Granite is becoming a popular go-to option for homeowners when it’s time to upgrade from an outdated counter. With the high durability, uniqueness, and strength of natural stone, granite countertops are just about as close to being the perfect countertops that a homeowner or designer can choose. Whether it is being used in the bathroom or kitchen, it can add a luxurious appearance to your space. One of the most appealing features of granite is that it gives you a multitude of colors to choose from, including shades of white, black, and more, which can be bold or patterned, dotted, speckled, veined or in combination.
However, the options don’t end there. Granite countertops also come in a multifarious surface finish, and the number of choices can be overwhelming. Given the right color and finish, it can not only elevate the aesthetics of your room but can also increase the lifespan of your countertop. Below, we share the information that will help you make a well-informed and calculated decision to pick the right finish for your granite countertops.
How to Choose the Perfect Finish for Your Granite Countertop?
While buying granite countertops, the biggest challenge one faces after finding the perfect color, size, pattern, and hardness is to choose the right finish for your natural granite countertop. Depending on your design needs, lifestyle, and purpose for granite countertops, you can choose the perfect option. It’s better to select the finish before the stone is installed so that the stone fabricator can apply the finish before the stone is delivered to your home. The design and lifestyle considerations you should consider when selecting a granite finish are as follows:
- Appearance- Do you want a more sophisticated and elegant appearance? Then polished countertops are the ideal choice for you. A polished finish gives a classy look and enhances the granite’s natural beauty.
- Use and traffic- Is your countertop installed in an area that receives a significant amount of traffic and use? Then again, polished countertops are your go-to option as they require less maintenance and are more likely to resist unwanted stains and scratches. If you are willing to commit to regular cleaning, maintenance, and sealing, you can choose a honed finish. On the other hand, any finish will work for areas with low traffic.
- Price and availability- For most homeowners, price and availability are important factors that determine which finish is to be used. Honed or brushed finish is more expensive than polished finish because it requires more grinding and is most likely to be in stock due to its popularity and high availability.
Types of Granite Countertop Finishes
While choosing the right finish for your granite countertops, inquire about the price and availability of those that matter to you. Also, take time to understand the differences between different types of finishes and ask your installer to show you actual examples. This is especially important when you are planning to choose a color-enhancing sealer that restores and mimics the granite’s natural color without restoring the shine that comes with a polished countertop surface. Natural stones like granite with a polished finish will typically have a more pronounced contrast and color. Honing finish takes away the hues and depth that are brought out by the polished application; it results in a lighter-colored slab. Many people choose a honed finish for their granite countertops to make them brighter and lighter.
Polished Finish
A classic polished finish is the most commonly used finish for kitchens with granite countertops. It has a sparkling appearance that makes the surface of the granite countertop mirror-like. It highlights all the colors, crystals and grains, making it more vibrant and glossy. With a polished finish, the surface of the countertop is easier to clean and hygienic.
Honed Finish
Honed finish, also known as matte or buffed finish, is non-reflective and has a matte or satin look. It creates a very smooth surface and less shimmering look, which is perfect for people who prefer a subtle and modern appeal for their countertops. However, since honed granite is not as stain-resistant and slippery as polished granite, you may need to reseal it more frequently.
Leathered Finish
The leathered finish, also known as brush finish, is created by gently brushing a tool against the granite’s surface to provide a naturally weathered look with a slightly textured finish. Leathered-finished countertops are more porous and lightly colored in appearance. Granite countertops with these finishes are more stain-resistant and non-porous and hide spots, stains, and fingerprints. Due to the uneven texture, dust and debris collect in the tiny divots. So, it is important to properly maintain and clean the countertops with a leathered finish.
Caressed Finish
If you prefer the textured look of a leathered finish and want to add some shine to it, a caressed finish may be a good option for you to consider. It is produced in the same way as a leathered or brushed finish, but the raised areas of the stones are polished to give a shiny appearance. It also seals the granite’s pores to prevent water and moisture from entering the surface. It enhances the natural beauty of your gorgeous granite countertop and reflects light to make the room brighter.
Flamed Finish
Most natural countertop surfaces are unsuitable for a flamed finish, but interestingly, granite countertops can have a flamed finish. The flamed finish is widely popular because of its natural, rustic, rough-textured look. People prefer to use it outdoors rather than indoors as it is more porous and usually muted in color. However, this type of finish is considered to be the most difficult to clean and maintain due to its rough texture.
Conclusion
Granite is a highly durable and long-lasting natural stone, no matter what finish you end up selecting. When you add a finish to your countertop, it makes it more shiny, durable and elegant. When buying the right finish for your granite countertops from the best granite countertops companies, consider a few things like its appearance, maintenance, and use. Polished granite stones are the most popular finish for granite kitchen countertops, and they make the surface appear shiny and mirror-like. While both honed and leathered finishes are becoming increasingly popular for darker-colored countertops. There are some additional finish options, but most of them are just for decorative purposes, as they are too porous and hard to clean.
