If you are choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, you may be overwhelmed with the many style options. If you have decided on a stone and marbled countertop, as well as the color and edge, you still have another decision to make.
Honed and polished countertop finishes each create different looks and practical benefits for your space, so it can be hard to choose. Fortunately, you have a team of expert homeware manufacturers in Annapolis, MD. Cabinet Discounters describes the different benefits you can expect by choosing either honed or polished countertops for your home.
Honed Finish Countertops
A honed finish describes a countertop that has been grounded to be flat and smooth without a final polish applied. The effect creates a matte look where intricate veins or color hues may appear less prevalent.
Honed finishes appeal to perfectionists because scratches and other etchings that happen over time are less visible on this type of countertop. Honed countertops are a great choice for areas that see high amounts of traffic, like an entryway or living room. The subtle finish also works well in modern or rustic designs where you want a more understated look.
However, honed countertops may be more susceptible to stains because the porous material can absorb spilled liquids. You should have a sealer applied to this type of countertop to prevent stains. You may need to periodically apply sealant to keep it stain-resistant.
Special Care Considerations
Because honed surfaces aren’t sealed with a glossy finish, they can absorb spills more easily. Things like food dyes, coffee, and oil can leave stains if not cleaned up quickly. That’s why it’s important to:
- Apply a quality sealer when first installed
- Reapply sealant every 1-2 years (depending on use)
- Wipe up spills immediately
- Use cutting boards and trivets to protect the surface
Best Uses in Your Home
Honed countertops work best in:
- Cozy kitchen islands where people gather
- Bathroom vanities for a spa-like feel
- Fireplace surrounds for a natural stone look
- Outdoor kitchens with proper sealing
While they need a bit more maintenance than polished surfaces, many homeowners love honed countertops for their lived-in character. The matte finish helps create a comfortable atmosphere that polished stones just can’t match.
Professional Tip: Ask your countertop installer about the best sealing products for your specific stone type. Different materials like marble, granite, or quartz each have their own care needs. With proper maintenance, your honed countertops will stay beautiful for many years.
Polished Finish Countertops
A polished countertop has an added finish that creates a glossy shine to the stone material. Polished countertops add an attractive and eye-catching visual to your home. The finish feels smooth and can enhance the intricate details of the material.
Polished finishes feature an added layer of stain-resistant material to better resist permanent damage if there’s a spill on the surface. For this reason, a polished countertop may be the best choice for areas in your home that see more frequent spills, like your kitchen or bathroom.
However, the shiny surface of a polished countertop might make scratches more visible compared to a honed finish. This type of countertop should have a sealer too, but it won’t stop scratches from being visible.
Perfect Places for Polished Countertops
These shiny surfaces work especially well in formal kitchens where you want to make a stylish statement. The reflective quality can make small kitchens appear larger and darker spaces feel more open. Polished granite or quartz becomes a stunning focal point in master bathrooms, and the stain resistance handles toiletries and beauty products well. Many homeowners also love polished surfaces for bar areas or dining room buffets where the shine adds a touch of elegance.
Maintenance Tips
To keep your polished surfaces looking their best:
- Use coasters under drinks to prevent water rings
- Clean with pH-neutral cleaners to protect the shine
- Reseal annually, or as recommended for your stone type
- Use cutting boards
That beautiful shine does come with one trade-off: scratches and etches tend to show more clearly on polished surfaces than on honed ones. But you can buff out many minor scratches, so it’s not a big deal for some clients. For busy households, some stone types like quartz hold up better to daily wear while still offering that desirable polished look.
Many clients are surprised to learn that polished granite is actually more stain-resistant than honed. The key is choosing the right stone for your lifestyle and maintaining it properly. Even with occasional scratches, that gorgeous glossy finish keeps homes looking elegant for years.
Countertops and Much More in Annapolis, MD
Cabinet Discounters offers high-quality countertops for your kitchen or bathroom in Annapolis, MD. We also specialize in cabinets, flooring, and much more for your home makeover project. To schedule a consultation or showroom appointment, contact our office online or reach us by phone.