When choosing countertops for your kitchen or bathroom, there are two key decisions you need to make. First, you need to pick the material. Then, you need to choose the finish.
This guide is designed for homeowners, designers, and anyone considering new countertops for their kitchen or bathroom.
The finish is critical as it affects the appearance and the level of care and maintenance your countertop will require. The finishing process determines the final look and feel of surfaces, impacting both bathroom countertops and bathroom floors by influencing their functionality, safety, and visual appeal. Choosing the right finish not only affects the look of your space but also impacts daily maintenance and long-term durability.
In this post, we’ll compare honed and polished finishes for four popular materials: marble, quartz, quartzite, and granite. You’ll learn everything you need to know to choose the perfect fit for your design style, needs, and space.
The Difference Between Honed and Polished Finishes
The key differences between honed and polished finishes are their appearance and texture. Honed finishes feature a smooth, matte surface, while polished finishes create a glossy, reflective look. These effects are achieved through different techniques during the manufacturing process.
What Is a Honed Finish?
A honed finish is created by grinding the stone down until it’s smooth but non-reflective. This process results in honed stone with a consistent matte appearance. The result is a soft, velvety surface that feels more organic and natural. It’s ideal for homeowners looking for a more casual, understated look. A honed finish is also great at hiding scratches and etches — making it perfect for busy households. Honed surfaces are considered a forgiving surface because they better conceal everyday wear and tear.
What Is a Polished Finish?
Polished finishes are all about gloss and shine. The stone is polished to a high sheen that enhances the natural colors and patterns of the material. It creates a more striking and luxurious look. The reflective surface bounces light around the room and can instantly brighten up your space. Polished surfaces have a highly reflective appearance and reflect light, which can make spaces feel larger and more open. The trade-off is the shine also tends to make scratches, etches, and smudges more visible. Polished finishes can also be slippery, especially when wet, so they may not be ideal for all areas.
Honed vs. Polished Marble Countertops
Marble countertops bring timeless beauty to any kitchen or bathroom. Marble finishes are also popular for other surfaces in bathrooms, such as backsplashes, wall tiles, and vanity tops, helping to create a cohesive and functional space. However, your choice of finish can significantly impact the look of your countertop and its maintenance requirements.
Appearance and Aesthetic Differences
Polished Marble:
High-gloss, luxurious finish
Enhances natural veining and colors
Creates a bright, airy atmosphere
Scratches are more visible
Honed Marble:
Smooth, matte, and velvety finish
Subtle, understated elegance
Tones down dramatic veining and colors
Hides scratches and etches better
Maintenance and Durability
Polished Marble:
More vulnerable to scratches and staining, especially from acidic substances
Smooth, non-porous surface is easier to clean
Better stain resistance due to closed pores
Honed Marble:
Matte surface hides scratches and etches
More porous and prone to staining
Requires regular sealing to protect against stains and moisture
Best Uses for Marble Finishes
Polished Marble:
High-traffic areas like kitchen countertops
Showpiece areas like backsplashes
Walls, bathroom vanities, and shower surrounds
Honed Marble:
Bathroom vanities
Lower-traffic kitchens
Minimalist designs and spaces seeking a relaxed, natural feel
Honed vs. Polished Quartz Countertops
Quartz countertops are renowned for their durability and low maintenance, making them a top choice for homeowners. In fact, 40% of homeowners upgrading their kitchen countertops choose quartz, according to a recent study. If you’re interested in choosing the right color countertops for your kitchen, understanding your options can help you create a beautiful and functional space. However, while quartz offers many benefits, the finish you select can greatly influence your space’s appearance and functionality.
