Polished, Honed or Brushed? Understanding Stone Finishes

The finish applied to a stone surface affects far more than its appearance. It changes how the stone feels underfoot, how it reflects light, how slip-resistant it is and how easily everyday marks show. Choosing the right finish is just as important as choosing the stone itself.

Polished

A polished finish is ground to a high gloss that intensifies colour and veining. It is a classic choice for benchtops, vanities and feature walls. On softer stones such as marble, a polished surface will show etching and fine scratches more readily.

Taj Mahal

Honed

Honing produces a smooth, matte or satin surface. It gives a softer, more contemporary look and helps disguise etching and wear, which makes it popular for kitchens, bathrooms and floors.

Brushed and textured finishes

Brushed, leathered and chiselled finishes add a tactile texture that hides fingerprints and water marks and brings out the natural character of the stone. They are well suited to benchtops, bar tops and paving.

Flamed

A flamed finish is created by applying intense heat to granite or basalt, leaving a rough, slip-resistant surface. It is the go-to option for outdoor paving, stair treads and pool surrounds.

Not sure which finish suits your project? Our team can help you compare samples and find the right balance of look, feel and practicality.

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