Granite countertops are among the most popular countertop choices when people remodel their kitchens. The stone not only looks beautiful but is highly durable and can last an extremely long time. Granite countertops come in various colors, all with unique designs with different lines and patterns.
When choosing your granite countertop, you have a few finish options, the two most popular being honed and polished. However, there is a third option: a leather finish. It may not be as popular as the other two, but it’s getting there.
So what are some pros and cons of a leathered finish on granite countertops?
The first pro is that it looks natural, while one con is it’s easier to scratch than the other two options. Although the pros outweigh the cons, they are something you’ll want to think about before deciding if you’re going to go with the leathered finish.
Below, we will tell you what a leathered finish is, how it is leathered, and address some of the pros and cons. If you’re looking for a new countertop and you’ve chosen granite but aren’t sure what finish you want, then keep reading, and we’ll help you out.
What is Granite?
You probably already know what granite is if you’re considering using it for your countertops, but just in case, we’ll touch on it real quick. Granite is a natural stone frequently used in countertops, flooring, walls, and tables. Each granite slab is unique, with no two being the same because they are taken right from the earth.
What is Leathered Granite?
A leathered finish is a newer style that’s gaining popularity. It has a softer sheen than polished granite but a textured appearance, unlike other finishes. The granite looks like leather that shows off the stone’s natural characteristics. It also hides stains, scratches, fingerprints, and smudges.
How are Granite Countertops Leathered?
To receive the rough surface leathered look, a diamond-tipped brush is run over the stone’s surface. This removes the stone’s natural imperfections and polishes it until it results in the customer’s desired texture. Once the desired consistency is reached, a trained professional will polish the slab before installation.
How to Properly Care for Granite Countertops with a Leather Finish
Leathered granite countertops are easy to clean. You simply use warm weather and soap. You can also use a handheld brush to remove dust and crumbs in the grooves. These countertops will still need to be sealed every 1-5 years, depending on the color and how porous it is.
What are Some Pros of Leathered Granite Countertops?
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- It has a unique, antique, and rustic look. If you want a look that appears rustic, this is the perfect finish for you. It appears rustic because of its rough texture and dull hues.
- Leathered granite countertops conceal smudges, water stains, and fingerprints. This is because the finish is not polished or shiny.
- This finish is not only harder to stain than other finishes. It’s also more bacteria resistant. This is because leathered granite tightens the stone’s natural pores, making it more difficult for spills and bacteria to be absorbed.
- Another advantage of leathered granite is it reveals the stone’s natural color. While polishing also does this but it also increases the shine. This finish is a choice for those who don’t want a polished look but don’t want the dull look of a honed finish.
- Leathered granite is naturally slip-resistant. Since it doesn’t have a smooth polished finish, it’s harder for things to slip off the countertop.
What are Some Cons of Leathered Granite Countertops?
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- Leathered finishes don’t have the reflective qualities of polished granite, so it’s not ideal for small areas.
- Because of the texture, if you choose not to have it sealed, it is easier to scratch. You can easily prevent this by having your countertop sealed before installation.
- Since it’s textured and not flat like polished countertops, it’s more challenging to clean. We recommend having a dry brush to remove any dust or debris on the surface.
Summary
The leathered granite countertop is gaining popularity in homes. The unique look instantly brings beauty to any room that it’s installed in. One of the most attractive features is choosing the amount of texture you want.
Part of what we love to do for our clients at Wisconsin Granite Design is fabricate a countertop solution that is unique to the customer. We strive to make sure that the countertops you have envisioned exceed your expectations. Our selection of granite, marble and quartz is incredible and available for you to browse at our Oak Creek showroom.
If you are looking to remodel your kitchen, bathroom or business and want countertops that will make a statement and endure years of use and enjoyment, call us and set up a Free Consultation with one of our designers. We have been beautifying kitchens, bathroom and more with the most alluring countertops in Wisconsin for more than 20 years!