HONED VS POLISHED MARBLE COUNTERTOPS

You need to read on if you are interested in learning about the difference between a polished and honed finish. Choosing natural stone for countertops or custom countertop company orlando fl is an important decision, and you may have many options available, such as the stone type, color, edges, and finish that you prefer. 

To determine which finish is suitable for your project, Cutting Edge Countertops can guide you in choosing the right finish based on the appearance of your stone and the overall look of your space.

The definition of hone is when the stone slab has been ground to a smooth, flat, consistent surface when polished to a high degree. This finish is created by stopping short of the last stage of polishing, which leaves the stone with a matte finish and velvety feel.

 A polished surface gives you a beautiful glossy shine due to the natural reflection of the crystals in the rock. In the end, this is just the opposite of a polished surface. 

A great alternative to marble-like countertops, like quartz, is that it can provide the same look and feel as marble but with more durability and less overall maintenance. In addition to being available in various colors, marble-like countertops can be polished or honed depending on your lifestyle needs.

Honed Countertops:

The matte finish of honed marble makes it more resistant to scratches. As a result, if honed marble is scratched, it will not be as evident when light reflects off of it as it would on a polished surface. In contrast to polished stones, honed stones are more likely to stain, so it's essential to remove spills as soon as possible. Also, a matte finish is less slippery when wet, so it's a good flooring material.

Pros of Honed Granite Countertops

Modern, Casual Vibe

The high shine of polished granite is associated with the luxury and elegance of natural stone. Still, it can also feel pretentious to some homeowners who prefer a more relaxed and welcoming aesthetic in a room such as a kitchen, where family and friends gather. 

Modern, open floor plans blur the line between casual entertaining areas like the family room and kitchen. The high shine of polished granite is associated with the luxury and elegance of natural stone. 

Still, it can also feel pretentious to some homeowners who prefer a more relaxed and welcoming aesthetic in a room such as a kitchen, where family and friends gather. Modern, open floor plans blur the line between casual entertaining areas like the family room and kitchen.

More Natural Stone Appearance

While quarry stone slabs are natural in terms of the source, the buffing removes some of the stone's genuine appeal.

Additionally, honed granite offers a more natural stone appearance, which some homeowners prefer over polished stone's gloss.

Imperfections on Surfaces

Despite its Mohs Hardness Scale rating between six and seven, granite is not prone to scratches. However, any scratches will be noticeable.

Honed granite countertops may keep their like-new look for longer if you live in a busy household where accidental damage is a daily occurrence.

Cons of Honed Granite Countertops

Less Formal than a Polished Surface

Although natural stone contributes to a luxurious interior no matter what, matte surfaces may not provide the level of refinement you are looking for if your design style revolves around traditional motifs and formal elegance. 

When families, couples, or individuals want the luxury of natural stone and a casual atmosphere that invites family and friends to relax and kick back, honed granite is a better choice.

Less Vibrant Color and Pattern

With a textured, matte finish, honed granite is the ideal countertop for creating the appearance of a rough, natural stone. With a high-gloss polish, you will see more of the slab's color and pattern. 

White, gray, black, or relatively uniform stones won't make much difference. But if you choose a variety specifically for its vibrant color or detailed pattern, it pays to be aware of the differences between honed versus polished finishes.

It may Require More Maintenance.

Natural stone countertops require regular cleaning and maintenance to maintain the sealant and protect the surface from damage. In addition to regular resealing, it typically involves cleaning with soft soap and warm water or a specialty stone cleaner.

In general, honed granite countertops require the same level of maintenance as polished granite, with one exception. It may seem that the added texture of a cutting surface would hide water spots and fingerprints, just as scratches hide them. Nevertheless, these daily signs of use may be more noticeable if you wipe counter surfaces to clean up food and disinfect them.

Honed surfaces will likely stain more easily than polished ones due to their slightly greater porous nature. However, you can prevent this by wiping up spills immediately and maintaining your sealant. Or, you could choose a darker granite variety for your kitchen countertops that won't stain. If you are looking for honed countertops for your kitchen, then we are the best kitchen countertop installers in Orlando.

We can help you choose the best countertop options for your needs and preferences. Contact us or stop by our convenient locations in Connecticut or New York to get started.

POLISHED MARBLE COUNTERTOPS

A polish coating protects the polished stone, making it less likely to stain and scratch, but the highly reflective surface makes it more visible for scratches. In addition, due to its smooth texture, polished stone can be very slippery when wet, making it a dangerous flooring option in high-traffic areas and bathrooms. Despite this, it is still a classic choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops.

Pros

Look:

It is hard to find anything that can compare with the look of marble kitchen countertops. There is a richness and a characteristic about them that other stones cannot match. But what usually draws people to marble kitchen countertops is their veining.

Great for Cooking: 

Marble remains cool over time, making it a good surface for baking or other cooking. However, marble is not entirely heat-resistant, so avoid placing hot pots and pans directly on marble countertops.

Added Value: 

According to some experts, marble countertops can increase your home's value. However, whether marble countertops can increase your home's value remains debatable, but they can give the impression of extra weight to your home.

Longevity: 

Keeping your marble countertops in good shape with regular upkeep, maintenance, and sealing will ensure they last a long time.

Cons

Porous: 

The Marble Institute recommends that you seal your marble countertops yearly to prevent significant staining. It is best to seal your marble countertops once they have been installed. Marble is prone to staining, and acidic liquids will permanently stain them. If you find any stains, the Marble Institute suggests that you use a solution of 12% hydrogen peroxide and a few drops of ammonia to remove them until they are gone.

Etching: 

During prolonged exposure to acid, marble will etch. You can hone marble to hide etching. You can use dry #0000 steel wool to buff out light scratches.

Cost: 

Several types of marble are more affordable, but they will remain more expensive than other countertop materials.

If you are looking for Honed or polished countertops or any other material, find a custom countertop company in Orlando, fl, to meet your better requirements.

Get in touch today!

To learn more about the services we offer, please visit Allstone. To get in touch with us, please us at 407.633.8124.