It seems like everyday, there is some new material, finish, or product on the market. From the advancements in lighting, to new types of fabric and now, new granite finishes. Honed and leather finishes on granite create some of the most beautiful slabs I have ever seen- but they're not always the easiest to describe. So here's a quick lesson in the granite finishes you might want throughout your home....
Polished
By far the most popular finish, a polished granite slab has the smoothest, most reflective surface (something to think about when installing under cabinet lights- black polished granite will reflect the unsightly light source so I like to use a honed granite instead). The material will be less porous meaning it is less susceptible to staining from wine spills and the easiest to clean. This finish also brings out the beautiful natural colors of the stone.
Honed
A honed surface on a natural stone is when the polishing process is simply unfinished giving the surface a nice smooth surface but not the intense color or reflective qualities.
Leather
A leather finish is created when a diamond-tipped brush is moved across the surface of the stone; it creates a surface that looks and feels like leather. It's less porous surface and texture make this material a breeze to clean which is why it is one of my favorite looks. It also brings out the colorings of the stone enhancing its natural beauty.
Flamed
A flamed finish is created much like the name suggests- a high-intensity flame is passed over the surface causing some of the stone material to 'pop.' The surface is much more rough than a leather finish making it a great choice for exterior kitchens, or walkways.
Posted on
Wed, August 31, 2011
by Cindy Aplanalp
filed under