If you’re shopping for new countertops for your home, it can feel a bit overwhelming. There’s so much to think about, especially when it comes to choosing granite. Two common options are honed granite and polished granite countertops. But what’s the difference between them? What makes each one special?

Polished Granite

Polished granite has a shiny, glossy finish. This option is very common for countertops because the polished look brings out a wide range of colors that complement the design of many kitchens and bathrooms.

After polishing the stone it becomes darker, and the colors more rich. The granite surface also becomes somewhat reflective. It’s an elegant look, and because of the many color options granite provides it can easily match any design style.

Granite is usually polished by the fabricator before it is installed, but it can be repolished after installation. Re-polishing will be necessary every 5-10 years, depending on the amount of use the stone gets, and if any damage occurs. Some homeowners re-polish their own countertops with a variable speed buffer, but it is a bit of an art, so many people opt to hire a countertop expert to refinish the stone.

Honed Granite

Honed granite is basically the opposite of polished. This finish has very little shine, it’s more of a matte or satin look. Honed granite isn’t typically as dark as polished, and there is less contrast in the stone’s colors.

While this finish still provides the class and elegance that people look for in granite, it is more subtle than the polished option.

Technically, all granite is polished, as the stone’s surface is rough when it is first extracted from the earth. Honed granite, however, does not go through as much, or as fine grinding and buffing as polished granite. Both finishes are flat and smooth to the touch.

Honed vs. Polished Granite: What’s the Difference?

You’ve probably seen polished granite before—it’s the shiny, smooth surface we’re all familiar with. But have you ever wondered what a *honed* finish on granite looks like? The difference between honed and polished granite comes down to how the surface is finished, not the natural qualities of the stone itself. Both types go through a process to get their unique appearance.

The rough side of the granite stone is polished by coarse, abrasive pads that apply pressure to grind and buff the stone’s surface. A honed finish is created when the polishing stops before the stone turns shiny. Therefore, it does not go through as much fine grinding and buffing. Both types of finishes require the granite to be sealed.

The Conclusion

Want to buy polished or honed granite? Because each finishing technique has benefits and drawbacks, there is no obvious choice. Your ultimate choice of the best granite suppliers in India will be based on your own tastes and the features of your living space. Make sure you gather all the relevant details, read online customer reviews, compare costs and maintenance requirements, and look at a few examples before making your final decision.

Whether it is polished or honed, granite offers the durability and longevity of a high-performance natural stone. Thanks to the many finishes available, you may utilize granite’s beauty and practicality in a way that perfectly satisfies your needs, aesthetic preferences, as well as your overall home décor.