I'm about to start on a pair of sofa tables. They are to look like this:
http://tinypic.com/r/2d2c1ed/9

I have three possibilities for the inset black areas...

1. 3/8" black granite tiles, weight about 2.3 lbs./sq.ft

2. 1/2" soapstone tiles, weight about 9.2 lbs./sq.ft.

3. 1/2" ply plus laminate or 1/2" mel board, weight about 2 lbs./sq.ft. for
the mel, less for ply

Each possible choice presents problems. My preference would be for the
soapstone - even though it is much more costly - because it isn't much more
difficult to work than wood which means I could easily get a flush surface
between it and the wood surround. The problem is the weight...using it,
each table would weigh 150 pounds or more. Not real easy to move to clean
around.

The problem with the granite or mel/laminate is in getting it and the
surrounding surface flush. Can't sand so that means plane/scrape/router
trim, all of which are possible, just a bit of a PITA. There will be a
shimming underlay under the tile so I'd be able to get it pretty close so
the leveling of the wood surround would be minimal. Still, I'd really
prefer the soapstone; maybe I'll do it and just forget about moving them to
clean

I'd really appreciate comments/suggestions from y'all.