Are you interested in using marble in your next project? This classic stone is great in many applications. Homeowners can find many different colors and patterns to work with, but did you know you also get to pick your finish? As with most natural stones, you can choose between Honed or Polished finishes. The definition of honed is when the stone slab has been ground to a smooth, flat consistent surface. This finish is created by stopping short of the last stage of polishing, leaving the stone with a non-shiny, matte look and velvet-like touch. A polished surface creates a beautiful glossy shine from the natural reflection of the stone’s crystals.
Honed Marble Countertops:
The matte finish of hone marble is more resistant to scratches. Even if it does get scratched the non-reflective surface makes it harder to notice. A matte finish is also less slippery than polished when wet, making it a great choice for flooring.The downside is that honed stone is more susceptible to stains, because the natural surface is left more exposed than it’s polished counterpart. It’s very important to wipe up spills immediately with this type of finish.
Overview:
- Matte look
- Velvety feel
- Scratch resistant, but easily stained
- Requires Regular cleaning with soap and water. Clean up spills immediately and it is suggested to re-seal over time
- Great for countertops and high traffic areas, such as floors for the bathroom, foyer, or living room
Polished Marble Countertops:
Polished stone is processed one step further than honed. This final coating acts as a protectant, making it less susceptible to stains. The classic, glossy look is a classic choice for kitchen and bathroom countertops. However, this highly reflective surface means it’s more susceptible to scratching and those scratches are more noticable. Polished marble is also very slippery, so we don’t recommend it for flooring or showers.
Overview:
- Glossy look
- Smooth feel
- Stain resistant, but more susceptible to scratching and etching
- Regular cleaning with soap and water, no need to re-seal
- Great for kitchen and bathroom countertops, fireplace surrounds, and walls
Which finish do you prefer? Or maybe you’re more into mixing and matching depending on the application? If you’re looking to start a project contact us today.