Stone Finishes
Stone Finishes
DTK Stone Works - Designed with distinction
Polished, Honed, and Leathered are the most common finishes in commercial and residential spaces. Many homeowners don’t know that the stone comes in several surface finishes that can dramatically change its appearance. Some finishes are more popular than others, but the finish you choose isn’t just cosmetic.
A polished finish reveals the true color and character of the stone, adds elegance, reflects light, draws attention to the stone, and highlights your space. A polished finish would provide a smooth work surface to your kitchen countertops.
Honed finishes present a satin buffed or matte appearance. This finish would have less reflection and shine than the polished finish, creating a softer look. The honed finish is achieved by stopping the final polishing grinding-sanding process, leaving marble and granites with a satiny-smooth surface.
A leathered finish is also often called ‘brushed,’ but they are identical. Leathered stone has a pebbly surface with little pits similar to the surface of a fine piece of leather. A leathered finish is achieved by removing the polished face and grinding the surface with leathering long-bristled brushes that apply high pressure under the constant water flow to the surface.
Stone Finishes
DTK Stone Works - Designed with distinction
Polished, Honed, and Leathered are the most common finishes in commercial and residential spaces. Many homeowners don’t know that the stone comes in several surface finishes that can dramatically change its appearance. Some finishes are more popular than others, but the finish you choose isn’t just cosmetic.
Polished Finish
The most common finish among stones is polished. This type of finish reveals the true color and character of the stone. Most natural stones come from the quarry with a polished face. When you picture a granite countertop, you likely picture a polished finish and sophisticated look that reveals the stone’s natural beauty, adds elegance, reflects light, draws attention to the stone, and highlights your space. A polished finish would provide a smooth work surface to your kitchen countertops.
You can find polished finishes in any countertop, wall cladding, and flooring applications. Note that not all stone materials are capable of accepting polishing.
Honed Finish
Honed finishes present a satin buffed or matte appearance. This finish would have less reflection and shine than the polished finish, creating a softer look. The honed finish is achieved by stopping the final polishing grinding–sanding process, leaving marble and granites with a satiny-smooth surface.
The honed finish will not show the color and textures as much as a polished finish but can evoke a relaxed, casual vibe while retaining the high-class character of an elegant stone.
The texture of a honed finish is smooth and provides a good work surface for countertops. The finish will make the surface less slippery than polished and may better conceal flaws since it does not have as high a reflection. A honed finish can also be suitable for flooring as it is less likely to show evidence of wearing. Honed finishes are moisture resistant but not as resistant as polished finishes.
This finish is perfect for pool decks, patios, bathrooms, and backsplashes.
Leathered Finish
A leathered finish is also often called ‘brushed,’ but they are identical. Leathered stone has a pebbly surface with little pits similar to the surface of a fine piece of leather. A leathered finish is achieved by removing the polished face and grinding the surface with leathering long-bristled brushes that apply high pressure under the constant water flow to the surface.
The overall effect is warm, inviting, and luxurious. Even though leathered stone is not glossy or polished and has little to no shine, it typically has a bit more depth than a honed finish. There is enough texture and sheen to show off the stone’s natural characteristics without having the higher maintenance of a mirror finish. Typically a leathered finish will show less staining, scratches, smudges, and fingerprints.
A leathered finish is an excellent option for outdoor bar tops, fireplace covers, bathrooms, or even to top unique table tops.
Granite, Marble, and Quartzite are ideal materials for this textured finish.