Have you recently installed granite countertops? Between the gorgeous natural colors and lifelong stability, granite is a fabulous choice for your kitchen, living room, or wherever you’ve got countertops. But installing countertops isn’t the final to-do on your renovation checklist. Now that you’ve made a countertop choice, it’s time to think about finishing.
So what are the different finishes for granite?
Let’s walk through the three hottest finishes and what they bring to your home. Between appearance, maintenance, and overall aesthetic, there’s a lot to consider when choosing the right finish. We’re outlining your options so making the right choice feels like an easy and stress-free final to-do.
First Thing’s First…
You may be wondering about the process of finishing your countertops. How does it work? Where does the finishing take place? When you choose a granite slab, that slab is taken to a fabricator where it’s cut into the correct size. As that process unfolds, the slab is run through a machine to remove its polish and add a finishing.
Honed
With a honed finish, the slab’s initial polish is removed, leaving a smooth finish with no texture whatsoever. No ridges, no bumps. This option is great if you’re looking for a simple and subtle countertop to complement a contemporary kitchen or dining room. Countertops with a honed finish look clean without the bright reflecting sheen of a polished finish but without the texture of a leathered look. Honed granite typically appears lighter and more grayed with a silky matte finish.
Honed countertops are more porous than counters with a traditional polish finish that essentially seals the countertop shut (see below). Meaning maintenance is a bit trickier with honed. When you spill or make a mess, be sure to clean immediately, otherwise, residue will seep into the rock and stain your countertop. Not to mention, fingerprints, grease, and dust are far more likely to show up.
Is a honed finish right for me?
Because of its susceptibility to internal damage, you’ll have to reseal this finish more frequently – think every few months. So if you’re busy beyond busy or just hate maintenance (and the cost of upkeep), this finish may not be your best option. On the other hand, if you’re not afraid to scrub up and reseal and you’re searching for a simple yet warm complement to your kitchen’s modern aesthetic, honed finishes are fantastic.
Polished
Perhaps the most popular granite finish, polished finishes emit a shiny clean look perfect for every kitchen airing on the side of elegance. The finish adds great depth of color and tone to any countertop. Plus, the final color is always slightly darker. If you’re searching for a rich countertop, a polished finish helps the natural colors in granite stand out and shine (literally).
Another bonus – because polished finishes are sealed completely, maintenance is a breeze. The finish prevents stains and bacteria from running amuck and repels mold-brewing moisture. The shine is everlasting and because it’s far more resistant to damage, stains, and discoloration, there’s no need to constantly reseal.
Is a polished finish right for me?
If you love cooking and hate maintenance, or have messy kids bound to spill, polished surfaces on your granite countertops may be your best choice. However, similar to its leather countertop, polished finishes are far from subtle. They reflect light easily and don’t always feel like a subtle addition.
Leathered
Last but not least, the leathered finish. To produce a leathered finish, a fabricator takes the polish and shine off of granite slabs and physically adds bits of texture, giving these countertops a grittier feel. If you thought polished finishes hid stains, because of the leathered texture, stains, fingerprints, and smudges are practically invisible. The subtler and more natural finish complements a bolder background.
Is a leathered finish right for me?
If you’ve got a loud kitchen, leathered countertops can be a great offset. These finishes have a tendency to dull the noise of their kitchen or living room counterparts. And if you’re sick of constantly wiping down glossy tabletops, leathered finishes are a great option for those among us who love low maintenance. However, it can be incredibly difficult to replace countertops with leathered finishes when there’s damage. In fact, with these finishes, you may need to reseal the entire area when damage occurs.
Overall
Once you choose a countertop material, the fun isn’t over. Check out samples and make your choice on finishing! Remember, your finish can make or break the aesthetic you’ve so carefully cultivated. So choose wisely and enjoy your happy home renovation for years to come.
More questions on countertop finishes? Contact us, we are happy to help. Wisconsin Granite Design located in Oak Creek WI has a vast selection of countertop materials to choose from. We will make sure your countertop solution is everything you want it to be with the help of our designers, making the process of your kitchen or bathroom remodel easy.
We specialize in granite, marble and quartz and offer budget friendly countertop designs and installation. Call us today for a Free Design Consultation!