Soapstone Counter part one

On Friday, Len got the small railing done as far as he can go before the floor is in.

Small railing started

Len's patented rail attachment system

Ready to roll

 Remember my comments about the drywall?  Well, here are your pictures.

1/2 in each load

The pile in the living room

Saturday I decided to get the blinds put up in our bedroom

I got all four done "all by myself"

 Meanwhile, the main project of the weekend, the soapstone countertops, was underway.  We had two large pieces of rock to be cut into the various parts of the counter.

Careful measuring - we want to get this right

Using a special blade makes it pretty easy

Much soapstone dust

 After the pieces were of a size to be carried, Len took them outside to cut

Less dust this way

 Then came many hours of sanding - using our orbital sander

 Then it was time to remove the classy plywood counters and everything on them so that the stone could be fitted.

The last look at the plywood counter - good riddance!

One of the smaller pieces being fitted

 When it came to cutting the very smallest pieces - the back molding - Len used the table saw and got a nice straight cut that way

A piece ready to go

Putting an angle on the back molding

Len finished off each piece by sanding it smooth

 For the front edge of the counter, we decided to try the router and it worked fine.

Putting an angle on the front apron

Pieces that were too large to take out were routered in the house.

Tomorrow we should be able to show you the whole kitchen in place.  Then a final fine sanding, cleaning and oiling.  The soapstone turns a lovely dark colour with all the veins standing out beautifully.