As we all know – especially if you’ve been keeping up with our latest posts – marble countertops have long been regarded as a symbol of elegance and luxury in homes. With its timeless beauty and natural veining, this stone adds sophistication to many kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms, matching almost all personal styles. That said, among the various options available on the market, honed marble countertops have gained significant attention – and for a good reason. Several, actually.
In this article, we will delve into the world of honed marble and explore its unique characteristics and benefits compared to other marble slabs. To check out the full guide on marble countertops, click here.
What are honed marble countertops?
There are many styles of natural stones available for purchase, including marble – which can come in its traditional, polished, leathered, cultured, faux, and even epoxy form. Just like most of those, honed marble refers to marble that has undergone a specific finishing process, giving it a unique appearance.
Unlike polished marble (which has a glossy, reflective surface), honed marble has a smooth, matte finish that’s not known for shining so much. This finish is achieved by grinding the marble slab to remove any imperfections and then applying a series of finer abrasives to create a satin-like appearance. The result is a soft and velvety texture that exudes understated elegance.
So what is the main difference between honed and polished marble?
In short, honed marble is an intermediate surface that has not undergone a polishing process. What does that mean, though?
Well, the primary distinction between honed and polished marble lies in appearance and texture. While polished marble offers a high-gloss, mirror-like finish that reflects light, honed marble showcases a more subdued, low-sheen surface. The choice between the two largely depends on personal preference and the desired aesthetic for your space, considering the visual consistency of the surroundings. Polished marble tends to highlight the stone’s natural colors and veining, while honed marble provides a more subtle and contemporary look.
Don’t miss: Find Out the Best Types of Marble Countertops
Benefits of honed marble
First of all, as mentioned, honed marble countertops exude a sophisticated charm that complements modern and traditional design styles. If you’re a discreet person, this product is perfect for you, given how the matte finish lends a unique character to the ambiance and showcases a natural beauty without the distraction of extravagant shine.
On top of that, the advantage of honed marble is its ability to conceal minor scratches, etching, and wear marks. The matte surface minimizes the visibility of these imperfections, making honed marble countertops an excellent choice for high-traffic areas.
Finally, the absence of a glossy finish in honed marble reduces glare and reflections, creating a more serene and calming ambiance in your space. This makes honed marble particularly desirable for those seeking a more relaxed atmosphere.
Downsides of honed marble
Well, staining vulnerability is probably the first thing that comes to mind. Just like its traditional version, honed marble is a porous surface – meaning it’s very susceptible to staining if not properly sealed. The high-gloss surface can make spills and stains more noticeable and challenging to remove, requiring diligent maintenance and immediate cleaning.
Also, there’s the budget factor. While honed marble countertops may sometimes be slightly more affordable than their polished counterparts, their final cost depends a lot on the stone you’re getting. This price difference can be attributed to the additional labor and time required for handling the marble to achieve the desired finish. The honing process involves a simpler and less time-consuming technique than polishing, for instance, but this can still result in a slightly higher cost than an untouched marble slab.
Contact Eagle Stones today for top-quality marble slabs!
In summary, honed marble countertops offer a beautiful and practical alternative to other versions. With its smooth matte finish, it enhances the natural beauty of the stone while providing advantages such as reduced visibility of wear and tear, a non-reflective surface, and increased stain resistance.
However, if you’re still having a hard time trying to decide what types of marble countertops are ideal for your project, you can always look for a specialist’s opinion! Experts already know what each type of stone is suitable for and what they could bring to your home aesthetics, so their opinion can be very valuable. Here at Eagle Stones, we specialize in stone countertops – especially marble, which we have available across an expensive catalog you can see in person.
If you live in Sarasota, FL, just fill out our form and we will send you a specialist to give you a free estimate! We also handle many other kinds of stone, by the way, like quartz and granite, so we can help you pick the best fit for your home.
