I have some dark sample chips of Formica and another Laminate, not sure if it was Wilsonart though. Some did have the texture on them. I believe you can purchase larger samples.
I will have to go over to the other house and see if I still have them tucked in a drawer.
I did order the free mini ones based on Soapstone like looks.
I'll let you know this evening.

I do like that Alicante Black laminate I've seen in some renos on here. Not familiar with the finish you mention.

Also, check out Corian Warm Soapstone (one of the Martha Stewart colors only available from Home Depot) and Corian Medea. Quite a bit nicer are more durable than laminate, though you may find the price is comparable to what you originally are looking at (Soapstone). But it can't hurt to check it out--I'd order the larger samples from the website--it make a big difference.

Good luck.

Bargain Outlet carries the Soapstone Sequoia. There are some of these stores in the Buffalo, NY area, which looks like it would be about a 2 hour drive for you. Their preformed straight run countertops are reasonably priced.

If you decide to make the drive, I'd recommend calling ahead as the Bargain Outlet stores in my area have been dropping like flies. : ( I'd want to know that #1, they're still open, and #2, that they'd have what you are looking for in stock.

Here is a link that might be useful: Bargain-outlets.com

If you go to Ana-white.com, she has a photo of marble laminate, which looks beautiful in the photos. Ana White is an Alaskan mother who makes furniture. She was building her mom's house, and used laminate that looked like marble. I'm sure you can google that. Great option. Looked amazing!

Definitely, some old wood cabinets were made with such quality wood, something you can never get these days. My sister in law had LOVELY wood cabinets, 50+ years old. She just got a new kitchen and they removed all of them. I LOVED her cabinets. The contractor told them that he couldn't find new hinges. Can you believe that???? Remove quality cabinets because of hinges?????

Well didn't go over last night but did today.
I have 3 samples all Formica, all blacks.
But I have to run to a meeting.
I'll be back.

I have Black Alicante in a flat finish. I was unaware of any other finish. I did not like some of the textured finishes, particularly when the light hit them; all you could see was the texture, not the countertop pattern. I thought the Oiled Soapstone was nice but a bit too purple-y for me. I love my counters! I have had them now for about two months.

Have you seen Formica's Baltic Slate? I am using that in our laundry areas in the "honed" finish. Check it out.

Okay I have Basalt Slate in Honed. It has a slight, very slight bumpy feel.
Midnight Stone in Matte. Completely smooth.
Lava Flow in Etchings, barely felt, tiny little, denty scratches.
I actually like the feel of the Lava over the other two.
But the Slate is definitely more soapstone like.

I'll also vote for the formica soapstone sequoia. Formica will send a large sample (like 12"x12") for no charge, and it comes quickly. The soapstone sequoia is the honed finish which is not glossy and has a texture. I got their travertine silver in the same honed finish and I'm really happy with it. I rather preferred the pattern of the soapstone sequoia but it was a little dark for my kitchen. Anyway, I'd highly recommend looking at the soapstone sequoia. It's nice.

szruns I was wondering if you have any pictures of the Honed Basalt Slate?? I have always liked that one, but am also looking at Jet Sequoia--they seem similar from the samples I have seen. Thanks for your help!