Honed Vs Polished Marble Countertops

Being a homeowner, if you have found and purchased your dream house, you would definitely be wanting the interiors according to your choices. Especially when it comes to the kitchen area, you would want the cabinets and kitchen countertops to be the best in terms of functionality and aesthetics. You might have already made a decision to get a marble countertop. Choosing a marble countertop would be a great option for enhancing the look of the kitchen. But the next decision that you should make is - Would you like to go for a polished marble countertop and a honed marble countertop?

If you are still confused then you have come to the right place. Here we would be explaining to you the important features of both - honed marble countertop and polished marble countertop which will make it easier for you to decide.

Honed Vs Polished Marble Countertop - Shine

Shining offered by the material is considered as one of the most obvious differences between honed and polished marble. If you see, the honed marble countertops would have a matte appearance with an unpolished finish. This means that the surface would not reflect light and provides a natural look to it.

Whereas in the case of polished marble, the appearance of the material would offer a great shine by reflecting almost 90% of the light falling on the surface. Moreover, the polished marble countertops have a smooth touch and are bright which is achieved by making use of the abrasive material. Commonly, people wish to have a polished marble countertop because it gives a sleek look to the kitchen. But if you are looking for something different then you should opt for a honed marble countertop. These are relatively new in the market and also increasing in popularity.

Honed Vs Polished Marble Countertop - Durability

Whether it is honed or polished marbles, the basic material is marble. So the durability of both the honed marble countertop and polished marble countertop would be similar. Marble is a natural stone thus it is extremely tough and also considered unbreakable. Although, if you wish to increase the durability of the marble, it is sealed with a protective layer which helps in preventing stains and etching.

Honed marble countertops have a dull and rough surface and due to this, they do not show etches and scratches. But the scratches can be easily visible on the polished surfaces. However, when it comes to stains, polished countertops can repel the stains in a better way as compared to honed marble countertops. So, your final choice would be based on which type of countertop would best stand up to your requirements.

Honed Vs Polished Marble Countertop - Color

As the basic material in both types of countertops is marble, you can get a wide range of color choices along with varied gradients. Due to the gradient effect, the marble tops cut of the same slab can have a different appearance and color. The only difference here is that honed marble tends to look slightly lighter in color, whereas polished marble will have a slightly darker hue. You must keep this aspect in mind while selecting the countertop for your kitchen.

Whether you are choosing a honed marble countertop or a polished marble countertop, make sure you are taking good care of it. You must avoid using these items on the countertop as they can heavily damage the surface:

• Beverages containing alcohol
• Juices from fruit
• Coffee
• Tea
• Vinegar
• Mustard
• Tomato products
• Carbonated beverages
• Salad dressings
• Butter
• Cosmetics

Honed Vs Polished Marble Countertop - Overall Aesthetic

After considering all the factors, you must focus on the overall aesthetic of your kitchen or bathroom when deciding between honed and polished marble. Though they are crafted of the same material, the finish you select for your marble can completely change its aesthetic. Honed marble tends to work better with more organic, natural decorating styles. It creates a neutral, but warm backdrop for the other decorative touches in your space.

Polished marble has a more refined and high-end look. It pairs well with more ornate features and decorative lighting. It has the potential to stand alone as a decorative element in a space, due to its eye-catching sheen.

Summary:

So now you are aware of both the types of marble countertop. You can choose the one that best suits your requirements and also matches the aesthetic level of your house interior.