Honed Granite Countertops

Honed Granite Countertops

A honed granite countertop is “softer” in appearance than that of a polished granite surface.  Polished granite countertops have high gloss finish which reveal the depth and color of the stone. The finish itself seals the stone's surface pores, which helps to repel moisture, making it highly resistant to damage and or staining. Honing on the other hand, is a method of finishing a stone surface that stops the polishing process just before the granite surface achieves a high gloss finish. The result is a granite surface with a matte finish with minimal reflection, giving the stone a smooth and soft look.  Traditionally, honed granite has been used for stairs and floors as it is naturally less slippery than polished granite, but it has become an increasingly popular look for kitchen countertops. It is important for the consumer to know that because a honed slab is more porous, it absorbs liquid more easily than a polished slab and reveals more prominently stains and usage patterns.  Oils from foods or even your hands may be more visible than on a polished granite surface and darker honed materials may be more apt to show scratches or “traffic” patterns.  With a honed slab, re-sealing the slab frequently is necessary in order to prevent and reduce staining.