Natural stone counters are highly reliable and durable. They’re also heat- and stain-resistant, making them an ideal workspace in the kitchen. The slabs used for kitchen countertops are already unique on their own, but you can further customize your natural stone countertop by choosing among different finishes.
The type of finish you select will affect not just the look of your countertop but it’s performance, maintenance requirements and overall wear resistance too. Below are some of the most commonly used finishes for natural stone countertops.
Polished Finish
Polished granite is very reflective due to its high-gloss, mirror-like shine. It’s one of the most popular countertop finishes because it adds elegance and richness to the kitchen space. Polished finish is also less porous, so it provides a smooth and hygienic surface for meal prep.
Honed Finish
Honed finish is basically matte or flat, so it has little to no sheen. If you want your kitchen design to feel more casual and cozy, the velvety texture and softer appeal of a honed finish would be perfect for that.
Leathered Finish
Leathered finish is one of the newer finishes that has been gaining popularity. It features a soft, textured look, much like leather. This type of finish is non-reflective and stain-resistant, and it can easily conceal smudges.
Sandblasted Finish
A sandblasted finish gives a rough feel and a weathered look to stone countertops. Because of this, this type of finish is often used when matching new stones with older pieces. It’s also more commonly used on outdoor kitchens and surfaces.
