Honed vs Polished Granite: Choosing the Perfect Finish

Granite is a promising stone when it comes to both look and functionality and comes in a wide range of colors, patterns, and finishes. The major confusion comes when it becomes hard to decide which finish to opt for: honed or polished granite.

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. In this blog post, we will explore the differences between honed vs polished granite and help you determine which option is best for your needs.

What is a granite stone?

Granite is a coarse or medium-grade 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.

What is honed finish granite?

Honed granite stone is a less glossy and more matte-looking stone. It also lacks the mirror-like look of a traditional granite stone. It offers a more finished and aged look to any place.

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.

Honed vs. Polished granite

Let’s differentiate between both finishes of granite based on a different basis:

1. Processing

• 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-finish granite stone.

• 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.

2. Appearance and style

• Honed Granite

Honed granite has a velvet-like and matte look that creates a more relaxed and casual vibe at any place. Based on appearance and style, honed granite is a less popular finish, which also makes it unique as not many homeowners opt for it. It also lacks the true texture of natural granite due to its rough texture.

• Polished Granite

Polished granite is famous for offering a sophisticated 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. 

3. Properties and textures

• 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.

• 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.

4. Maintenance

• Honed Granite

Honed-finish 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.

• 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.

5. Applications

• Honed Granite

It is mostly used for 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 based on your preference.

• Polished Granite

It is a versatile material that can be used for various indoor and outdoor applications, including paving stone, kerbing, cemetery monuments, floor tiles, stair treads, and countertops.

6. Resistance

• Honed Granite

This type of 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.

• 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.

Which One Is Better? Honed vs Polished Granite?

In conclusion, the choice between honed vs 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.

Honed-finish 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 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-finish 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, both finishes are sure to add a touch of timeless elegance and durability to your home or commercial project.

Whether you want to learn more about honed and polished granite or you’re ready to peruse options for your home upgrades, the experts at MPG Stone are available to help.

Contact us today to get started!