Soapstone vs Honed Granite vs. Leathered Granite

9 years ago

We have been doing a lot of research on countertops and are stuck. We loved the soapstone look but now are thinking it's a bad choice because of the upkeep. We saw Honed Black Mist Granite and really liked it since it looked like soapstone. Now wondering if honed holds up well. Also, does anyone ever use honed or leathered light granite? We're looking for a white granite for the island. So confusing!

Featured Answer

bobbisam

9 years ago

Have had my soapstone 3 months now. No upkeep. Waxed once on install...but find it is not necessary. I love it, and don't take any extra care at all.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (48)

Brandi Nash Hicks
9 years ago
Quartz is where design is headed,all,of the high end homes I'm our area are changing to quartz,check it out
kpicker13
Original Author
9 years ago
Love the look of Quartzite, however we're hard on things and can't bare the stains, etching and chips!
Related Discussions
A trend that should end
Q
Comments (1300)
For me it’s maximalism. Lovely in a quirky cafe or boutique hotel but at home it would give me a headache. I like a restful house and so yes quite a lot of it is grey! Not battleship grey or anthracite but bluey or greeny greys. Concrete floors. Depressing, cold, ecologically not great, look unfinished. Plants very high up. How do you water them? Walk in wardrobes even if it means the bedroom becomes tiny. I’d rather have a bigger bedroom with wardrobes in it, than dress and sleep in tiny spaces. Uber industrial. There’s a reason we usually hide cables, conduits, vent ducts...because they are ugly. Buying new furniture and accessories very often to have an “up to date“ look. I see all these instagram pictures with everything brass, mid century, wood, rattan, green (today’s trends) and I wonder what has happened to all their grey, painted, silver, shabby chic items from 5/10 years ago. And what will they do with today’s items when the look swings round again...
...See More
Upcycling colour advice
Q
Comments (57)
I though the Louis fireplace was the one you were removing. Ok so if you are just selling it I wouldn't do much more to it. It just needs warming up/livening up. I saw you had a plant but it's rather tall thin and spiky - not very tactile. This room is rather 'yang' ... cold colours, straight lines, sparsely decorated and feels like it needs more life. Best way to do this is colour, texture, pattern. Plants are actually alive so a few more, even small ones that are softer, rounder leaves etc. If you are changing the curtains I would go for a pattern that's more fluid with a number of colours in it. Same with the cushions. I found the pictures in your ideas book of other blue rooms quite cool too (and the gold clashes with the blue/white) although if you notice they have some older pieces of furniture which tend to have a warmer lived in feel, your cabinet as it is adds a lot to this. They also have softer plants (orchids, hydrangeas) look at their yellow rounded cushion. All those details make a difference. I big thing to consider is climate/geography. Navy and white are cold so if you live in a warm climate they may feel refreshing, on the UK I would feel cold in a navy and white room. We react to colours and they can change our experience of a room by 5-6C just by looking at them. (scientifically proven) Also people tend to think of blues, greens as cold and reds, yellows, oranges as warm whereas most colours have warm and cold versions. If you look at your flooring (cold) compared to your bi-fold doors (warm) you will see that not all browns are the same. tomato red for example has yellow in it so is warmer whereas dark cherry red has blue in it to is a cooler version of red. Once you paint the doors the room will feel even colder. Also the texture of the laminate floor is 'cold' as it is shiny and artificial looking. A big colourful rug (texture) would warm it up. With regards to wall colours ... I'd suggest not starting with the wall colour. Buy a gorgeous painting or rug or even a cushion and then be inspired by the colours in that for sofas etc and finally choose the wall colour after than. You mention black leather, again, a cold colour, heavy colour and shiny ... all very yang. If you want this then the setting you put it in will make a big difference ... personally I would step away from the black, just explore. What about a blue velvet sofa, since you like blue and do something different to the walls. Have a look at this article. It isn't my style, still too cold but can you see where she has added texture (fur, rugs, fabric curves), pattern, details (plants rounder), more personal loved items and being an older home with cornices etc it doesn't feel so cold and sharp. https://www.houzz.co.uk/magazine/houzz-tour-a-family-home-in-hamburg-with-a-touch-of-scandi-style-stsetivw-vs~48800571?utm_source=Houzz Cold is not just about temperature. E.g. older style furniture, esp make of wood tends to be warmer ... softer shapes and more substance (life lived), things like elaborate cornicing, whereas newer modern style furniture, often painted or white/straight lines etc feels cooler/fresher/lighter (younger) ... some of both in a room really makes it feel balanced. Think of it as a family (or any group) ... parents bring experience, wisdom and safety, children bring laughter, fun and lightness ... a good combination. Note: once you choose navy for your walls then it's hard to warm it up as cream will clash and I know you don't like it anyway. What about a different blue? More of a teal, this has a touch of yellow so you can add mustards, burnt orange, warm turquoise etc. Phew, that's lots from me ... most of all, put yourself in the room and it helps to look for inspiration out in the world rather than just other people's rooms. For me the cabinet with all your things in it & books is the best part of the room. I trust that all helps ...
