Polished, Leather, and Honed Finishes: What’s the difference?

You've settled on the stone for your home countertops. However, your decision-making journey isn't quite over. Before you proceed with installing the new countertops, there's another aspect to consider: selecting the perfect finish for your lifestyle! Various finishes are available, ranging from a high gloss and reflective appearance to a subdued matte look with texture. This choice will influence the visual aspect of your counters, the level of maintenance they demand, and their overall durability. It’s important to take into account factors such as the manner in which you handle your countertops, how frequently you cook, and the amount of time you're willing to allocate to ongoing upkeep.

Polished: 

An elegant finish that accentuates the stone's complete spectrum of color and inherent character. This finish boasts a seamless, lustrous, and reflective quality, akin to a mirror's surface. 

Once this finish is applied, the stone's hue becomes subtly deeper and more profound, with enhanced richness. Polished granite, in particular, upholds its gleam over an extended period, simplifying cleaning and maintenance routines. The polished finish finds its most frequent application in countertops, wall cladding, fireplaces, table tops, reception areas, and vanities. Not all stone varieties can be brought to a high gloss finish. This is why it’s important to consult your fabricator before finalizing your stone choice if a polished finish is your preference.

Leathered:

An emerging trend in stone finishing that has gained significant traction in recent times, leathered finishes are predominantly observed on darker granite varieties, preserving the stone's inherent hue. The leathered surface presents a gentle sheen, although significantly less glossy compared to the reflective finish of a polished slab. Notably, leathered granite adeptly conceals fingerprints, water spots, and smudges. This finish finds its primary application in countertops, vanities, and outdoor settings.

Honed: 

Honed stone undergoes a process of grinding to achieve a smooth, uniformly flat surface, resulting in a matte finish that lacks reflection, offering a gentler tactile sensation. Nonetheless, this finish renders the stone more vulnerable to staining, necessitating regular maintenance with appropriate sealants and occasional resealing.

Regardless of the finish you opt for, it’s important to remember that natural stone will need to be sealed and potentially re-sealed down the line. Proper upkeep and cleaning practices will keep your countertops looking brand new!