Polished, honed or leathered? Countertop finishes explained
The same slab can look completely different depending on its finish. Choosing the right one changes how the counter looks, feels and wears every day.
Polished
Glossy and reflective, it deepens the color and shows off veining. It is the most stain-resistant natural stone finish, but shows water spots and scratches more easily on dark stone.
Honed
Smooth and matte. Soft, modern and less slippery. Honed marble hides etching better than polished, but honed stone can absorb stains more readily and needs good sealing.
Leathered
A soft, textured surface, like the black granite pictured. It hides fingerprints, water spots and crumbs extremely well, which makes it a favorite for dark granites and busy kitchens.
Which stones suit which finish
- Dark granite: leathered or polished.
- Marble: honed for a relaxed look.
- Quartzite: any finish; leathered adds grip and depth.
- Quartz: usually polished or matte from the factory.
See them in person
Run your hand over finished samples at the showroom, or request samples. See countertop care for cleaning each finish.
Common questions
Is leathered granite hard to clean?
No. It hides fingerprints and water spots well; wipe with a soft cloth or a soft brush for the texture.
Does honed granite stain more easily?
It can absorb liquids a bit more than polished, so seal it well and wipe spills quickly.
Which countertop finish hides fingerprints best?
Leathered, especially on dark granite.
Related: granite, granite colors, countertop care, request samples.
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