...See More
Help needed for open plan kitchen lounge diner floor
Q
Comments (17)
Thanks urban space - we don't have under floor heating and the wood floor we had fitted about 5/6 yrs ago has been a nightmare. We did have an expansion joint but had so much movement and warping. We had the company back out beginning of this year and we had wanted to have a new floor at that stage but they said they could put right the existing one. Not sure on the technical term for what they did but they effectively relaid/ straightened it and used a resin with wood chips in to fill the gaps so you couldn't see them but within 5/6 months we have movement again and now all this resin is starting to rise out the top. For that reason I'm just not prepared to have a proper wood floor again - it might be down to the fitters but it has been extremely costly. By the time you add our dog into the mix and the scratches he has added to it I think a fake wood effect is the way to go for us
...See More
bushboard vs wilsonart laminate
Q
Comments (5)
Hi Elaine, Looking at the Aeon collection, they mention a lot about their 'Scuff & scratch resistance' however, in experience the prima worktops have always been outstanding. Wilsonart is renowned for their quality of product however, prima is a strong competitor. Both do have a Honed texture to replicate real granite so its a hard decision. Is there a significant cost difference between the two? Also, the Prima comes in 3.6mtr and the Wilsonart is 3mtr. If you need the length, I'd recommend the Prima as if you have a longer run, you're going to need the extra. Hope that helps! Regards Joel LaRosa Design
...See More
PRO
Shakuff
9 years ago
quartzite and quartz counters are completely different. quartz is man-made from natural quartz stone and rarely needs maintenance if any, quartzite is a natural stone similar in look to marble and if you get the right kinds requires less upkeep. you may find a quartz counter you love in a dark color. look into caesarstone.
kpicker13
Original Author
9 years ago
Oh right - mixed up what Brandi was staying...thank you for the clarification! I'll look into caesarstone. I've always been against man-made countertops but they are tempting!
Gretchen
9 years ago
I have a light (crema antartida) leathered granite and we love it. Gets lots of compliments - and upkeep is easy. We do seal it once a year or so to prevent stains. I also have soapstone in my kitchen. We love that too - but it definitely gets a worn in look (which fits are 100+ year old house)....
bobbisam
9 years ago
I had a leathered black pearl granite remnant made into a top for an old coffee table at the same time. I still do no upkeep on that, but it does get rings from glasses.
midnightcassie
9 years ago
If I could get soapstone, I personally would do that over granite. Is the upkeep really that much more? Soapstone is gorgeous and timeless and not everyone has it (though I know a lot of people with great granite countertops and their kitchens are stunning).
PRO
zpd+a and roomTEN design
9 years ago
last modified: 9 years ago
Soapstone is very easy to maintain - you oil it once or 2x a year at most. You can let it weather without oiling at all and it will go a little lighter but maintain depth and character. Soapstone is extremely durable, non porous and heat resistant - that was the classic countertop material for science labs for decades. If a chemist can control an explosion on it, you can probably set your souffle down on it :) However, there is no white soapstone (light grey, yes; white, no) - you mention white in your comment, so I just want to be clear here. If you're talking about a white island as an accent, you have a few options but it depends on the overall look, and what you use for the main stone. There should be a carefully considered relationship between the cabinetry, main stone and island stone, as well as any other finishes. Quartz (ceaserstone, HanStone, Silestone, etc) is incredibly durable, heat and stain resistant, and very low maintenance. They come polished or honed, and I have used both with little difference between them. Quartzite, marbles and granites are all softer, more porous, and more susceptible to wear and tear. Quartzite is probably the most fragile, as it is comprised of fractured stone and often (in my experience) bonded with epoxy - looks great but stains, discolors and niks too easily for heavy use areas.
PRO
zpd+a and roomTEN design
9 years ago
We show a number of projects with varying stones. This one features a white quartz for the bulk of the kitchen counters, and a white quartzite for the accent peninsula:
Lakeshore Drive Pied A Terre · More Info
PRO
zpd+a and roomTEN design
9 years ago
This kitchen features a carrera marble countertop. Carrera is often discouraged as a countertop material, because it does, in fact, scratch and stain. However, these clients have spent a lot of time in Europe, and their response to the warning was "have you ever walked in to an old cafe in Paris and bemoaned the fact that their counters were stained?" No, in fact - the more use and wear, the better the counters look. These owners do not seal their stone, and after 5 years it looks great - there are no large stains or problems. They use their kitchen heavily - both are gourmets and are not very precious about the stone.
Logan Square Greystone Kitchen · More Info
PRO
zpd+a and roomTEN design
9 years ago
Finally, this kitchen features a quartz counter for the main tops, and a leathered granite island. The island stone was very unusual - it has the effect of waves of grass - it's very natural and soft against the crisp stainless/copper/quartz in the rest of the kitchen. The leathered/brushed finish is very attractive, but should be noted for someone that is pristine about their kitchen space - it can accumulate crumbs and does require more attention to keep clean, as would any textured finish.

