When it comes to enhancing the beauty and functionality of your kitchen or bathroom, granite countertops are a popular choice. With their durability and timeless elegance, granite surfaces can elevate the aesthetic appeal of any space. Besides choosing your granite’s color range, they also come available in three different finishes: polished, honed, and leathered. Choosing the right granite countertop finish for your home remodeling project depends on your personal preferences and the desired aesthetic for your space. However, these finishes do have some differences between them like price and maintenance requirements. See how they compare now so you can choose the granite countertop finish that’s best for your home.
Polished Granite
Polished granite countertops offer a glossy and reflective surface that highlights the natural colors and patterns of the stone. This finish is achieved by grinding and buffing the granite slab until it achieves a smooth, shiny appearance. Polished granite is a classic and widely used option that complements both traditional and contemporary designs.
- Aesthetics: The polished finish brings out the depth and brilliance of the granite stone, making it appear vibrant and luxurious. It can make your countertops the centerpiece of your kitchen.
- Price: Polished granite tends to be the most expensive finish due to the labor-intensive process involved in achieving its high gloss.
- Maintenance: Polished granite is relatively low-maintenance, as its smooth surface repels stains and is easy to clean. However, it may require periodic resealing to maintain its luster and protect against etching.
Another example of polished granite.
Honed Granite
Honed granite countertops have a matte or satin-like appearance. This finish is achieved by grinding the granite to a smooth but non-reflective surface, which gives it a more natural and understated look.
- Aesthetics: The honed finish offers a softer and more casual appearance compared to the polished finish. It is an excellent choice for homeowners seeking a subtle and contemporary look.
- Price: Honed granite is typically more affordable than polished granite since it requires less polishing and buffing.
- Maintenance: Honed granite requires regular sealing to prevent staining since its porous surface is more susceptible to absorbing liquids and oils. Additionally, it may show signs of wear and use more visibly compared to a polished finish.
Honed granite used on a bathroom sink.
Leathered Granite
It may be hard to imagine this granite feels like leather, but it does!
Leathered granite countertops have a textured and tactile surface that resembles the feel of leather. This unique finish is achieved by brushing the granite slab with diamond-tipped brushes, creating a unique and rustic appearance.
- Aesthetics: Leathered granite offers a distinctive and organic look, showcasing the natural texture and color variations in the stone. It can add warmth and character to your kitchen or bathroom.
- Price: Leathered granite falls between polished and honed finishes in terms of price, as it requires additional labor compared to a honed finish but less than a polished finish.
- Maintenance: Like honed granite, leathered granite is more porous and requires regular sealing. However, the textured surface can be slightly more challenging to clean compared to polished or honed finishes.
See Real Examples of Each in Our Showroom
Choosing the right granite countertop finish for your home remodeling project depends on your personal preferences and the desired aesthetic for your space. But if you’re having trouble making a decision, come see and feel them for yourself at LJ’s showroom in Mt. Pleasant! You can also see all sorts of color options to envision in your home. Stop in today!
