GRANITE WORKTOP FINISHES

When it comes to choosing the best granite worktop finish, there are a number of different options to consider. The three most popular granite countertop finishes are polished, honed and leathered. But what do each of these finishes look like and how do they differ from one another?

POLISHED

This granite finish is achieved through a grinding and buffing process, the polished finish leaves a sleek, highly reflective and shiny appearance, otherwise considered a glossy mirror finish. The polished finish has two key benefits. Firstly, It will bring out the true character of your granite worktops for kitchens and bathrooms – highlighting each slab’s unique crystal patterns and colours. Secondly, a polished finish seals the pores of the stone surface, making it easier to maintain and clean than other finishes.

HONED

Also known as a matte finish, honed finishes are particularly popular for newly installed kitchen or bathroom worktops. Achieved through a sanding process, a honed finish remains flatter than a full gloss polish, leaving your granite worktops with a sleek and smooth finish that is less shiny and slippery than a polished finish. This gives your home a more contemporary look, whilst also maintaining the full elegance and beauty of granite stone.

Generally preferred for floors, stairs or other low-traffic areas, a honed finish will require more frequent sealing and can be more susceptible to surface staining than other stone finishes. However, with regular cleaning and care, they’ll be just fine.

LEATHERED (TEXTURED)

Whilst relatively new, a leathered finish has become increasingly popular in recent years. Most commonly applied to dark-coloured granite and lacking any kind of shine, leathered granite is known for hiding fingerprints and smudges better than other stone finishes. The texture of the finish will vary depending on the composition of each stone, giving each slab its own unique colour and appearance.

The leathering process closes the pores of the stones making it far more stain-resistant than a honed surface. It also retains the stone’s natural colour, whilst a honed finish tends to wash out the natural colour of the stone.

Beyond the wonderful granite options available, make sure to consider marble worktops, quartz countertops and other solid stone worktops too.

If you’d like to know more from a granite and quartz worktop specialist, give us a call today.