Lincoln Park Townhouse · More Info
kpicker13
Original Author
9 years ago
Thanks for all of your comments! RoomTENdesign, we are actually looking for white(ish) for the island and black (dark) for the perimeter. We have white cabinets on the perimeter and black cabinets on the island. We are in LOVE with the look of soapstone but have read enough comments to scare us away - the chips and especially, the water rings that some soapstones get. I'm not sure if my husband will be okay with the "loved" look of it. That's why we looked into honed and leathered, since it had more of the look of soapstone with less of the "love". However I just asked a fabricator for a quote on Jet Mist Honed granite and she said, I quote "Jet mist honed is a nightmare!!! you must enhance, and re-enhance every few years. PLEASE find something else you like. It is the same price as soap stone with none of the good characteristics."

Sooooo we were back to not knowing anything about anything.
PRO
Shakuff
9 years ago
Look into caesarstone...you can get a honed finish without the nightmares :)
PRO
Shakuff
9 years ago
http://www.caesarstoneus.com/en/Customer_Service/Pages/FAQ.aspx
0
poorgirl
9 years ago
I have leather counters , we love them, originally we were going honed but leather takes on a different look and leaves a bit of a sheen on the stone.
If you look for a granite called Arctic White and have a look at the leather finish its beautiful.
This granite does have grays & blacks along with a real white,
Unfortunately I have to use black in my kitchen renovation and I'm saying that because with a leather finish you don't see any fingerprints since it kind of seals the stone when they flame it. Leather finish is quite a bit more money per ft2, In Ontario you can pay up to 10/ft2 extra.
Have a look at St. Gabriel Black which leathers really beautiful. We are doing Cambrian Black honed with an impregnating colour enhancing sealant matt finish. Once the Cambrian is honed it isn't as black as polished finish, but its a very solid black when its sealed.
I think you would like either of these stones, these stones also are extremely dense so you don't really have to do anything to them once you have sealed them, what ever you get make sure you don't seal with an acrylic sealant,

