My Black Honed Granite Countertops- One Year Review

If black honed granite is on your kitchen makeover wishlist (or a durable soapstone dupe), you’re in the right place. After living with mine for over a year now, I’m dishing the good, the not-so-good, and all the things I wish someone had warned me about before installation day. Because yes… they are freakin’ stunning, but they also come with a few quirks no one talks about.

I cannot believe I am approaching the one year anniversary of my honed River Black Granite countertops install day.

That’s right! Last June, after saving up for 3 years, I finally got to replace the design offense that was my Baltic Brown granite island worktop…

Wanting a countertop material that would not compete with the original exposed brick fireplace in my kitchen, withstand high heat (quartz cannot), and somewhat disguise my black cooktop, I knew I wanted a natural black stone of sorts.

With this criteria in mind, the original plan for my island had been soapstone. That was…until I learned that soapstone was not only a fussier material (softer, prone to scratches and requires regular oiling) but also a bit pricer of a material.

Not to mention, when I saw this granite stunner in the slab yard, not only did I prefer the price per square foot ($60 per square foot installed), I honestly loved the look of it more so than the slab of soapstone that was at the same fabricator…

While I did consider a few other varieties of black honed granite, I ultimately went with River Black Honed Granite as it truly felt the most reminiscent of soapstone…

And while overall I am still so happy with my decision (I am actually considering it for my perimeters when I can afford to replace the existing laminate), I do have one big regret along with a few things I wish I had known…

What I Wish I Knew Before Installing My Black Honed Granite Countertops:

What I wish someone had told me before install day- first and foremost- is to never ever assume your fabricator can read your mind!

You see, there was a particularly gorgeous span of milky veining running through the slab I chose, and I wanted it front and center—right in the most visible part of the island where everyone tends to gather. In a lapse of good judgment (I should’ve freakin’ known better), I just kind of assumed the fabricators would position it that way.

Much to my dismay, the most beautiful stretch of the slab was placed in a darker area of the kitchen where people generally don’t tend to frequent.

Lesson learned? Be very clear with your fabricators on veining and seam placement! I would also make sure you go and see your slab in person as there is a great amount in variation per slabs when you are working with natural stones like granite. In fact, there had been another slab of River Black on the yard (which I did not think was quite as pretty) and I made sure to specify the specific slab I wanted.

Water Stains, Cleaning and Re-Sealing:

In terms of durability, granite can pretty much withstand anything ( I mean..you see how I am having a full-blown dance party on them?). But…don’t freak out when you see water marks on your honed granite for the first time (like I did)…

While I have had other types of granite in the past, I was not used to such stains being so noticeable. In fact, I would have to say that this is going to be the one downfall of a dark, honed surface (well that and you may notice more light colored particles such as crumbs, dust and pet fur).

But …although you will see temporary water marks from glasses or pots (this was from a pot lid where I had been boiling pasta), once you clean your countertops, if your granite countertops have been properly sealed like mine were, the water stains will go away.

Tip: I clean my black honed granite first with an all-natural cleaner and a damp sponge. Once the surface gunk is gone, I then go in with granite cleaner and a microfiber cloth to polish the surface.

I haven’t re-sealed them yet, but according to my fabricator, once you notice water not beading on the surface anymore, it’s time! That means the stone’s starting to absorb moisture instead of repelling it- which is your sign to grab the sealer and get to work (ugh, adulting).

Unexpected Undertones of River Black Granite:

One last thing that totally caught me by surprise after the countertops were sealed and installed? Just how much they change color with the light throughout the day. I mean… it’s one thing to look at your slab on the stone yard, but it’s not like you can take it home to sample it and observe how it changes with lighting conditions.

I will say that sealing them definitely made the surface a bit darker, but honestly—it’s wild how much of a chameleon this black honed granite can be.

In that yummy morning light (like in the photo above), you can see all of the variation in the stone and it reads more grey- even picking up a subtle green undertone at times like true soapstone tends to do.

But then once the bright, morning light subsides, the granite actually looks pretty black-black (which was darker than what the slab had looked like outside on the stone yard).

I will also add..if you are doing a kitchen renovation and replacing lighter colored counters for a black honed variety, it may take some time to adjust to just how much light your new countertops will absorb. That being said, I think the darkness and lack of shine and polish just contributes to the whole warm, earthy vibe that so many of us are craving right now. But…you have been warned!

If you love the grounded, moody vibe of soapstone but aren’t quite ready for the price tag (or the maintenance routine) I’d totally recommend black honed granite as a more practical alternative. Just make sure you’re working with a reputable fabricator, and know what you’re signing up for: occasional water stains (totally cleanable), color that shifts with the light, and a surface that absorbs light rather than reflects it (meaning it can slightly darken your space). But if you’re into that cozy, velvety, quiet-luxury look? She’s so damn worth it.

Thank you so incredibly much for stopping by and spending some time with me this week! If this post sparked inspiration, it would mean the world to this little business of mine if you’d pin it on Pinterest or share it with a friend…

Until next time, keep on designing a life that feels as good as it looks!