I second what PP said. If you're going for a muted dark countertop, honed granite may be the way to go. Some soapstones I've seen can be busy. If you post this over on Kitchens, I bet you would get lots of pics of kitchens with this combo. Or do a google search. Hope this helps! Sounds beautiful!

wow! I almost wrote this same exact post (minus the Taj Majal part) last night - details all the same! I've been searching/testing all different gray/white quartzites that failed miserably. I want to use it but I just can't justify it, knowing the etching will bother me and I will be nervous to use my own kitchen. In the last week, I shifted gears to soapstone. I've always liked the look, but I'm struggling with changing up "my vision" so significantly. On top of that, I'm not finding a particular slab that I love. After the recommendation of a relative who has it, I'm now seriously leaning towards leathered jet mist granite. It looks very similar to soapstone (although feels very different - but I'm ok with that) and seems to not have the downsides common with soapstone (maintenance if you choose to oil it, dings, scratches). Again, the hardest part for me is changing up what I've been planning for months now. I don't want to regret it! I know exactly what you're feeling. It's hard! One idea I had, and am seriously considering, is using a carrera marble subway backsplash instead of my original-planned white subway tile. Since I'm losing the look of marble on the counters, I figure I can now have it on the backsplash instead. Might be something to consider for you as well. Good luck! I agree that soapstone will fit the style of your home beautifully. It's a gorgeous, classic look. Personally, I have found the counters to be the hardest decision by far. My cabinets have been in for 3 weeks and I still can't decide. Everything else left is all dependent on my counter choice. Ugh!

boxerpups-Dont be silly...... OH. NO... I forgot to DVR Rules of Engagement!!!!!! I missed it! :).. someone will appreciate those photos who is planning soapstone But have you ever seen that???? I Cant picture it... I should probably stick with he white shaw sink with my 2 inch carrara counters???? thoughts?? my kd will kill me if i try to make a change again after it went to factory anyway.... but I would get a wider sink if I did that sabjimata.. where did you get the inspiration to mix the two? any photos??

Hi, Cleo. I have used Dimensional Stoneworks (Sheryl Calvin, 681-6629). For granite from their boneyard (for small kitchenette & vanity) I believe I paid $55 or $65 per square foot installed. For another granite she bid me around $100. For fabricating soapstone, she bid me $55 per square foot. I'm sourcing my own soapstone and she's fabricating for me. (She was the ONLY local fabricator I could find who would touch product I brought in from my own supplier.) I think the fabrication price is way high but, OTOH, I'm just glad to have found someone who will do it. I've never checked into quartz. Anita