Granite is a promising stone in terms of both look and functionality. It comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes. You can use this stone material in a wider range of application areas as well, from indoor countertops to outdoor paving.
The major confusion occurs when deciding which finish to opt for becomes difficult: a competition between precise, honed granite and polished granite. Granite does come in different finishes, but there are two that are among the most favored and opted for.
Both finishes have their own unique advantages and disadvantages, and the choice ultimately comes down to personal preference and the intended use of the granite slab. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between honed and polished granite and help you determine the best option for your needs.
What is a granite stone?
Granite is a coarse or medium-grade natural stone formed from an igneous rock that mainly consists of two main minerals, which are feldspar and quartz. It forms from magma under the earth’s crust. It is considered one of the hardest stones available, after diamond.
What are the finishes in granite stone?
A finish is an extra layer or additional treatment applied to a natural stone‘s surface to enhance or alter its functionality and appearance. These define, honed, and other finishes directly affect a stone’s functional and aesthetic qualities while offering a protective layer from normal wear and tear.
There are also some specific finishes homeowners and designers look for to use in various application areas and ensure numerous aspects, which include granite vs. gloss texture safety. But among all, polished and honed finish granite slabs are the popular ones.
What is a polished granite stone?
Polished granite stone, as stated in the name, contains a polished and glossy surface that is highly reflective. This finish clearly showcases all the tones and colors of a granite stone and enhances the overall appearance.
What is honed granite stone?
Honed finish Granite has a less glossy and matte-looking finish with a less reflective surface. It also lacks the mirror-like look of a traditional granite stone. It offers a more finished and aged look to any place and can be used outdoors as cobblestones, like black granite cobblestones.
Honed vs. polished granite Difference
Let’s differentiate between a granite honed finish and a polished finish based on a different basis:
1. Processing
a. Polished Granite
Polished granite undergoes a process to get the polished look, which includes running the slabs through diamond polishing tabs in a series inside the polishing machine. It helps make the surface glossy and shiny; the more polishing, the more it will look reflective.
b. Honed Granite
Honed finish granite doesn’t necessarily go through any specific processing, as the granite slabs get the honed finish when the processing stops before the surface starts turning to shine, leaving it with a matte and stained surface. It is just an unpolished surface, which we call a honed granite stone.
2. Appearance and Style
a. Polished Granite
In the debate of honed granite vs. polished granite, polished granite is famous for offering a sophisticated and polished look to any place, which makes it a popular choice among most homeowners and designers.
It contains a glossy and mirror-like look that reflects the true beauty and unique character of granite stone. If you prefer a shiny look, then polished granite is a must-have choice for you.
b. Honed Granite
When asked to define honed finish granite, we can say it offers a more natural look than polished granite. It has a velvet-like and matte look that creates a more relaxed and casual vibe at any place.
Based on appearance and style, granite honed finish is a rarely popular finish, which also makes it unique, as only some mere homeowners with more personalized tastes opt for it for outdoor natural stone paving. It has a rough texture that is slightly different from the original texture of natural granite.
3.Properties and textures
a. Polished Granite
In the heated debate of honed granite vs. polished granite, polished granite has a slippery surface and glossy texture, which makes it more susceptible to staining and scratching. But it is an equally hard and durable stone that can easily bear heavy loads.
b. Honed Granite
Honed granite consists of a smooth and non-glossy texture, which makes it highly resistant to scratches, staining, and slippering. It can also bear heavy loads and is equally durable, hard, and strong as a polished one. They can be used on paver stones in any project setting.
4.Maintenance
a. Polished Granite
Polished granite slabs are primarily sealed, which leads to no open pores, making them easy to clean and maintain. It also doesn’t require any frequent resealing and is highly resistant to stains and scratches, which makes it a little maintenance-intensive.
b. Honed Granite
Honed granite is comparatively more porous than polished granite and requires a bit more handy maintenance. Even if you seal the honed granite, it will remain susceptible to staining and scratching. Its maintenance includes regular and timely cleaning to keep it looking like new, making it an ideal solution for wall panels
5.Applications
a. Polished Granite
While talking about honed vs. polished granite, polished granite is a versatile material that can be used for various indoor and outdoor applications, including paving stone, kerbing, countertops, cemetery monuments, floor tiles, and stair treads.
b. Honed Granite
Honed granite is mostly used as honed countertops and backsplashes because of its matte and soft look. It is well-considered for places where a more muted look is required. You can use honed granite for various applications, such as the vacuum wet press kerbs, living room and foyer, based on your preference.
6.Resistance
a. Polished Granite
Polished granite is highly resistant to heat and stains as it is pre-sealed, which makes its natural shine remain the same for a longer period of time. It is a non-porous material, which makes it resistant to moisture and an ideal material to use in water-prone areas.
b. Honed Granite
Honed granite is more resistant to scratches due to its matte surface, as scratches are not susceptible due to no reflection. It is also highly resistant to heat and chips, making it an ideal choice for most outdoor areas and stone veneers as well.
7.Cost
a. Polished Granite
When it comes to cost, there is no such huge difference we can see in both stones, as the cost of polished granite increases as it requires some additional processing to attain the glossy and shiny look. But it is most likely to always be available in stock, which can lower its cost.
b. Honed Granite
If you think that, what is honed granite’s price? Then the price of honed granite countertops is relatively low, but their availability makes them more expensive to find, including many other factors such as the place of requirement, place of origin, and rarity of the color demanded.
Honed granite vs. polished granite: tips on choosing the right one
- Choose the one stone that best resonates with your application and preferred place of use.
- Look for your aesthetic preference, like one that the Cast Curved Garden Bench offers, and whether you need a stone to look good or functionally do well.
- Consider the budget for your purchase and choose the one that goes well with it.
- Look for the durability and functions required.
- Consider how much time you are willing to invest in the maintenance of the stone.
Which one is better? Honed vs. polished granite?
In conclusion, the choice between honed and polished granite ultimately comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your space. Both finishes offer their own unique advantages and aesthetic appeal. Apart from this, you can also look for other choices based on your preferences, which include granite vs. gloss texture safety.
Honed granite showcases a more subdued and matte appearance, perfect for those seeking a natural and rustic charm. It provides a soft and smooth touch, making it an excellent option for countertops alongside quartz slab and areas where a non-reflective surface is desired. Additionally, honed granite is generally more resistant to scratches and stains, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas or households with active lifestyles.
On the other hand, polished granite offers a luxurious and sophisticated look with its glossy and reflective surface. This finish highlights the natural patterns and colors of the stone, creating a visually striking impact.
Polished granite is often chosen for its ability to enhance the overall aesthetics of a space, particularly in bathrooms or areas where a touch of elegance is desired. However, it’s worth noting that polished granite may require more frequent maintenance to retain its shine and prevent etching or watermarks.
Remember, in the debate of honed granite vs. polished granite, both finishes are sure to add a touch of timeless elegance and durability to your home or commercial project.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Purnima Kaushik is a seasoned content writer and editor with over a decade of experience in the stone and real estate industries. As a leading voice at MPG Stone, she shares insights on installment processes, project insights, design guides, and much more
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