Soapstone: From the Port to your Home

Soapstone en route to Texas! Only 4-6 weeks until these beautiful soapstone slabs of PA Original make their way from Fortaleza Port in Brazil to Dallas and Austin!

Taking Soapstone to the NEXT LEVEL!

Escobedo Construction taking Soapstone to the NEXT level! These black 3d panels are made out of Noire soapstone. Escobedo Construction cut the custom pattern into the panels on their 5-axis CNC machine and it turned out stunning!

These black 3d panels are made out of Noire soapstone. Escobedo Construction cut the custom pattern into the panels on their 5-axis CNC machine and it turned out stunning!

For samples or more information please contact us! 

512-745-5850 * consult@laterasurfaces.com

www.laterasurfaces.com

#EscobedoConstruction #NoireSoapstone

Dorado Still Bringing You The Best & Most Unique Products!

The company that you all have come to know and love, Dorado Stone Distributors has recently changed it's name to Latera Architectural Surfaces.   

Latera Architectural Surfaces will still provide all of your favorite products, including Dorado Soapstone & Vetrazzo Recycled Glass as well as carry several new additions; KarmaStone, JadeStone, PaperStone, Elements by Durcon and Tough Tops.  We are truly happy to better serve you with a wider and more complete range of products that will not only fill the niche of unique products but will also be your resource for Ecologically and Environmentally friendly products as well.

For Samples Please Contact Us 

512-444-8600 * consult@laterasurfaces.com

www.laterasurfaces.com

Dorado Soapstone

Soapstone is a non-porous stone that has been used for counter tops for over 100 years. Its durability and sophisticated look make Soapstone a premier counter top option. Soapstone is the only non-porous natural stone that can be found on the market.  That means, no more chemical sealers, no more ongoing maintenance and no more worrying about those dishes and wine glasses you left on your counter tops the night before.

The benefits of Soapstone are numerous and by understanding them, you will understand why so many people continually turn to Soapstone as their preferred counter top option.   Soapstone is a very dense Stone.  In fact, Soapstone is about 20% – 30% more dense then Granite or Marble.   This is very important when it comes to how your Soapstone Counters will react in your kitchen. Because of its density,it is completely non-porous, making it an impenetrable stone that won’t stain or etch.  Additionally, Soapstone is completely impervious to heat.  In fact, Soapstone has been widely used in chemistry labs and in masonry heaters because it can withstand temperature up to 1900 degrees.  Hot pots and pans directly off the stove won’t hurt your Soapstone countertops in the slightest.

People always have a lot of questions about Soapstone colors and how many Soapstone colors there are to choose from.  Soapstone counter tops offer a deep and rich color palette.  Soapstone colors range between light grey, dark grey, black and green.   Although Soapstone colors are somewhat limited in comparison to Marble or Granite, Soapstone is offered in the essential colors for sophisticated and timeless styles.  Black soapstone, or Minas Soapstone, is an essential counter top color.  With a deep rich black background and vibrant white quartz veins coursing throughout the face of the stone, one will immediately understand why this is such a popular stone.

The use of mineral oil or dry wax has traditionally been used to darken and enhance the color of the Soapstone.  Mineral Oil or Dorado Dry wax are not recommended to protect the Soapstone Counters, it doesn’t need to be protected since its non-porous and naturally protects itself.  It is merely a tool to help enrich the color of your Soapstone counter and help expedite the patina process.

How much does Soapstone Cost? The price of Soapstone is comparable to other natural stones on the market.  The cost of your Soapstone counter tops may vary depending on Soapstone color, project location and other particularities of your kitchen. For pricing, please contact Latera to be directed to one of our many qualified Soapstone Fabricators.  Latera Architectural Surfaces has an exclusive network of certified Soapstone fabricators to choose from, and will help put you in contact with the right soapstone fabricator for your project.

For more information please contact us 

512-444-8600 * consult@laterasurfaces.com

Classic Soapstone

SOAPSTONE ... Doesn't Get Much Better! 