Appearance and Aesthetic Differences
Polished Quartz:
Glossy, modern look
Enhances depth of colors and patterns
Reflective surface brightens and opens up the space
Countertops become a focal point
Honed Quartz:
Matte, understated finish
Natural look, ideal for minimalist and industrial designs
Soft, elegant appearance without shine
Maintenance and Durability
Polished Quartz:
Smooth, non-porous, and easy to clean
Highly resistant to stains
Shows fingerprints and smudges more easily
Honed Quartz:
Matte finish hides fingerprints and smudges
Slightly more vulnerable to staining
Conceals minor scratches and etching
Prompt spill cleanup is essential
Best Uses for Quartz Finishes
Polished Quartz:
High-traffic kitchens and bathrooms
Spaces where durability and style are both priorities
Honed Quartz:
Modern, minimalist, or industrial spaces
Bathroom vanities, kitchen countertops, and islands
Areas prioritizing a calm, contemporary aesthetic
Honed vs. Polished Quartzite Countertops
Quartzite is a breathtaking natural stone known for its incredible durability. Whether you go for a sleek polished sheen or a soft-honed texture, your choice will have a significant impact on how your quartzite countertop looks and how easy it is to maintain.
Appearance and Aesthetic Differences
Polished Quartzite:
High-shine, elegant finish
Highlights dramatic veining and color variations
Reflects light, ideal for statement features
Creates a luxurious, focal-point look
Honed Quartzite:
Soft, matte finish
Complements modern and rustic interiors
Tones down shine for a muted appearance
Casual, natural aesthetic
Maintenance and Durability
Polished Quartzite:
Smooth, non-porous, and easy to clean
Less likely to stain
High-gloss finish can highlight scratches and etching
Regular sealing recommended
Honed Quartzite:
More porous, requires regular sealing
Matte finish hides scratches and etching
Better slip resistance for wet or high-traffic areas
Best Uses for Quartzite Finishes
Polished Quartzite:
High-traffic kitchens and bathrooms
Waterfall islands and statement countertops
Spaces seeking a luxurious, high-impact look
Honed Quartzite:
Bathroom vanities and kitchen islands
Areas where a softer, more natural look is desired
Spaces needing a matte, slip-resistant finish
Honed vs. Polished Granite Countertops
Choosing the right finish for your granite countertops can make a big difference in style and maintenance. Honed granite tends to absorb more light, whereas a polished finish is more reflective.
Appearance and Aesthetic Differences
Polished Granite:
High-gloss, reflective finish
Enhances natural color and pattern
Adds light to the space
Popular for traditional and luxury kitchens
Leathered finishes offer a textured alternative
Honed Granite:
Subdued, matte finish
Natural, organic look
Soft, satin-like texture without gloss
Fits rustic or contemporary designs
Maintenance and Durability
Polished Granite:
Less porous, more resistant to stains and spills
Smooth surface is easy to clean
Shows smudges, fingerprints, and scratches more easily
Honed Granite:
Requires more regular sealing
More porous, prone to absorbing spills and moisture
Matte finish hides scratches and etching better
Best Uses for Granite Finishes
Polished Granite:
High-traffic kitchens and bathrooms
Spaces where durability and easy maintenance are important
Busy households seeking elegance and practicality
Honed Granite:
Bathrooms, kitchen islands, and relaxed spaces
Modern or rustic designs prioritizing texture
Areas where a natural, understated look is desired
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Countertop Material
Choosing between a honed or polished finish can completely transform the look and feel of your space—but how do you know which one is right for you? It all comes down to your style preferences, daily use, and maintenance preferences.
Style Preferences
The finish you choose for your countertops sets the tone for your entire space. A polished finish is perfect if you’re aiming for a sleek, modern look with a bit of shine. The reflective surface highlights the stone’s natural colors and patterns, creating a sophisticated vibe.
If you prefer a more relaxed, organic feel, a honed finish offers a smooth, matte surface that feels more understated. Ultimately, the decision between honed and polished finishes should reflect your personal preference and the overall look you want to achieve. Honed finishes provide a natural, timeless look without the gloss.
Daily Use
Your lifestyle and how you use your countertops should heavily influence your decision. If you do a lot of cooking or have kids around, polished might be the more practical option. The glossy surface is easier to wipe clean and more effectively resists stains.
Honed countertops are better at hiding scratches and etching, making them a smart choice for areas that may see more wear and tear. Honed finishes are also less slippery when wet, making them a safer option for bathrooms and kitchens. However, they are slightly more porous, so they may need more attention when it comes to preventing stains.
