How to Use Soapstone in a Bathroom
Soapstone, a soft rock with a slick feel, is a popular choice in current decorating because it is easy to carve but resembles the much harder granite. While classic soapstone is used for sculptures, it is too soft to use in bathroom design. The type of soapstone suitable for use in the bathroom is also known as steatite. This soapstone is ideal for use in the bathroom because it does not become slippery when wet and is non-porous. Whether you add your own bathroom countertop or select a premade sink from soapstone, it adds an attractive, natural look to your bathroom. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Soapstone slab
- Prefabricated soapstone counter or sink
- Circular saw
- Safety goggles
- Dust mask
- Sandpaper
- Mineral oil
Instructions
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Using Premade Soapstone Items
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Select the surfaces you would like to remodel. Soapstone sinks, bathtubs, floor tiles and countertops are all available in prefabricated or custom order versions. Soapstone comes in varying shades of gray and black. Look for a soapstone slab of 1 1/4 inch thickness for bathroom countertops.
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Order the soapstone pieces you would like to use in your bathroom. Soapstone is available through specialty dealers or hardware stores. Soapstone slabs can be found as inexpensively as $25 a square foot. Prefabricated soapstone sinks and bathtubs can get very expensive depending on the intricacy of the design, ranging from $400 to $4000.
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If you are an experienced and capable home renovator, you can install the soapstone sink or countertop yourself in one or two afternoons. A more expensive option would be to hire a contractor to do it for you. Most general contractors should have the skills and experience to work with soapstone.
Making Your Own Soapstone Countertop
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You can also make your own soapstone countertop for the bathroom. Purchase a soapstone slab at a hardware store or quarry.
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Use a circular saw fitted with a diamond blade to cut the soapstone to fit your countertop space. Use safety goggles and a dust mask while cutting.
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Finish the edges with 100- and 220-grit sandpaper.
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To give the soapstone a dark, matte finish, rub one coat of mineral oil into the surface. Wipe up any excess with a smooth cloth. After the first treatment, oil your soapstone weekly for six months, and then monthly for another six months. Continue to oil as needed to restore the appearance of your soapstone.
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Tips & Warnings
Soapstone will become much darker after mineral oil treatment. Mineral oil treatment will give your soapstone a smoother more uniform appearance.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit granite pattern image by jimcox40 from Fotolia.com