Hope this helps
komokakitchen
9 years ago
I am also looking for a white granite or quartzite that I'd like to have honed or leathered and apply an enhancer (or not). All of our cabinets are black-brown Ikea Ramsjo and consist of 2 parallel walls - 1 with and 1 without uppers and an island in the centre will be 8.5' x 4.75'. We decided to go all black cabinets and all white counters... to be different which seems strange to say. I am in love with the photos of River White leathered or honed granite and the whiter quartzite leathered or honed counters. I do not like quartz as I prefer the movement and imperfections of granite, quartzite or marble. Marble is out of the question. Soapstone is my favourite but I think we all black cabinets would be too dark. The ceiling is under 8' and the kitchen is roughly 15' in the middle of a 45' open room with tons of patio doors open to pool and forest so it's bright but all black is too scary. Any suggestion on what white or whitish natural leather, honed or polished stone to use with our black cabinets would be so welcome. Thank you (adding a photo in 5!)
PRO
Washington Marble Works
9 years ago
I have customers who have used black leathered countertops and absolutely love the ease of care (and how it hides dust!) i would definitely look into leather or silk finishes. Honed quartz does not have the same ease of care as a polished quartz, so i would also look into that factor with the quartz manufacturers
0
Judy Mishkin
9 years ago
i have quartz perimeters and honed granite on my cooktop island. if i'm going to do something messy i do it on the quartz instead of the back of the granite island. the quartz is cleaned with the first pass of the sponge. the honed granite, well, no. its good to have both.
PRO
The Refresh Shop
9 years ago
I have honed black granite at the cottage installed 10 years ago and have never had an issue. Looks gorgeous!
Just in the midst of a kitchen addition for the city and have chosen a granite for my dark charcoal (BM Iron Mountain) island that I've never seen before: Titanium Leathered. It has a soapstone patina; that lovely chalky charcoal, but periodic veins of a warm amber deepening to copper. I'm doing a patinized copper hood to bring out those tones. It has a lot of life, but in a rustic, very raw manner, and it's incredibly durable. Perimeter cabinetry is white with Stone Grey Caesarstone. Two weeks until installation then I'll have photos posted.
PRO
Shakuff
9 years ago
Wow that is gorgeous!
PRO
The Refresh Shop
9 years ago
I have honed black granite at the cottage installed 10 years ago and have never had an issue. Looks gorgeous!
Just in the midst of a kitchen addition for the city and have chosen a granite for my dark charcoal (BM Iron Mountain) island that I've never seen before: Titanium Leathered. It has a soapstone patina; that lovely chalky charcoal, but periodic veins of a warm amber deepening to copper. I'm doing a patinized copper hood to bring out those tones. It has a lot of life, but in a rustic, very raw manner, and it's incredibly durable. Perimeter cabinetry is white with Stone Grey Caesarstone. Two weeks until installation then I'll have photos posted.
PRO
Classic Connecticut Homes LLC
9 years ago
Our client selected hone granite for this kitchen renovation. They were leaning toward soapstone but when they realized they could get the "look" with honed granite, I think that convinced them to go in that direction. They have been very happy and it is pretty much a maintenance free surface.
Skip Gilliam
9 years ago
Love soapstone...have two nice slabs saved for our kitchen when it's ready!!;)
alcova
8 years ago
Poorgirl wondering how you like your honed granite? Where did you buy it from as I'm from southern Ontario and looking at a honed absolute black versus a Cambrian black leather.
