renovating. Of course, this says a lot about the clientele on Houzz, but just what are these renovation trends? Interiors and Professional… Continue reading A Survey of Renovations

Cooking with Soapstone

Thursday September, 2015

Cooking with Soapstone For our last blog post, we talked about outdoor kitchens, and why they’re perfect for fall. This time around, we’re going to talk a little more about soapstone as a cooking tool. This exciting New York Times article, which came out at the beginning of the month, details how soapstone can enhance… Continue reading Cooking with Soapstone

Trending for Fall: Outdoor Kitchens

Thursday August, 2015

We all know that outdoor kitchens increase the value of your home while providing a modern, outdoor space. And it’s no surprise that soapstone is the best material for the project. Its thermal, impervious qualities are perfect for year-round enjoyment. Our #1 reason to have an outdoor kitchen? Because spending time outside is not just… Continue reading Trending for Fall: Outdoor Kitchens

Tips to Grill Inside with Williams-Sonoma

Tuesday May, 2011

Grill Inside with Williams-Sonoma I was checking out Williams-Sonoma’s blog and came across an article that instructs how to grill great burgers, steaks, and much more inside – perfect for city living! The trick to using indoor grilling tools is knowing what they cook well and what they don’t, so I grabbed our Test Kitchen… Continue reading Tips to Grill Inside with Williams-Sonoma

New Use for Potholders

Wednesday May, 2011

Protect Your Bathroom Counters with Silicone Potholder Check out this clever use from lifehacker… Who says potholders are just for the kitchen? Silicone potholders can be used anywhere you need to protect a surface. Here, they’re being used to prevent heat marks on a bathroom counter from curling irons and other personal appliances. Why They… Continue reading New Use for Potholders

HGTV Green Home: Enter to Win!

Monday May, 2011

Green Homes with HGTV HGTV has an opportunity for you to win their Green Home of 2011. It’s a custom built, modern prairie style, fully furnished, eco-friendly home located in Denver CO – worth almost $700,000. The home also includes local artwork and funishings, and engineered hardwood flooring. Enter twice a day through June 2, 2011! Enter… Continue reading HGTV Green Home: Enter to Win!

Garden State Soapstone ™ in Baltimore: Photo Tour

Friday May, 2011

Garden State Soapstone ™ in Baltimore! It’s always nice to see finished pictures of a beautiful project. Today, however, I’m going to show you some pictures from an onsite installation in Baltimore. These soapstone countertops were fabricated, templated, and installed by Garden State Soapstone ™. Garden State Soapstone ™ serves residents, homeowners, business owners, designers,… Continue reading Garden State Soapstone ™ in Baltimore: Photo Tour

Backsplashes: HGTV!

Thursday May, 2011

HGTV has some great ideas for your new kitchen. Looking for new backsplashes? HGTV is a great resource. Two Backsplashes: Better Than One Two kitchen backsplash materials are better than one. Candice Olson pairs soapstone and blue glass tiles in this New Orleans-inspired kitchen. Bronze Sparkle Install under-cabinet lighting to show off your backsplash.… Continue reading Backsplashes: HGTV!

Whisky Soapstones: Get the Most From Your Drink

Wednesday May, 2011

Whiskey Soapstones & Whiskey Rocks This summer, enjoy soapstone whiskey rocks in your drink. Whiskey soapstones are the perfect way to chill your drink and keep it cold. Get the Most Out of Your Drink Since summer is right around the corner, you need to invest in these soapstone ice rocks! Avoid warm drinks – these… Continue reading Whisky Soapstones: Get the Most From Your Drink

Designing For A Different Generation

Tuesday May, 2011

Homes and the Generation Gap An article written by Anita Shaw, titled Bridging the Gap, reminds kitchen and bath designers that each generation has a different personality and specific needs. Below are the highlights: Bridging the Gap By Antia Shaw May 2011 Many different issues and elements influence which trends rise and fall and which products… Continue reading Designing For A Different Generation

Dining In Style…Sea Style

Tuesday May, 2011

Dining in Style, Anywhere. Below are some pictures from Architectural Digest that show how you can dine in style, even on your yacht! Read more about dining on the sea: Click here for the full article. Dining on Your Yacht The Kathleen Anne, a 128-foot Feadship yacht owned by a Scottish couple, includes three levels… Continue reading Dining In Style…Sea Style

Outdoor Dishwasher

Thursday May, 2011

Your Outdoor Kitchen How would you like to add an outdoor dishwasher to your outdoor kitchen?! I heard about this from the blog, Kitchen Clarity which is no longer active. Just in time for Summer, Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet – the people who brought you their outdoor pizza oven last year – are first to market with… Continue reading Outdoor Dishwasher

Wondering What Your Kitchen Remodel Return Is?

Thursday May, 2011

Wondering What Your Kitchen Remodel Return Is? www.Kitchen.com has a great article on how to estimate your kitchen remodel’s return on your investment. The recession may technically be over, but when it comes to housing values, the numbers still have been sliding down. As a result, so has the return in investment on remodeling projects. However,… Continue reading Wondering What Your Kitchen Remodel Return Is?

Beyond the Backyard: Creating a Masterpiece with Soapstone and Slate

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