Soapstone is a funky workhorse; people who have it love it. All kinds of quartzite horror stories here from people who fell in love and were victimized by unscroupulous fabricators and installers. You've got to personally test that stuff to see if it's genuine, for porosity, and for adhesive bleed.

We too are putting in natural maple cabinets. I went to one of the big box stores and purchased a large porcelain floor tile that was similar in appearance to each of the two options I was considering--Danby marble and veined soapstone. I brought them home and laid them out to see which appearance I preferred. I went with the soapstone because I liked the contrast with the maple. And, having had soapstone before, I knew it is a workhorse that really doesn't take maintenance (I don't oil or wax).

Agree that soapstone holds up and looks great for years and years - if you can get that and you have an experienced fabricator i would lean that way. we have an old Colonial and had quartzite (madre perla) put in 10 years ago and its been perfect but i realize now how fortunate we were considering all the horror stories that are on this forum

Wow, it sounds like soapstone is unanimous:) thank you for the feedback!

@julieste - what backsplash did you choose (if you included one)? we’re looking at either a marble leathered tile, or white high gloss tile to add more brightness

I have two kitchens with soapstone counters. The more traditional one (vintage type light stained birch cabinets) in my 1916 house I have off white crackle tile in the traditional 3 by 6 size. In the more contemporary kitchen (natural maple slab door cabinets) I am currently completing I plan to use a 4 by 12 white subway tile with a wavy surface that will reflect the light since this is a completely interior kitchen.