Soapstone vs Granite

What Sets Soapstone and Granite Apart

Soapstone countertops are made from a soft stone high in talc, which gives them a smooth texture you can’t mistake. They tend to have a honed finish and natural color variations from gray to green. Granite counters, formed from volcanic rock, are a very durable material packed with minerals that sparkle, often the most noticeable characteristic when you see them all the way to the edge of a slab.

Soapstone can look very beautiful in homes that want warmth and understated style. Granite, because of its crystal composition, creates movement and depth in the stone that contrasts beautifully with solid cabinet colors.

Heat, Strength, and Everyday Use

When heat is part of your daily cooking routine, both stones are excellent. Soapstone is highly heat resistant, so you can place hot pots and pans directly onto the surface without worry, a great way for you to work in a busy kitchen without cutting down on pace. Granite countertops do well with high temperatures too, but unlike granite, soapstone’s talc-rich makeup means sudden heat changes won’t cause damage.

Scratches are where the difference becomes clear. Soapstone’s soft nature means it can tend to show marks more easily. You can take care of small scratches with light sanding or mineral oil. Granite is scratch resistant and able to deal with the toughest day-to-day use, ideal for kitchens or bathrooms that see a lot of traffic.

Staining and Sealing

Both soapstone and granite are naturally non porous once treated correctly, but they handle staining differently. Soapstone doesn’t need sealing; you can simply clean it with mild soap and water. Its gradual darkening over time feels like a patina that adds a bit of depth to the look. Granite does require sealing to keep stains at bay and preserve its natural colors. If you do want something that won’t change much as years pass, granite will give you a surface that stays consistent.

The Look You’ll Live With

The choice of material has helped shape kitchens and bathrooms for generations. Soapstone counters have subtle veining and muted colors that you can pair with both warm woods and cool metals. They’re a great example of what understated design can do across different spaces, especially in homes where you want the counters to feel a bit more lived-in.

Granite counters come in so many different shades and patterns that you can go for a high-contrast design or a coordinated look, depending on your style. Black granite, speckled gold, and soft white all make a big impact on the overall feel of the room. You could even pair them with tile backsplashes for some more visual interest.

Where Each Stone Works Best

Soapstone works particularly well in kitchens where baking and cooking are part of the daily rhythm, it’s best used for work areas where hot pots and pans meet natural stone countertops. In bathrooms, soapstone’s calm palette gives you an opportunity to have a space that doesn’t have to compete with bold tile patterns.

Granite counters are an excellent way for you to bring bold character into high-use areas. They can certainly stand up to cutting boards, heavy cookware, and spills. If you want to go bold, pair dark granite with light cabinetry; you can also go for more of a neutral approach with soft gray or beige granite that ties into the rest of your design.

Deciding Between Soapstone and Granite

When you’re thinking about what matters most, style, care, or toughness, you can start with how much your counters will have to handle. If you want a warm, unique patina and don’t mind the occasional scratch that you can take care of yourself, soapstone is an excellent way for you to get a kitchen countertop that feels personal. If you’re more focused on keeping a polished look with minimal changes over time, granite will put your mind at ease.

There are so many factors that can go into this choice, but remember: both are beautiful natural stones that can work great as a statement piece or a subtle backdrop.

Let’s Find Your Stone

At Artistic Tile, we bring together natural stone materials like soapstone, granite, marble, quartzite, and more into slabs that inspire and perform. You can go for the traditional black granite with its polished depth or hone in on the soft, velvety grays of soapstone, it’s all about the kind of look that you’re after.

If you do want to improve the way that your kitchen or bathroom feels, we’ll help you find a stone that beautifully contrasts or pairs well with your existing tile. Step into our slab gallery and see what can be done to give your home a new look and feel you won’t forget.