Honed vs. Polished?

Polished finishes were once the standard for natural stone. Slabs would, by default, come polished, and honed was a finish that only a fabricator would apply as a custom order. Polished stone creates a mirror-like reflection and a slick, glossy surface. It tends to be more resilient, but also can show imperfections much more easily.

Honed marble or granite has a smooth, but slightly duller finish. It can vary anywhere between a rough sanded texture, to a near mirror finish that reflects light without providing a bright reflection. Honed finishes can be more difficult to clean, due the rougher texture of the stone, but also may be more forgiving as a wear surface. Honed stone tends to hide scratches and etching more than a polished finish, and if such wear is a concern then this may be a suitable finish for your application.

New fabrication techniques and tools have made an assortment of finishes widely available from the factory or quarry. Leathered, brushed, antiqued, graffiti, bush-hammered, cleft/natural, and matte, just to name a few. Each finish has its own special effect, but also may have drawbacks you are unaware of. Feel free to contact us to discuss the recommended finishes for your particular project.

Thank you

Millstone Marble and Tile