M. Teixeira Soapstone, founded by Roger Teixeira, is an importer and fabricator of soapstone countertops, custom soapstone sinks, DYI countertops, soapstone tiles, fireplaces, and more. Also known as Steatite, soapstone is a metamorphic rock that consists primarily of talc.
If you are considering a home improvement project, visit the Glen Rock showroom for the most extensive collection of soapstone available in the United States, sourcing their lines domestically from Virginia as well as from international quarries in Brazil and India.
Roger originally entered the business with soapstone carvings and sculptures. He then began providing soapstone for the art industry, including art schools and universities, and in the early 2000s, he began offering a line of soapstone countertops and sinks.
“Soapstone is a great alternative to marble, granite, or quartz for countertops,” says Roger. “It’s all-natural and non-porous. It does not react to acids or heat, and it doesn’t stain. Since it doesn’t react to chemicals, it is a popular counter surface for chemistry labs.”
Soapstone became popular in the late 90s when Martha Stewart and Bob Villa began featuring it in their projects. “Soapstone has a consistent style that doesn’t get old,” says Roger.
The product comes in shades of gray, varying from an even tone to dramatic veining. Domestic lines tend to resemble a chalkboard color, and slabs sourced from Brazil or India will tend to have more exotic and dramatic features.
Soapstone can be treated with mineral oil or an ager to enhance and deepen its tone. “Once it’s installed, you can apply these products regularly to achieve more intense coloring,” says Roger, “it’s all up to the homeowner.”
It’s important to be aware that several forms of slates and marbles are falsely advertised as soapstone. This is an international issue in the soapstone market, so educate yourself prior to purchasing soapstone slabs or fabricated goods.
M. Teixeira Soapstone supplies to distributors and suppliers, but they also work directly with homeowners. “We also have a ‘do-it-yourself’ program in which homeowners can buy the product directly from us and finish it themselves. It saves them a lot of money.”
The Glen Rock showroom features different varieties of soapstone in kitchen vignettes to help spark the home improvement shopper’s imagination, and their on-site warehouse stocks a large variety of soapstone slabs. Shoppers are invited to select the slab with the coloring and marbling you prefer. “Many homeowners come in with their architects to help with the selection,” says Roger.
Each classic soapstone variety—and even each slab within varieties—displays differences in veining, color, and hardness. Though tints and veining differ from slab to slab, these classic soapstone varieties are durable, stain-proof, and offer the same heat resistance and antibacterial properties, making soapstone a preferred material for kitchen countertops.
Soapstone is versatile for commercial applications as well. Whether your design elements are rustic industrial, or contemporary classic, soapstone fits in and makes a shining statement to accentuate your business's style.
Along with the typical renovation projects, it’s interesting to note that Roger and his team are exporting large amounts of soapstone to Europe for woodburning stoves, which have increased in demand due to the war in Ukraine. “We are exporting a lot of soapstone from Brazil and India to help Ukraine shift away from gas. Soapstone stoves are excellent for holding and radiating heat,” Roger states. “It’s important for us to be a part of helping this cause.”
Visit Roger to learn more about the benefits and durability of soapstone and find some inspiration for your next project!
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“Soapstone is a great alternative to marble, granite, or quartz for countertops. It’s all-natural, non-porous, doesn't react to acids or heat, and it doesn’t stain.”