white countertop options-soapstone? marble?

13 years ago

I bought a mid-century home and gutted it to the studs. The drywall is going in and it is moving closer to the finish. The kitchen is the focal point of the house, which has views, walls of glass, red rock walls and was built by a locally famous architect. Because I had to put so much money into the house (electrical, mechanical, etc) to restore it, I am on a budget and using white ikea abstract cabs. I would like a countertop that is white or close to it. I am strongly considering marble. Is there another white to consider? I am also looking at silostone white counters. I am working with an architect, and I plan to redo the kitchen with custom cabs in a few yrs. (5-7-but knowing me, it may be longer than that). I have two small parrots that are messy, but no kids, and I dont cook much. The kitchen will have a huge island 4 foot x 10 feet for a cooktop, sink, eating. I have new light grey scored concrete floors under the paper covers.

Thinking of something like this kitchen:

http://www.dwell.com/slideshows/guys-and-walls.html?slide=3&c=y&paused=true

Does white soapstone exist? I cannot find anything on this. So far, marble or silostone seems the best bet, but would appreciate any suggestions!

Here is a link that might be useful:

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Comments (4)

angieszen
13 years ago
In the course of my kitchen reno drama I have become a bit of a white countertop expert.

Take a look at Caesarstone (www.caesarstoneus.com) also a man made quartz like Silestone. They have a nice selection of whites - many used in more modern schemes - you will see photos on their website. Blizzard or Pure White might be of interest to you.

Ikea also sells Caesarstone but you have to use their fabricator to install and that could be a risky endeavor - guess it depends who you get - I would not chance it myself.

Soapstone is always dark.

There are some beautiful white granites - I have seen some that have wonderful veining similar to marble. Granite is harder than marble so easier to maintain.

Marble is lovely - looks so great in those kitchen photos - but porous and easily stained and etched. This board is full of renovators who love marble but either canÃ¢ÂÂt get up the nerve to make the plunge because of all the scary stories they have heard or (like me) have spouses who donÃ¢ÂÂt want to hear us sob hysterically when the first stain appears.

From the description of the period of your home, IÃ¢ÂÂm not sure marble is the best fit - but you just have to hit the kitchen stores and slab places to see what you like. Also $ is a factor. Marble is not that expensive - at least here in Southern California.

Good luck!
positano
13 years ago
Take a look at Calypsochicks white granite. It looks so similar to marble. A friend of mine has it in her kitchen and it looks beautiful, and no problem with stains.Hope she doesn't mind me posting her pictures again!

Here is a link that might be useful: calypsochick's finished nyc kitchen
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sfmomof2
13 years ago
We have had our contemporary kitchen with full marble backsplash and counters for three months. Two small kids and cook a lot. Large island also. Zero staining - we have left everything from pen marks to coffee on it and removes no problem. (We used the STT sealer) Some etching but not bad-my husband doesn't even see it. Etching is a bigger deal in kitchens that gets tons of direct sunlight. Looks awesome - we looked at white granites but at least here they cost a ton more and I didn't find them as attractive. Good luck!
leslied_dc
13 years ago
Hi, I just finished my kitchen renovation and put in Caesarstone Blizzard countertops with cherry cabinets. I'm thrilled. They look amazing!