Textures & Finishes

There is more to just choosing which slab you want for your kitchen and bath countertops. One of those choices is what texture you want in your countertop. Your finish on your countertop says a lot about yourself. You can have it leathered and feel the texture of the stone or you can have a sleek polished look that is smooth to the touch. Even though choosing your countertop finish is a personal preference, it is more than just picking a texture for beauty. The finish you choose can have a big impact on cleaning and how you choose to coat/seal your countertop.

Polished

A polished finish brings out the richness of the color as well as the true character of the stone and allows its natural beauty to show through. It results in a highly reflective, mirror-like surface that makes the kitchen or bathroom appear more spacious than it is, and adds luxury and elegance to the interior décor.

Polished finishes are less porous than other types of countertop finishes and make for smooth, hygienic, and easy-to-maintain surfaces which are perfect for meal preparation areas.

Leathered

“Leathering” is the process of texturing granite or marble to appear less glossy. This process amplifies the natural characteristics of granite or marble, resulting in an exquisite surface. It is easy to clean and maintain as well as pleasing to the touch – a perfect balance between style and practicality. A leathered countertop is a fresh and innovative way of adding a subtle elegance to your decor.

Honed

To create granite with a honed finish, manufacturers use coarser abrasives and stop grinding the stone before its surface becomes shiny, leaving it with a satin or matte appearance.

Because honed granite is not reflective and shiny like a polished stone, it will not show all of the color and texture of the granite stone as well as a polished finish will. However, some homeowners prefer this more subtle appearance over the glossiness of polished granite.