DORADO SOAPSTONE: Soapstone is commonly used in science labs, however recently it’s beautifying homes, bars & restaurants everywhere. Soapstone is a very dense, natural stone made of compressed talc, magnesium and other minerals. It’s the only non-porous natural stone on the market; which means it will not stain, will not harbor bacteria and NEVER need to be sealed! Soapstone is heat resistant as well. Soapstone is so impervious celebrity chef Martha Stewart and Guy Fieri can’t stop talking about it! 

Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays

New Soapstone Colors ... Noire & Verde Minas

Introducing two new soapstones that are making a making quite an impression! 

Noire Soapstone - This soapstone is very dark Black with some minimal White veining. This stone is also harder than some of our more traditional stones such as our ever so popular Minas Soapstone. Clients are raving about this stone and in our Austin location we sold out in the first week! But don't worry we have more! 

Noire Soapstone

Noire Soapstone - Natural / 1/2 oiled 

Verde Minas Soapstone - This soapstone is a RICH Emerald Green color with some settle movements through out it. This stone is also fairly hard. Clients love this stone because the color is so rich & deep! 

Verde Minas Soapstone

Verde Minas Soapstone - Natural / 1/2 oiled

For Sizes & Prices Please Contact Us


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Sustainable Alegria Project- Austin, Tx: Black Soapstone

"Reduce/Reused/Recycle" ... June is Nation Recycling Month so it is only suitable we choose a Sustainable Smart Project as our Project of the Month. On Sunday, June 3, Texas Solar Energy Society and Austin Energy Green Building will showcase this years BEST energy efficient design & sustainable building technology homes in Austin and The Alegria Project is one of the homes on the 16th Cool Home Tour. 

 

Eco-Savvy Builder Alex Pettitt, owner of Spring Builders carefully planned and thought through every detail of the Alegria Project.

The structure embodies the green building principle of cross and stack ventilation. And has a welcoming comfortable open design feeling. 

With help from interior designer Chelsea Brady, owner of Chelsea + Remy Design and architect Nick Mehl, the team collaborated the principals of smart design with environmental sustainability.

  

Simple clean lines and products were used throughout the home. As seen in the kitchen, they used Minas Black Soapstone for their countertops. Soapstone was a perfect fit because it has that clean matte finish look they were trying to achieve with all the benefits of a sustainable surface. Soapstone is naturally nonporous and does not require a sealer. Making it 100% chemical free and antimicrobial. 

The Alegra Project is just another example of how energy efficient design & sustainable building technology can beautiful. For more information about the Cool Homes Tour and The Alegria Project please visit the below links. 

Cool Home Tour

Builder - Spring Builders

Interior Designer - Chelsea + Remy Design 

Architect - Nick Mehl Architects  

Photography - Allison Cartwright, Twist Art Photography  

20 Soapstone Inspirations: Soapstone Colors

Inspired by The Granite Gurus... here are 20 pictures of Soapstone to inspire you to use it on your next project. 

  

 

*PHOTOS ARE FINISHED PROJECTS USING DORADO SOAPSTONE 
Make sure to check out The Granite Gurus photos as well! 
The Granite Gurus: 10 Soapstone Kitchens, Sinks and a Fireplace

Whisky Rocks

You've seen them around, you've heard about them but WHAT EXACTLY are Whisky Rocks? 

  

These innovated gray cubes other wise known as Whisky Rocks (Whisky Stone or Scotch Rocks) are essentially ice cubes that will not water down your drink. So what are they made of? Soapstone! Traditionally, used as countertop tops in kitchens, bathrooms, bar tops and chemistry labs; Soapstone is the ONLY nonporous, odorless, tasteless and a natural food safe stone used in the home. 
Due to the high density of the material, soapstone retains temperature so they are great chilled in your freezer or heated up in your microwave. Not only are Whisky Rocks reusable but they will not scratch your top shelf barware either. 






More more information check out http://www.doradostonedist.com/shop/