Honed granite countertops – how to choose the kitchen countertop finish?

Honed granite countertops are greatly appealing to people who are not fascinated by highly reflective surfaces. When you plan the design of your kitchen and have chosen to buy a granite countertop, decided on the color, you need to choose the finish of it. Without any doubt a hard stone countertop is an asset to any kitchen as it adds stunning elegance and natural beauty to the home. Granite comes in a wide variety of colors and styles and you can match it with the style of your kitchen – whether minimalist, traditional, rustic or any other style – and you will know that yours will be functional, durable, resistant to heat, scratches and visually pleasing.

What is honed granite countertop finish?

So what is honed granite? It is a type of finish with a soft, more natural look and generally the surface has a matte look which does not reflect light. Honed granite countertops do not have the glamorous look of polished hard stone but a more relaxed, informal and casual appearance and at the same time they retain the elegance and unique look of natural stone.

The surface of honed granite countertops is smooth and feels velvety to the touch, sometimes with a very low sheen and generally, it takes off a bit from the color and texture of the stone. This more subtle appearance gives a unique, cozy atmosphere to the home. Honed granite countertops work in contemporary kitchens or any other decor style just as well as polished hard stones and when choosing honed finish you will not lose the durability and longevity of the natural stone.

Honed granite countertop finish has some varieties as the degree of honing can be different for each individual slab. The variations of finishes include options such as satin finish, velvet finish, diamond smooth finish, etc, and it is advisable that you examine the varieties before you make your final decision. Optionally, homeowners could use a color enhancer on a honed granite countertop for additional depth and richness.

What is the difference between polished and honed granite countertops?

It is important to understand that the strength and durability of hard stone countertops are not dependable on the type of finish – polished, leathered or honed. The difference between honed granite countertops and polished ones affects the appearance and there is no a definite answer to the question which one is better. It is just two different types of finishes. The choice of finish will depend entirely on the personal taste of the customer, his individual aesthetic preferences and the overall interior design of the home and the decor scheme.

What are the pros and cons of honed granite countertops?

Why choose honed granite countertops? What are the advantages and disadvantages of honed finish? Does the finish of the hard stone countertop affect the maintenance? We shall give you a list of the pros and cons as well as useful and practical tips for the maintenance of honed granite countertops so that you have the necessary information to make a decision.

Advantages of honed granite countertops:

Appearance – Honed granite countertops have a softer appearance compared to polished hard stone. The non-reflective surface of honed granite hides imperfections and scratches in a better way than the polished countertop surface. Honed finish has variations with flat, matte finish with little to no shine and is a great choice when you aim at a more inviting, welcoming, informal and cozy atmosphere. For a vintage flair or a farmhouse look, honed granite is a great choice as well.

Honed granite is less slippery than polished one and has the soft look of soapstone and the daily maintenance is easy and undemanding.

Disadvantages of honed granite countertops:

Compared to polished finish, one of the main disadvantages of honed countertops is that they are more susceptible to staining. The lack of extra polish which acts as a sealer, leaves the structure of honed granite more porous and even if sealed, honed surface is not as stain resistant. Wine or coffee can leave stains on the surface and acidic liquids like fruit juices and soda may etch the surface. Fingerprints, stains and other imperfections are extremely noticeable especially on dark colored granite.

Honed granite finish does not have the shining surface which gives the home a sleek, modern look and a feeling of grandeur and luxury. Honed finishing mutes the colors of the granite and they do not have a glossy, eye-catching appearance.

Honed granite needs to be sealed to prevent it from absorbing liquids and requires regular re-sealing to maintain the beautiful look. Some experts advise that honed granite should be resealed twice a year, but this would also depend on the type of hard stone, as some varieties are less porous than others.

How to maintain honed granite countertops?

Maintaining honed granite countertops is not at all that difficult and despite the fact that they are more susceptible to staining, you can keep the perfect look with proper care. Here are some simple and practical tips and guidelines which will help you to have the perfect kitchen countertop:

Wipe spills as soon as they occur with a damp cloth. Clean the countertop surface daily with a soft, damp cloth. In this way you will remove dirt or food remnants. Once a week use natural stone cleanser to clear the countertop thoroughly. Use a soft brush to avoid scratching. Rinse and wipe dry the countertop. Do not use abrasive cleaners, steel wool and stiff-bristled brushes. Acidic cleaners, bleaches, and alkalis should be avoided as they would etch your granite countertop.

Removing stains from honed granite countertops can be made with poultice that you bought or you could mix baking soda and warm water to create a thick paste. Apply the paste on the stain and leave it to draw the stain for a couple of hours or overnight. To remove the poultice use a plastic putty knife, Rinse and wipe dry.

Make sure you reseal your countertop regularly to protect the surface and extend the longevity of your countertop.