0
poorgirl
8 years ago
I love my countertops , I'm from the stone industry so I knew what I wanted. We would only use Cambrian or Atlantic Black as they are the densest in the blacks , most exterior cladding in black is done in these 2 materials .The rest are interior materials. We honed it because that's what my fabricator had , we would have liked leathered but at $5-8 /ft2 more in cost we went with honed instead . We have leathered at the cottage, beautiful finish.
With the black honed the trick is to put a enhancing impregnating sealant on the stone. We did a Matt finish which is also the worst to do but we didn't want gloss.
If you enhance the material you don't see anything. No water rings, finger prints, which are the 2 big issues with black. No additional work really than any other stone .
I bought a really good cleaner , then let it dry and put 2 coats of a water based enhancer . Since I was doing it my self I used water base, I will have to probably repeat in 2-3 years but I don't care, it's easy to work with.
Originally I put and acrylic impregnator on the material by mistake. Came out streaky and blotchy, almost had a hard attack looking at it.
Called HSK in the U.S. And bought their stripper. I coated the stone and it stripped everything off it. Turned out great.
ertb
8 years ago
Hi, poorgirl! I have Absolute Black honed granite and have had problems with keeping the look clean even after wiping it thoroughly. I finally applied AquaMix brand "Enrich-n-Seal" which helps to hide smudge marks, etc. Unfortunately, the Enrich-n-Seal give the granite almost a polished look. The whole reason we got the honed granite was to have that soapstone-like matte look. Could you tell me exactly which product you used that you were happy with?
kawarren55
8 years ago
We needed up buying pearl grey leathered granite and it has a soapstone look. I really like it. We just had it installed and they didn't seal it. Does anyone know if I have to use Granite Gold Sealer or Miracle 511? I had research so much about soapstone (which was my first choice) so I wondering if I can't seal my granite with the same type of wax that would be used to soapstone ? I heard the sealants can change the look of the granite
ertb
8 years ago
Karen, Although I am merely a homeowner and I don't have leathered granite (I have honed), I would be hesitant to use a soapstone sealer since these are two different substances with a difference chemical make-up. Do your installers have any recommendations? Also, I wonder if various sealers are available that can give a matte (rather than a glossy) finish. You have probably already considered all of these things, but I hope this helps.
alcova
8 years ago
I ended up going with soapstone. Yes I agree soapstone and granite are different stones and require different maintenance regimes. Soapstone does not require sealing as it's inert; non porous. However, if you prefer the darker finish then oil treatments in the beginning required. I believe most granite uses a sealant and your installer may have already had it applied before install? There is colour enhancing sealant or not depending on your desired look. Best to follow up with your installer. Congrats on your new counters! Such a relief to finally make a decision isn't it? Sounds like your ready to enjoy your new kitchen.
allgranite
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
This might be some help.
PRO
Pacific Shore Stones
8 years ago
Here are a couple of blog articles that will help with this question. The first one is about the pros and cons of soapstone, the second is about the pros and cons of honed, leathered or polished stone finishes:

