Soapstone and granite are both natural stones. Both handle heat well, and both can last for generations. Yet they look, feel and age in very different ways. If you are weighing soapstone vs granite countertops, the right choice depends on how you cook, how much patina you like and how much upkeep you want. At Imperial Marble & Granite, we fabricate and install both for homes across Delaware County, Chester County and Philadelphia.
If you are new to soapstone, start with our complete guide to soapstone. Then come back here for the side-by-side comparison.
The Short Answer
Choose soapstone if you love a soft, matte look and a stone that darkens with character over time. Choose granite if you want the widest color range and a surface that shrugs off scratches. Both are excellent. They just suit different kitchens and different people.
How They Look
Soapstone has a calm, quiet look. Most slabs fall in shades of gray, charcoal and deep green-black. Many have soft white or light gray veins. When oiled, soapstone turns rich and dark. Over time, it develops a patina that many homeowners love.
Granite, by contrast, comes in hundreds of colors. You can find white, black, gold, blue, red and everything in between. Patterns range from fine speckles to bold movement. If you want a specific color to match your cabinets, granite offers far more options.
For a closer look at each stone, visit our soapstone products page and our granite products page.
Durability: Soapstone vs Granite Countertops
This is where the two stones differ most.
Granite is very hard. It resists scratches from normal kitchen use. You would dull a knife before you damaged most granite.
Soapstone is much softer. It can scratch and dent more easily. However, those marks are easy to fix. Light scratches often disappear with a little mineral oil. Deeper ones can be sanded out by hand. Many owners see the wear as part of the stone’s charm.
Both stones handle heat well. Soapstone is especially known for heat resistance, which is why it has a long history in hearths and wood stoves. Granite also tolerates warm pans, though using a trivet is always a smart habit with any stone.
If you ever need to fix a mark on either surface, our guide on how to fix scratches can help.
Stains and Sealing
Soapstone is dense and non-porous. As a result, it does not need sealing. Spills like wine, oil and lemon juice will not soak in or etch the surface. Oil may darken a spot for a while, but it usually blends in over time.
Granite is porous to varying degrees. Most granite benefits from a sealer to help block stains. The good news is that sealing is quick and only needed every so often. Our guide on how to take care of granite countertops explains how to test and reseal.
When homeowners compare soapstone vs granite countertops for a busy family kitchen, this difference often decides it. Soapstone skips sealing. Granite resists scratches better.
Daily Care
Both stones are easy to clean. Warm water and a mild soap work for either one.
Soapstone has one extra step if you want it. Many owners apply mineral oil every few weeks at first, then less often as the stone darkens. Oiling is optional. Unoiled soapstone simply darkens more slowly and unevenly.
Granite needs no oil. Instead, it needs an occasional reseal, depending on the stone.
Finish Options
Soapstone usually comes in a honed or matte finish. It does not take a high polish.
Granite offers more choice. You can pick polished, honed or leathered finishes. For example, a leathered black granite can give a soft, textured look that feels close to soapstone while keeping granite’s hardness. Read more in our guide to honed vs polished vs leathered countertops.
Cost Comparison
Prices overlap more than people expect. Common granite colors are often the most budget-friendly option. Exotic granite can cost more than soapstone. Soapstone pricing depends on the quarry, the slab size and the veining.
Edge profile, cutouts and kitchen size also affect the total. We provide a full quote once we review your layout.
Side-by-Side Summary
| Feature | Soapstone | Granite |
|---|---|---|
| Look | Soft gray to black, matte | Hundreds of colors and patterns |
| Scratch resistance | Lower, but easy to repair | High |
| Heat resistance | Excellent | Very good |
| Sealing | Not needed | Usually recommended |
| Patina | Darkens and ages | Stays consistent |
| Finish choices | Mostly honed | Polished, honed, leathered |
Beyond the Kitchen
Both stones work in other rooms too. Soapstone is a classic choice for fireplace surrounds and hearths because it handles heat so well. It also makes a striking farmhouse sink. Granite shines on bathroom vanities, bar tops and outdoor kitchens, where its hardness and color range make it easy to match any design.
In fact, many homes mix them. A homeowner might pick soapstone for the kitchen island and granite for the busy perimeter counters. When you compare soapstone vs granite countertops for a whole-house project, think about each room on its own.
Which Is Right for Your Home?
Soapstone fits farmhouse kitchens, historic homes and anyone who likes a lived-in look. It works well in older homes around Chester County and in Philadelphia rowhomes that call for classic materials. Granite fits families who want a tough, colorful surface that looks the same in ten years. It is a popular pick across Delaware County kitchens of every style.
Still unsure? Our granite vs quartz vs marble comparison covers even more options.
See Both Stones in Person
The best way to decide on soapstone vs granite countertops is to see and touch them. Our Essington location has a 5,000 square foot showroom and a 50,000 square foot indoor warehouse filled with slabs. You can compare both stones side by side under good lighting. Before you visit, browse our current slab inventory.
Talk With Our Team
Imperial Marble & Granite has helped homeowners choose and install natural stone since 2004. We serve Delaware County, Chester County and Philadelphia. Call 610-521-0130 or contact us online to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is soapstone better than granite?
Neither is better in every way. Soapstone wins on stain resistance and needs no sealing. Granite wins on scratch resistance and color choice.
Does soapstone scratch easily?
Yes, soapstone is softer than granite and can scratch. Most light scratches fade with mineral oil, and deeper ones can be sanded out.
Do soapstone countertops need to be sealed?
No. Soapstone is non-porous, so it does not need a sealer. Mineral oil is optional and only changes the color.
Is soapstone more expensive than granite?
It depends on the slabs you compare. Common granite is often less expensive, while exotic granite can cost more than soapstone.
Can I use soapstone in a busy family kitchen?
Yes, as long as you are comfortable with some wear. Many families love how soapstone ages. If you want a surface that looks unchanged for years, granite may suit you better.