Black Honed Granite That Looks Like Soapstone

If you are drawn to the look of soapstone but on the fence about some of its disadvantages, this post is just for you, baby! Today, I am sharing the reveal of my black honed granite countertops along with a few other natural stone options to consider for your hard-working kitchen…

I cannot freaking believe the day has finally come when I get to share the reveal of my new kitchen countertops with you! Like so incredibly stoked, I am doing the happy dance as I type these words.

While at times it felt like only a fool’s dream, after almost 3 years of getting settled into our new place and saving up the funds while simultaneously paying off debt (furnishing a new home adds up fast), just a few weeks ago, I finally got to replace the nasty a$$ dated granite countertops on my kitchen island and breakfast bar.

But before I get into all the juicy deets about the slab I chose, to refresh your memory (or get the newcomers up-to-date on my design situation), directly below is a picture of what the original countertops looked like when I first moved into my lake cottage…

While these Baltic Brown beauties (not!) certainly drove me crazy in terms of aesthetics, from a utilitarian perspective, the granite material they were constructed from actually spoiled me.

You see, having learned to simply work around one of the main drawbacks of Quartz counters back at my previous home—namely, not being able to place hot pots and pans directly on the manmade surface—the heat resistance of the ugly as hell yet heat-resistant granite made cooking and entertaining much more carefree.

Knowing I would eventually want a natural stone surface on my island for that fact alone as my cooktop and oven are both located there, my second criterion for choosing new countertops was completely design-related. Essentially, I wanted something that could better conceal my black cooktop while also complementing the exposed brick fireplace that I refuse to paint white.

Why I Chose Granite Over Soapstone-

Although I had initially projected black soapstone to fit the bill for both my design and function specifications, while speaking to local fabricators and doing research of my own, I was deterred from soapstone when I learned that it not only scratches easily, but it requires regular oiling and can develop dark spots in areas where oily substances are used. Not only that, but soapstone is typically a bit pricier than granite.

While both are natural stone and have a high heat tolerance, granite does not scratch as easily, only requires sealing once a year, and was quoted slightly lower per square foot installed (anywhere from $55-$65 per square foot for the slabs I considered).

Granite Slab Options that Look Similar to Soapstone-

After getting some recommendations on natural stone fabricators in the Chattanooga area, I reached out and specifically asked to look at granite slabs that looked like soapstone. Below are some options that I considered…

While I initially gravitated towards this gorgeous Negresso Honed granite slab via email, when I actually got to the stone yard, I decided that it leaned just a little too much on the grey side. While I still find it gorgeous (the veining is a showstopper), I was looking for a stone that read a little more black and slightly more subtle as I eventually plan to do the perimeter counters with something more striking.

Price: The Negresso was quoted at $65 a square foot installed.

After looking at a real slab of soapstone on the stone yard, I decided that this honed River Black Granite looked the most similar to the real deal. There was something about it that just felt so earthy and grounded that I knew it had to come home with me, and I am pleased to say that hubby was on the same page as me with this one!

Price: This River Black Honed granite cost me $60 a square foot installed.

While this Titanium Granite is distinct from soapstone in the fact that it is polished and not honed, in the right home, I totally would have gone for it. As for my vision, unfortunately, I had to pass on this slab as I was set on a honed finish. But…for my edgy yet glam type of girls out there, you need this in your life! Pictures really don’t do this granite slab justice.

Price: This slab of Titanium Polished granite was quoted at $68 per square foot installed.

My River Black Honed Granite Countertops:

Although I think any of the slabs I considered would have been beautiful, I love how the dark color of this particular slab allows the black stovetop to blend into the countertops quite seamlessly. Now if only I could find another location for that damn microwave, the island would feel more like a piece of furniture and less like run-of-the-mill cabinetry.

Given the natural essence of River Black granite, it’s important to note its ranging variation. In some areas, the milky veins are relatively subtle and uniform. In other runs, the veining is more pronounced like here on the edge of the island.

While the granite slab I chose was honed, it still does reflect light quite nicely. If you want a rougher finish, leathered granite is always an option too- just be prepared to pay a little more for the rustic stone effect.

Just like soapstone, River Black granite can appear to have a greenish hue in certain lighting conditions (for me this is morning hours when the sun is drenching the slab in bright light).

While I have yet to decide (or save up for) the perimeter countertops, I am so glad I went ahead and updated what I could in this kitchen as it truly made such a big difference in how I feel about the space. Guests seem to linger longer and I feel so much more at peace while I am cooking meals for my loved ones (the busy Baltic Brown was just too much stimulation for my neurodivergent predisposition).

When the time comes to replace the surrounding laminate worktops, don’t get me wrong… I fully intend to choose a bolder veining. However, this veining will be fluid and visually intriguing- not splotchy or incongruent like the eyesore I used to live with.

Even if you weren’t in the market for new soapstone countertops, at the very least, I hope this post has given you permission to make gradual improvements to your home as your budget allows. Contrary to what you see on HGTV, you don’t have to do everything all at once. At the end of the day, baby steps are better than no progress at all!

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending some time with me this week! If you found this post helpful, it would mean so much to me if you could share it with a friend or on social media..

Now get out there and design some good vibes along with a fabulous life!