Maintenance Preferences
How much time are you willing to spend on upkeep? Polished finishes require less frequent sealing and are generally easier to maintain day-to-day. Honed finishes are more porous and require regular sealing to protect against stains. If you’re looking for low maintenance, polished might be your go-to. If you’re after a more natural look, honed could be worth the extra care.
For either finish, consider applying a professional countertop protection treatment. Our countertop protection services can help extend the life of your countertops and make maintenance even easier, keeping them looking beautiful for years to come.
Summary Comparison Table: Honed vs. Polished Finishes by Material
Feature | Marble (Honed) | Marble (Polished) | Quartz (Honed) | Quartz (Polished) | Quartzite (Honed) | Quartzite (Polished) | Granite (Honed) | Granite (Polished) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Appearance | Matte, soft, organic, understated | Glossy, luxurious, highlights veining | Matte, natural, understated | Glossy, modern, enhances color | Matte, soft, muted, natural | High-shine, dramatic, luxurious | Matte, natural, organic, satin-like | High-gloss, reflective, enhances color |
Maintenance | Hides scratches/etches, more porous, needs sealing | Shows scratches, less porous, easier to clean | Hides fingerprints, more porous, needs quick cleanup | Shows fingerprints, non-porous, easy to clean | Hides scratches, more porous, needs regular sealing | Shows scratches, less porous, needs sealing | Hides scratches, more porous, needs regular sealing | Shows smudges, less porous, easy to clean |
Durability | Prone to staining, needs regular sealing | Better stain resistance, vulnerable to etching | Slightly more vulnerable to stains, forgiving surface | Highly stain resistant, shows smudges | Prone to stains/moisture, better slip resistance | Less likely to stain, highlights scratches | Prone to stains/moisture, needs sealing | Resistant to stains, shows scratches |
Best Uses | Bathroom vanities, low-traffic kitchens, minimalist | High-traffic kitchens, backsplashes, vanities | Modern/minimalist spaces, vanities, islands | High-traffic kitchens/bathrooms, focal points | Vanities, kitchen islands, slip-prone areas | Statement kitchens, waterfall islands | Bathrooms, islands, relaxed/rustic spaces | High-traffic kitchens/bathrooms, busy households |
Feature
Marble (Honed)
Marble (Polished)
Quartz (Honed)
Quartz (Polished)
Quartzite (Honed)
Quartzite (Polished)
Granite (Honed)
Granite (Polished)
Appearance
Matte, soft, organic, understated
Glossy, luxurious, highlights veining
Matte, natural, understated
Glossy, modern, enhances color
Matte, soft, muted, natural
High-shine, dramatic, luxurious
Matte, natural, organic, satin-like
High-gloss, reflective, enhances color
Maintenance
Hides scratches/etches, more porous, needs sealing
Shows scratches, less porous, easier to clean
Hides fingerprints, more porous, needs quick cleanup
Shows fingerprints, non-porous, easy to clean
Hides scratches, more porous, needs regular sealing
Shows scratches, less porous, needs sealing
Hides scratches, more porous, needs regular sealing
Shows smudges, less porous, easy to clean
Durability
Prone to staining, needs regular sealing
Better stain resistance, vulnerable to etching
Slightly more vulnerable to stains, forgiving surface
Highly stain resistant, shows smudges
Prone to stains/moisture, better slip resistance
Less likely to stain, highlights scratches
Prone to stains/moisture, needs sealing
Resistant to stains, shows scratches
Best Uses
Bathroom vanities, low-traffic kitchens, minimalist
High-traffic kitchens, backsplashes, vanities
Modern/minimalist spaces, vanities, islands
High-traffic kitchens/bathrooms, focal points
Vanities, kitchen islands, slip-prone areas
Statement kitchens, waterfall islands
Bathrooms, islands, relaxed/rustic spaces
High-traffic kitchens/bathrooms, busy households
Ready to elevate your kitchen or bathroom with the perfect countertop finish?
Whether you’re drawn to the sleek shine of polished stone or the soft elegance of a honed finish, we have the perfect materials to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment with our expert team.
