Granite Finishes: 3 Different Types To Choose From

Granite has been used as a material for kitchen countertops for many years. It is one of the most durable materials and is resistant to heat, stains, and scratches. It comes with a wide range of colors and patterns which you can choose from. But do you know that granite finishes are one of the ways to change the appearance of your granite countertops?

There are different types of granite finishes for you to choose from. It can bring more character to your granite countertops. For example, if you are looking for a more luxurious countertop, look for a more high-gloss finish for your granite countertop.

The most popular granite finishes include honed, polished, and leathered. There may be many questions arise when choosing the finishes. But in this guide, you learn more about these three granite finishes and how they impact your granite countertops.

Video Credit: Petros

Granite Finishes #1 – Polish Finish

Polished is one of the most common granite finishes. The fundamental idea for this finish is to reveal the natural beauty of the stone and add elegance to your space. This finish makes the surface of the granite countertop glossy and reflectively. It highlights each granite slab’s patterns, colors, and general depth.

Most granite stones are ready-made in a polished version. The polish is done through a grinding and buffing process that gives the stone surface a glossy finish. The stone slab will go through various polishing wheels with attached abrasive pads. The abrasive pads will apply pressure on the stone.

The surface of the granite countertop with a polished finish will be easy to clean. You can just use soapy water to clean it and avoid abrasive cleaners, such as bleach or ammonia, and keep your granite countertop looking brand new. You should also reseal the surface every six months to a year.

Granite Finishes #2 – Honed Finish

The honed finish is also one of the common granite finishes. Honed is also called matte or buffed. The granite underwent only part of the polishing process, ending before the stone was buffed to create a flat finish. A honed finish contains less replication and shine than a polished finish. A honed finish will suit you if you are looking for a more natural appearance for your countertop.

Overly shiny granite can be too loud and obvious for some people, but a honed finish can blend in with your decor and harmonize multiple design elements. Another benefit of a honed finish is its capability to hide flaws better than other finishes because of lesser reflection. The cost will be slightly higher than a polished finish.

For the maintenance part, honed granites will require more than polished granite. The honed finish tends to be more prone to staining and will need to be resealed more often. Honed granite is also more susceptible to scratching and chipping. Darker-colored will require more cleaning.

Granite Finishes #3 – Leathered Finish

The leathered finish is also the brushed finish. It is one of the newest granite finishes, and its popularity is growing rapidly. This finish is more suitable for simpler and plain granite slabs as intricate designs. It is ideal for adding a rustic touch to your home.

It is less glossy than a polished finish and includes a textured look. Usually, it has more depth than a honed finish. The texture of each piece will differ, and it will have a more distinct leather finish than others. A leathered finish is more resistant to stains, smudges, scratches, and fingerprints. 

This finish is achieved by removing the polished finish and grinding the surface with leathering brushes. These brushes create small ripples in the surface, which will lead to a leathered finish.

The maintenance for the leathered finish is less frequent than for polished or honed stones. The leather’s texture can hide staining; The resealing sessions required are lesser than polished or honed granite.

Other Types Of Granite Finishes

Flamed Finish: Granite is the only natural stone that allows a flamed finish, making flame finish pretty rare. It is characterized by a bumpy stone surface, allowing a more faded, rustic, and lighter look. Also usually muted in color. The surface will be more coarse as the leathered finish is achieved by exposing a high-intensity flame. Due to the rough surface, it is mostly used for the outdoor kitchen. 

Bush Hammered Finish: This finish isn’t common for a granite countertop. It is achieved by using multiple steel brushes, which tend to break the surface. It is prepared for highly slip-resistant surfaces.

These two finishes are more decorative and typically not used for countertops as they are too hard to clean. 

No matter what granite finishes you decide to use, you will expect a high-quality, durable surface that will last a lifetime. With proper care, your granite countertop will always have a brand-new look.