Abstract Soft tissue grafts (STG) are used in a wide range of clinical situations including volume augmentation, keratinized tissue increase, and recession coverage around teeth and implants. Each STG, produced from different sources and processed with various techniques, possesses unique material properties and interaction with the host tissues, which ultimately impacts healing and clinical outcome. Certain STG material characteristics may be considered ideal depending on specific clinical requirements, such as mechanical strength, volume stability, and angiogenicity. Hybrid materials and graft engineering may further improve STG properties and provide new graft options. This scoping review evaluates the ideal characteristics of STG in periodontal and peri‐implant applications.