In the stone industry, the term “finish” typically refers to how a material’s surface has been treated to alter its appearance. It’s important to note that finishes are not an intrinsic property of natural stone; they are created by using abrasive materials that manipulate the surface of the stone. Finishes can be characterized by a number or letter designation, depending on common industry standards or manufacturer specifications.
Honed Marble Has A Matte Look; Polished Has A Shiny Look.
The main difference between honed marble and polished is the sheen of the stone. Honed stone has a matte or satin finish, giving it a smooth, non-slippery surface, while polished stone has a glossy finish, giving it a shiny appearance.
Honed marble is also notorious for its velvety smooth finish. While it is a widely popular finish, it is important to note that honed marble will show scratches and watermarks more easily than polished marble. Even so, the extra care for this material is worth it for those who want to achieve a more natural look in their space.
Because honed marble doesn’t have any shine, it’s not as slippery when wet, as polished stone would be, making it ideal for areas like kitchens which get lots of foot traffic and spills that can make floors dangerous to walk on (especially if someone falls over!). The color palette for honed marble is also wide – if you’re thinking about using your favorite color in an interior design project then this may be just what you need!
Polished Marble surfaces have a glossy finish that are smooth and shiny, but can be slippery when wet. This type of finish is beautiful for a kitchen countertop but also works well for walls and backsplashes behind sinks in bathrooms where there will likely be less spills. Because of polished stone’s reflective finish, this type of material can bring a lot of natural lighting into a home by mirroring sunlight into the space.
Honed & Polished Marble Are Available In Various Colors & Patterns
Honed marble is available in all the same colors as polished marble, including black, white, green, gray, brown, and beige. However, honed marble can be more difficult to find in certain colors and patterns because, for many years, manufacturers have not been producing this type of finish as often as a polished stone.
Popular Marble Countertops Available In A Polished or Honed Finish
Some popular types of marble countertops include:
Cararra Marble – This white marble with gray veins is one of the most widely used types. It has a clean look that coordinates well with other design elements.
Calacatta Marble – This option features more dramatic gray veining on a white background. It’s considered to be rarer than Cararra marble and tends to be more expensive as a result.
Bianco Dolomiti Marble – This type is similar to Cararra but features more dramatic veining that occurs in swirls rather than straight lines.
The difference between honed and polished isn't dramatic, but there are a few things you should know about each before deciding which one is right for your home.
Let’s start with everything you need to know about honed marble. Honed marble has no reflection at all and its appearance is more muted and softer. The color of honed finishes tends to be slightly darker than their polished counterparts—it’s not uncommon for someone to choose a honed finish in order to darken the stone, which creates a dramatic effect.
Polished finishes are shiny and bright, but there’s something else you should know about them: if you’re installing your counters near water sources like sinks or showers, keep in mind that polished surfaces can become slippery when wet.
One thing to keep in mind about both of these finishes is that not every type of marble comes in both honed and polished options—there are some types of natural stone that are only available in one or the other due to variations in composition or texture. Take a look at our webpage to see our full offerings!
Ready to Get Started?
Deciding between honed and polished stone for your home really comes down to your lifestyle. Is your kitchen a focal point in your home? Or is it another room you barely use? What foods are you cooking regularly? Do you prefer a natural look or a clean look? Don’t know? Speak to a specialist today and start getting your questions answered so you can have the kitchen of your dreams.