Marble Countertops: Honed vs Polished

Choosing new countertops for your space is not an easy process. Not only do you have to choose the type of stone, color and pattern, but also your desired finish. Although the finish of your countertops might be one of the last things you think of, it’s essential that you choose one that will complement the look and feel of your space. 

At GMS Werks, we have over 100 years of experience working in the natural stone industry, and we have helped install a number of new natural stone countertops in both residential and commercial properties. When choosing new countertops, there are different finishing options you can choose from, including a polished and honed finish. Below, we go over the differences between honed and polished finishes and which one is better for your space!

Honed finish

Honed finishes are very smooth to the touch and are great for high-traffic areas! With a satin look, honed finishes will help hide scratches as they do not reflect as much lighting. Honed finishes can handle take water very well, and they do not get as slippery as other finishes when wet. This makes honed finishes a great choice for bathroom countertops, floors and kitchen countertops, especially around sinks!

Honed finishes absorb liquid more easily and quickly than other stone finishes, so it is critical to wipe up spills right away. Don’t use regular soap to clean honed marble because it will get absorbed and affect the color of the stone. Using a mildly abrasive detergent with bleach is appropriate for cleaning. Honed finishes do require more frequent re-sealing than polished finishes do. It is important to note that, regardless of the finish you chose, you should always ensure that the surface is cleaned thoroughly prior to re-sealing.

Polished finish

A polished finish is smooth, shiny and glossy. It creates a high-end and luxurious feel. Polishing natural stone actually creates a barrier that helps protect the stone from stains. On the other end, polished stone is prone to scratches, and scratches are more visible due to the reflective property of the finish.You’ll want to avoid using polished finishes in your bathroom, floors and other areas that could become slippery and dangerous!

Spills on polished marble should be wiped up immediately to avoid damage from etching or stains. Polished finishes require less re-sealing than honed finishes do. Avoid using harsh products and abrasive materials on polished surfaces. Strong cleaners or rough brushing can damage the finish.

When choosing a finish for your new stone countertops, you cannot go wrong with either of these two options. Keep this guide in mind when choosing the right finish for your design!

At GMS Werks, we are experts when it comes to honed finish and polishes on marble, granite and quartzite countertops. Give our team a call with any questions you may have!