I prefer the softer one. It just looks more like marble to me. One good reason to pick it is that you already know exactly what it will look like. When you hone the more dramatic one it will become softer. Both are gorgeous!

thanks so much. does the darker one look like granite and not marble, or just not characteristic of marble that is more commonly seen? i'm having a heck of a time deciding!

I like the softer. You have a lot going on with all of your finishes, and the cherry island sounds lovely...I would want something quiet on there to let the wood be the star.

Agree with Nini. You have lots of finishes and colors going on already. I'd pick the quieter one, which IS beautiful.

How veiny is the soapstone? I would pick which ever one does not look like the negative of the soapstone. In other words not only should it be opposite, but different.

I"m with pal. If it's a "quiet" no veins soapstone; then I prefer the 2nd marble. Remember... it will appear softer when you hone it. If you have veins... then the first marble.

does anyone else also think the darker one doesn't look like marble? i want it to be recognizable as marble, so if this isn't then perhaps i should rethink.

Well, it doesn't look like most of the marbles I have seen, but I specifically wanted Carrara so I didn't look at others. The top one looks more like "my" marble, lol!

But if you like the second one...get that! Remodelfla is right...it won't be as bright when honed.

I like the first one because I like softer, less dramatic stones. To me a soapstone and marble kitchen calls for softer movement. I agree that you have a lot of other finishes going on. I think the first piece is beautiful!

Either stone would go well. I would choose the honed to go with soapstone.

I like the first, softer one. I think there's still enough going on with it to be beautiful! I wouldn't say the other one DOESN"T look like marble, but Montclair Danby has a different look than other marbles (of course). Are they both Montclair? I'm looking at Imperial but with soapstone the Montclair probably is a better choice: )

Well, I'm odd man out here. I have a kitchen similar to yours, but more transitional than historical. White perimeter cabs with soapstone, one white island with soapstone, the other espresso with Danby marble similar to your second marble. I love, love, love the drama of that one, as does everyone else who sees it. There is maybe not quite as much dark in there as in yours, but I think it is pretty similar and I also think you will love it.

first one...

My montclair danby is being sealed as we speak. The one thing about montclair danby is that mine seems more porous than the calacatta gold or even . Mine is honed. It doesn't have the smooth as butter feel that carrerra does. I love mine though. Just be sure you like the texture. They are both beautiful. The second one is very dramatic and might look better in a more monotone kitchen.

To answer your question, I wouldn't instantly know the dramatic one is marble. I might think it's a marbly-looking granite.

I like the second one. And I wouldn't think it was anything other than marble.

Win / win! But if I have to vote, count me in for #2. This slab has lots going on, I like it!

Neither. The first is too gray and muted (not white enough), and the second, while more black and white dramatic, doesn't really work well either, IMHO. Even after being honed, I think the streaks will still be too much to work.

I'd seriously think about doing maple butcher block on top of the island, with only a small lower "baking" section of marble. Two swirly dramatic stones are just too too and clash.

my husband is not on board for a wood-topped island, though i agree that they are gorgeous and can be practical. so, i ended up choosing the darker one and am going to look at soapstone tomorrow in order that i find one with barely any movement and a hopefully even color. this montclair caught my eye in the marble place today and i've decided to go with my gut. i don't love the other, which is imperial danby. it's pretty, as were the calacatta gold, carrera select, and many others, but this one really caught me and i'm going to take a gamble. if i don't love it i'll have to live with it because we won't be able to replace it. there will be a lot going on in the kitchen, but this (and the pewter mesh grill on our ceiling to counter cabinet) are the only "patterned" elements in the room. i rarely make daring choices and, to me, this slab is a daring choice. yikes...wish me luck!

Good for you! I really like the darker one!

thanks, everyone. Gardenweb has been a fantastic sounding board for me. I really appreciate it!

I love the look of the Montclair Danby. Here is a photo of mine installed

Here is a link that might be useful: Danby Island

beautiful, finestra. mine is a bit "louder" than yours, but seeing your pic makes me excited that i got the slab i did.