http://www.pacificshorestones.com/kitchen-trends-soapstone-countertops/

http://www.pacificshorestones.com/stone-trends-polished-honed-or-leathered-finish/
Nanci Boutet
8 years ago
Hi, does anyone know where I can get soapstone in Costa Rica? And is it correct to call it esteatita?
magada
8 years ago
last modified: 8 years ago
Well Nanci, i can't tell you where to get it in Costa Rica but i do know that in France it's called "stéatite" so esteatita sounds about right in spanish.
0
htc2015
8 years ago
Has anyone had leathered absolute black granite for awhile? Does it need alot of maintenance? Show glass rings, etc? Looking for a durable option to have natural walnut sealed cabinets be the focal point in a mid century ranch, low ceiling open concept kitchen.
baileysr
8 years ago
We have leathered Uba Tuba granite in most of our kitchen, with a section of our island honed as a perfectly flat surface for my baking area. We love it. The leathered is extremely easy to care for and looks nice. It is very forgiving and does a good job of hiding little water marks where you drip water and miscellaneous crumbs, so we don't feel like we always have to wipe up and polish it to make the kitchen look clean. The honed portion shows a but more of those little signs of daily use, but not as bad as a polished granite. We have no stains or permanent marks of any kind, but we have sealed it once a year so I'm sure that helped.
htc2015
8 years ago
Balleysr, thank you! Great to hear you love your leathered granite. Once done, I don't want have be a counter czar, worrying about keeping it up. Want to have it look ice and enjoy it!
Becky Morin
8 years ago
We will be building this summer. The kitchen will have white uppers and oak peppercorn stained lowwers. Iam looking at soapstone for the 8x4 island because i just love the look and feel of it, and want a granite in white for the perimeter. Any ideas for an almost solid white granite that would compliment the soapstone. Oh we will also have a white apron sink and backsplash.
0
angpsyd
6 years ago
Honed black granite requires no upkeep and i am so happy with it!
marcia4963
6 years ago
everyone tried to talk me into quartz. I did not budge and I'm glad...it's way too modern for me. If you can afford the soapstone I hope you did it...we are getting nero mist...or nocturnal mist leathered.
PRO
Gray & Walter, Ltd.
6 years ago
Soapstone is great but requires a lot of maintenance. Have you considered quartzite, Quartz or porcelain slabs? This is what I'm typically recommending lately. There are so many choices! Good luck to you, I hope everything works out and you get the kitchen of your dreams!
bobbisam
6 years ago
Three years later and still love my soapstone. I don't do any special upkeep at all. No special care, and still looks as good as the day it was installed.
Jane Gray
6 years ago
Gray and Walter, Ltd., what is the "a lot of maintenance" you are referring to? I had soapstone for YEARS and it is one of the most maintenance free counters ever.

From: https://geology.com/rocks/soapstone.shtml

"Soapstone is often used as an alternative natural stone countertop instead of granite or marble. In laboratories it is unaffected by acids and alkalis. In kitchens it is not stained or altered by tomatoes, wine, vinegar, grape juice, and other common food items. Soapstone is unaffected by heat. Hot pots can be placed directly on it without fear of melting, burning, or other damage.

Soapstone is a soft rock, and it is easily scratched in countertop use. However, a gentle sanding and treatment with mineral oil will easily remove shallow scratches. Soapstone is not suitable for use as a workbench top where it will receive rough treatment and where sharp or abrasive objects will be placed upon it."
marcia4963
6 years ago
I love soapstone, but I cannot afford it....and they have different hardness from 2-4.5 so if you don't want the scratches (although I personally would love that) you can get the harder.
Jane Gray
6 years ago
The softer soapstone is commonly used for sculpting and other artistic endeavors while architectural grade is harder: https://www.soapstones.com/2011/02/10/about-soapstone-hardness/
0
auh20
5 years ago
I had Daltile Broadway Black (leathered) put on an island. It is the perfect color for the kitchen - very thin white veining and black/gray enough to coordinate with the Calacatta Lazza (MSI) on the U shaped surround and cabinets which are white and dark gray with a hint of brown. Once the product was installed, it took on a stained look. Areas that look like the finish is coming off. I can't seem to find another quartz that has the same look. Silestone Suede appears blue in my kitchen. Any suggestions? Fabricator is willing to do anything to make me happy - even try the daltile again. Could it just be a problem with my slab?
0
Sheila Peterson
5 years ago
I was told quartz is man made from quartzite. Neither Quartz or quartzite like acid and etches with things such as vinegar or lemon. Quartz is also not heat resistant and things such as crock pots with low clearance will crack the resin and glue which hold it together.
0
PRO
Beth H. :
5 years ago
Sheila,,,this is an old post. and quartz is not bothered by acidic properties. quartzite doesn't always etch. depends on the amount of calcite in that particular slab (calcite is marble and will etch) quartzite is actually stronger than granite. It just depends what type of quartzite you pick. not all etch or stain.
0