Countertops by look
Honed Stone Countertops
A honed finish is ground smooth but not polished, so the stone has a soft, matte look instead of a mirror shine. Honed marble absorbs more liquid than polished marble, so sealing matters, per MSI. Each product below has a honed finish listed by its supplier; most are also offered polished.
From our catalog
9 materials with this look
Images are the manufacturers' own product photos. Natural stone varies slab to slab, so see your actual slab before fabrication.
Manufacturer image · MSICalacatta Marble
Manufacturer image · MSICarrara White Marble
Manufacturer image · NSRCalacatta Gold Marble
Manufacturer image · NSRStatuary White Marble
Manufacturer image · NSRVolakas Marble
Manufacturer image · MSITaj Mahal Quartzite
Manufacturer image · MSIFantasy Macaubas Quartzite
Manufacturer image · MSICristallo Quartzite
Manufacturer image · MSIMercury Gray Quartzite
Before you choose
What to consider
Material facts link to the supplier's own pages.
Honed vs. polished
Polished stone reflects light and has had more of its pores closed; honed stone is matte and, for marble, more absorbent, per MSI Surfaces. Plan on sealing as recommended for the specific stone.
Etching on marble
Acidic spills can etch marble whatever the finish, per MSI Surfaces. Many people choose honed marble because it suits a relaxed, lived-in look.
Leathered and brushed
None of the products in our online catalog is listed by its supplier as leathered. MSI lists brushed, a textured finish, for several stones. If you want a textured surface, ask us and we'll check current options at MSI, NSR or other yards.
FAQ
Common questions
Is a honed countertop harder to maintain?
It can need more attention to sealing, because honed marble is more absorbent than polished, per MSI. We go over care for your specific stone before fabrication.
Can quartz be honed?
The quartz products in our online catalog are listed by MSI and NSR as polished, with one concrete-textured option. For a matte look in an engineered surface, see the matte porcelain slabs on our gray and white pages.
Which honed stones do you carry?
The marble and quartzite on this page all have a honed finish listed by MSI or NSR. Availability changes, so we confirm it when you inquire.
Free in-home estimate
Narrowed it down?
We come to you, measure, and talk through the materials on your shortlist. The estimate is free.