Types of Granite Finishes

Granite countertops are some of the most timeless and long-lasting countertops on the market. For a natural stone, the price of granite is very reasonable compared to other natural stones like marble and soapstone. Granite is also heat resistant, which means you can put hot pans right on your countertop. However, granite is a rock, which means it is porous. A proper sealant is important in keeping your stone looking fresh for years. 

 

Take a look through the types of finishes that you can get on your granite and the upkeep needed to keep them looking great for years to come! 

1. Polished

Polished finishes are some of the most popular stone finishes and what you’re probably most familiar with.  The stone slabs are polished and coated to create a smooth, glossy, and reflective surface. Polished finishes seal the natural pores in the stone giving an easy to clean and most stain-resistant surface. 

 

 

Polished granite needs to be resealed about once every 12-18 months, with lighter colors needing more frequent sealings and darker colors able to last longer. Acids can eat away at the sealant, so take care to wipe up any lemon juice or vinegar immediately. Avoid using cleaners with acids as well. 

2. Honed

Honed granite has a matte/satin finish. Instead of grinding the stone down to a shiny finish, the stone is coarsely ground down to a smooth surface but stopped before it becomes reflective. Honed granite is a great alternative to soapstone. It gives that same natural, organic look but at a lower price point, less maintenance, and more scratch-resistant. However, because of the matte appearance, honed slabs will show water marks, fingerprints, and stains more readily than other types of finishes, but they can easily be wiped off with a non-acidic cleaner. 

 

 

Honed granite needs more care than polished countertops and must be sealed between 2 and 4 times a year. 

3. Leathered or Antiqued

Leathered finishes are made by taking a honed countertop and running a diamond tipped brush along the surface. This creates a beautifully textured surface, that has more depth and shine than a honed finish but not as reflective as a polished finish. Depending on how the leathering is done, it can vary in depth and length of the texture. 

 

 

Leathered countertops also need to be resealed every 6 to 12 months. Like all granite, avoid using acidic cleaners or leaving lemon juice or vinegar on the countertops as this will eat away at the sealant. 

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