Granite is amongst the most common natural stones used in contemporary architecture, notable for its durability, texture, and finishes. During the selection process of your granite slab, many homeowners focus on color and pattern, while less consideration is given to the finish of the granite, which has an enormous influence on how it looks, feels, and functions.
Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, bath or outdoor space, knowledge of the various granite finishes can help you decide the best finish for the application. Polished granite has a high gloss and reflective surface that enhances the colors and veining in the stone.
Polished Finish – For a Glossy, Luxurious Look
The polished finish is the most popular and widely used granite finish. It has a mirror-like surface with high reflectivity that enhances the depth, color, and veining of the stone, giving it a rich and elegant appearance.
This finish is perfect for kitchen countertops, bathroom vanities, tabletops, and decorative wall panels. It is non-porous, easy to clean, and resistant to moisture and stains — making it ideal for dry indoor areas.
However, polished granite is not recommended for outdoor use, especially in rainy or high-moisture areas, as the surface can become slippery and hazardous.
Honed Finish – For a Soft, Matte Appearance
Honed finish will provide a smooth, flat surface with a satin or matte finish. A honed finish gives granite a natural and slightly less finished look, making it a perfect choice for modern or minimalist spaces.
Honed finishes are a good choice for flooring, staircases, and bathroom surfaces where slip-resistance is required. It is also more resistant to showing scratches, wear, and fingerprints than polished surfaces making it a good choice for high-traffic areas or homes with small children or pets.
Leathered Finish – For a Textured, Earthy Feel
The leathered finish is also becoming popular due to its unique texture and warm, organic look. Leathered granite is created by brushing the surface of honed granite. This creates a slightly dimpled feeling, leather-like surface while maintaining a low sheen.
This finish is perfect for adding character to bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, accent walls, and rustic or industrial-themed spaces. It’s also great at hiding fingerprints, water spots, and smudges, making it a low-maintenance option for busy households.
Flamed Finish – For Slip-Resistance in Outdoor Spaces
Flamed finishes are created by exposing granite to extreme heat, which creates lots of rough texture on the surface of the granite, and is also the most slip-resistant of all finishes. Its high-slip resistant nature makes it ideal for outdoor applications.
Flamed granite is often used with outdoor patios, walkways, pool decks and outdoor steps. Flamed finish granite is not only practical, but it can also look very natural, and rugged, and integrates nicely into the landscape where it is installed. It has a temporary resistance to weathering, which can be more effective than some materials for exterior surfaces long term.
How to Choose the Right Granite Finish
Every finish has a specific intention and your decision should reflect how you intend to use your space along with function and style. If you prefer a shiny, high-end look, select polished finish If you’re looking for a modern, soft look, choose honed finish. If you want to add dimension and texture, the leather finish look gives you a unique natural style. Lastly, if the granite is for outdoor use or in a wet area, flamed finish gives a surface that is safe to walk on and that will not fail under harsh conditions.
Also consider how you will use the space. Is there a lot of traffic or is this an area that will experience a lot of moisture? Will granite be the main star of the design aesthetic?Your finish choices can enhance the stone feeling great and effortless, and if you choose correctly, think about practicality and durability too.
Granite Care Tips Based on Finish
Granite finishes are easy to care for, but each surface does require slightly different maintenance:
- Polished: Use a soft cloth and mild cleanser; avoid acidic products.
- Honed: keep it clean regularly and reseal regularly to maintain matted surface.
- Leathered: wipe with a damp cloth; annual resealing keeps texture.
- Flamed: For outdoor use, rinse with water and sweep any debris to protect footing.
Final Thoughts
The right finish of granite is just as important as the color or pattern of the stone. Each finish alters the overall appearance and soundness of the stone within your space. The best way to choose is to know your needs and the use of this granite.
At Lavina Granites, we have a great selection of both premium granite stones in all major finishes; whether you are designing a luxury kitchen or durable outdoor patio we can assist you with your projects with the right stone!