Polished and honed marble are usually the top two choices when it comes to the finish of your natural marble stone countertop. While “polished” is relatively self-explanatory, “honed” is different.

What is honed marble, and is it the right choice for your countertop finish? We are here to explain!

Natural Stone Changes Over Time

When you’re choosing natural stone for your countertops, it’s important to understand that it changes with use and age. For marble, this is truer than any other stone. As it ages, it develops a patina. This could be a pro or a con, depending on your expectations. If you’d like a counter that looks the same in five years as it did the day you installed it, this stone probably isn’t for you.

However, if you’re open to embracing the look of a natural product and you appreciate how this stone changes with age, you’ll enjoy every stage of its life.

Choosing Between Two Types of Finishes

Marble countertops can receive either a polished or honed finish. How the stone reacts to wear and tear depends on which you choose.

Honed Marble: The Pros and Cons

There are two main threats to marble countertops: stains and scratches. With honed marble, you don’t have to worry about scratches. Since it lacks a glossy surface, scratches don’t show up even when the light hits it.

On the other hand, since honed marble lacks a polished, protective finish, it is more susceptible to staining.

So honed marble can sustain wear and tear, but you must wipe up acidic spills right away to avoid the need for more in-depth cleaning later.

Should You Stick with Polished Stone?

A polished finish offers a countertop more protection from stains, increasing its absorption-resistance. However, due to the glossy finish, any scratches or dents will be easily evident, especially in a well-lit room like a kitchen. When you clean a polished finish, you can’t use an abrasive cleaning agent or a hard-bristled scrub brush, or you could make it look much older than it is.

Get More Information

In general, marble countertops are a high-end design statement that will instantly elevate the look of your interiors, regardless of the finish you choose. However, you may still benefit from an expert opinion.

Our team at Intermountain Stone & Marble Company makes thoughtful recommendations for marble counter finishes based on where the marble will be installed and how you intend to use it. When you’re deciding between polished and honed marble, call us. We can help you make the right choice.

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