Kitchen Guides
Granite Countertop Guide: Which Finish Is Right for Your Kitchen?
Explore the pros and cons of 3 popular granite countertop finishes
Granite is one of the most practical materials used for kitchen countertops because of its superlative qualities of extreme hardness, durability, low maintenance and high resistance to heat. One can choose from a variety of granites for kitchen countertops, such as black galaxy, tan brown, ruby red, blue pearl, green pearl and raw silk, to name a few. However, selecting the right kind of finish is as important as choosing the granite that suits your kitchen. Granite is available in three basic finishes – polished, honed and flamed granite; each finish has a different texture and appearance that can radically change the look and feel of the kitchen.
Here is a guide to the pros and cons of different granite countertop finishes. Take your pick.
Here is a guide to the pros and cons of different granite countertop finishes. Take your pick.
Pros:
- Polished granite has an enhanced radiance which infuses an elegant look to the kitchen. The reflective properties of this countertop adds to the brightness of the kitchen.
- The polished surface is finished with sealants to make it smooth, non-porous and moisture-repellent; this creates a stain-resistant, hygienic, easy-to-clean surface. Do make sure you use a sealant that is food-safe, such as Tenax or SenGuard.
- The mirror polish of the countertop has a tendency to corrode and get damaged with household acids or harsh cleaners.
- The highly reflective surface of polished granite shows scratches or flaws of the natural stone.
Honed granite (satin/matte finish)
A honed finish granite surface is non-reflective and has a satin or matte finish. The less shimmering look of the countertop can give the kitchen a modern appeal. Some homeowners prefer the understated matte-finish of a honed finish over the glossiness of polished granite.
In a honed finish, the process of polishing ends before buffing, to create a matte or low-gloss sheen surface.
Tip: Consider pairing this countertop with high gloss cabinet/drawer surfaces and tiles.
A honed finish granite surface is non-reflective and has a satin or matte finish. The less shimmering look of the countertop can give the kitchen a modern appeal. Some homeowners prefer the understated matte-finish of a honed finish over the glossiness of polished granite.
In a honed finish, the process of polishing ends before buffing, to create a matte or low-gloss sheen surface.
Tip: Consider pairing this countertop with high gloss cabinet/drawer surfaces and tiles.
Pros:
- The non-reflective surface of a honed granite countertop is good at concealing flaws, scratches and other natural imperfections of the stone.
- These countertops have a very smooth surface, very similar to polished granite.
- The surface is unpolished, which makes it slightly porous, so it is important to seal the surface to prevent the counter from absorbing stains.
- A honed finish does not show the colour and texture of the stone as beautifully as a polished granite surface. Also, the process of honing can fade the colour of the stone.
Flamed granite (rough finish)
A flamed granite countertop can instil an earthy vibe to the kitchen. Such countertops are rough, have a faded look and a highly textured appearance that replicates the look of natural stone. They go well in the kitchens of farmhouses and weekend homes because of their rustic look. Flamed granite is also an excellent surface for outdoor kitchens or barbecue stations.
A flamed finish is created by exposing the stone to an intense flame; the extremely high temperature causes the surface to burst, making it rough and exposing the crystals on the surface.
See more kitchens that use flamed granite countertops
A flamed granite countertop can instil an earthy vibe to the kitchen. Such countertops are rough, have a faded look and a highly textured appearance that replicates the look of natural stone. They go well in the kitchens of farmhouses and weekend homes because of their rustic look. Flamed granite is also an excellent surface for outdoor kitchens or barbecue stations.
A flamed finish is created by exposing the stone to an intense flame; the extremely high temperature causes the surface to burst, making it rough and exposing the crystals on the surface.
See more kitchens that use flamed granite countertops
Pro:
Tip: For deep cleaning the granite, spray a cleaning mixture made of one-fourth cup isopropyl alcohol, three drops of a mild dish-washing detergent and about a litre of warm water. Then wipe off the dissolved grime with a clean, dry cloth, Make it a point to seal the counter periodically.
Read more:
Why Marble Might Be Wrong for Your Bathroom
Tell us:
Which granite countertop finish do your prefer – polished, honed or flamed? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
- The flamed granite countertop brings a rich texture that imparts a natural, rustic look to the kitchen.
- The surface is highly porous, with deep crevices. Make sure to seal the granite so that the surface is non-absorbent to any stains, resistant to algae, fungus or moisture, especially when used outdoors. Again, ensure it is a sealant suitable for kitchens.
- The main drawback of flamed granite is that its highly textured surface has deep pores, which trap dirt and make cleaning a little difficult. It is better suited to outdoor cooking spaces or where the kitchen is less used, as in weekend homes.
Tip: For deep cleaning the granite, spray a cleaning mixture made of one-fourth cup isopropyl alcohol, three drops of a mild dish-washing detergent and about a litre of warm water. Then wipe off the dissolved grime with a clean, dry cloth, Make it a point to seal the counter periodically.
Read more:
Why Marble Might Be Wrong for Your Bathroom
Tell us:
Which granite countertop finish do your prefer – polished, honed or flamed? Tell us why in the Comments section below.
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Polished granite is most commonly used for kitchen countertops. It has a sparkling appearance that highlights all the colours, crystals and grains of the stone. Also, granite holds a high-gloss mirror polish very well. It makes the stone appear darker and the colour look much richer, compared to the raw stone.
To achieve a polished look granite is buffed (the stage when granite becomes shiny) and polished to the highest level of shine that can be achieved by the stone.
Browse more pictures of polished granite countertops