Honed Granite Countertops | Read Before You Buy

Honed granite countertops have become a popular choice for designing high-end kitchens and bathrooms. They are durable and stand up well to heat and stains, just like polished granite. However, they come with a soft, matte appearance that feels more understated and stylish. For homeowners looking to showcase the beauty of natural stone without the shiny finish, honed granite works as an ideal choice.

This article dives into popular color choices for honed granite countertops and gives tips to pick the best shade to fit your space.

Absolute Black stands out as a top pick if you need a uniform appearance and want something that conceals stains. Lighter tones such as Silver Cloud or Kashmir White create a sense of brightness and openness in spaces, though they might require more maintenance. 

Honed granite works best for countertops, backsplashes, and stair treads. It is not recommended for floors since it can stain or etch more when faced with heavy use. 

We will walk you through the top color options, their main advantages and disadvantages, costs, and ideal uses to help you choose.

What is Honed Granite?

Honed granite is a natural stone with a smooth, matte surface that has almost no gloss. While polished granite shines with a reflective finish, honed granite feels softer and looks more understated. Some people choose this finish to achieve a subtle and classy style in spaces where they aim to have a muted and natural texture.

Best Honed Granite Countertops

When you are looking for honed granite countertops, some colors are especially well-suited to a matte or honed finish. 

Here are a few popular choices:

Black Mist Honed Granite

This granite stays a favorite for good reasons. Its color ranges from dark grey to black, but it is far from boring. You might spot soft, cloudy grey patterns or faint white specks that look like a foggy night sky. When honed, the surface turns velvety smooth with an irresistible feel.

Nero Mist Honed Granite

This stone catches attention with its smoky vibe. Thin white veins scatter across a deep black base, creating a look that feels understated yet striking. The honed finish enhances its elegance, making it a perfect pick to style up kitchens or bathrooms.

Silver Grey Honed Granite

This granite comes in a solid deep black shade with a smooth matte touch. It skips the shine and leans into a bold and dark design. It works great if you aim for a clean and modern feel.

Absolute Black Honed Granite

Pick this for a sleek and bold countertop style. Its pure black surface has zero patterns to distract the eye. The honed finish gives it a smooth, chalky feel that balances modern and solid design.

Jet Mist Honed Granite

This granite stands out with its deep charcoal or black base. It’s known for its swirling patterns and a soft mist of grey or white that creates a natural textured appearance. It’s far from being a plain solid color.

Galaxy Grey Honed Granite

This granite has a silver-gray surface with an even and balanced shade. Its smooth and dense build with faint light streaks can add a touch of uniqueness to kitchens and bathrooms. The natural shade of the specks and crystals in this honed granite provides a high-end feel.

Negresco Honed Granite

This deep black granite showcases thick white veins that create a bold and striking contrast. The polished look adds a dramatic charm, making it a solid choice to use on standout countertops or decorative accent walls.

Honed Granite Countertops Price

Granite prices depend on the type you choose, how easy it is to source, and the place where you buy it. You also need to include installation expenses since they can raise the overall cost.

Some Other Honed Granite Countertop Colors

Honed granite isn’t just black or grey. You will find it in lots of colors that match your personal preferences.

Absolute Black Granite

Pure black with a smooth, chalk-like matte look. Works well for simple modern counters and stair steps.

Black Pearl Granite

A rich black with tiny silver bits that give it a soft shimmer even on dull finishes. Fits in sleek modern kitchen designs.

Baltic Brown Granite

A medium-brown surface with round mineral swirls. It brings a stylish yet not overpowering look.

White Ice Granite

A crisp white background with streaks of grey and black. Perfect for bright modern areas but requires proper sealing.

Silver Cloud Granite

A pale grey tone featuring soft white waves. Ideal to add a graceful touch to bathroom counters or backsplash areas.

Steel Grey Granite

A dark grey color with an even texture. It works well to handle wear and tear in busy kitchens and needs little upkeep.

Coffee Brown Granite

A rich brown shade with touches of black and grey. It brings cozy and earthy vibes to rustic homes.

Brown Antique Granite

Features a chocolate-brown base with faint patterns. It suits classic or traditional kitchen layouts.

Blue Pearl Granite

Has a dark blue-black tone sprinkled with silver-blue sparkle. It draws attention, so it works best as a highlight surface.

Verde Ubatuba Granite

This is a deep green shade that includes golden or silver speckles. It’s a bold choice to replace black countertops.

Burgundy Red Granite

Displays a warm red tone mixed with black and grey minerals. It makes a countertop feel rich and bold.

Ivory Cream Granite

A soft beige surface with faint veins works well in simple neutral spaces with earthy tones.

Alaskan Ivory Granite

This creamy light shade has warm hints that brighten up open areas with a gentle texture.

Tan Brown Granite

A rich brown stone featuring black and red flecks. It pairs well with kitchens and is quite sturdy.

Desert Brown Granite

With its sandy brown shade and fine specks, it fits in warm, laid-back designs.

Tropical Brown Granite

A dark brown color mixed with minerals, ideal for traditional or transitional looks.

Honed Vs Polished Granite Countertop – Which is better?

Well, this is a pertinent question, and honestly, neither one is ‘better’; both have their charm!

So, if you like a soft and subtle vibe, go for honed granite. And, if you prefer a glossy, luxurious finish, polished granite should be your pick.

Honed Granite Countertops: Pros and Cons

Here’s a look at the advantages and disadvantages of honed granite to help you see what it involves.

Simple Style: Honed granite works well if you like clean and modern designs. It brings a sophisticated look without being too flashy.

PROS

Soft Matte Finish: Polished granite shines, but not everyone likes that. Honed granite has a smooth matte surface that’s gentler on the eyes in strong light. Made to Last: Granite forms its base, which makes it strong and dependable. It doesn’t break down, not even in busy kitchens or rooms with heavy use.

Unique Designs: I like how each slab looks different. None of them match, which lets your kitchen or living space feel more personal and special.

Safer Floors: It works well near sinks or on floors because it adds safety. The matte texture increases grip and cuts down on slips. This is useful when kids are running around. Hides Marks Better: Shiny surfaces often highlight every streak and smudge. This type helps keep those less noticeable. If you cook or have kids, you’ll enjoy not needing to wipe it.

Feels Like Stone: Its rough finish gives it a natural stone-like feel. It feels simple and earthy when touched, making it feel calm and grounded.

CONS

There are a couple of drawbacks, but being mindful can help avoid them.

Scratches May Be More Visible:  Scratches can show up more on matte surfaces since light bounces off them, which makes them noticeable. This isn’t a huge problem, but it’s worth thinking about. Matte finishes also tone down how bright colors look because they lack shine. To achieve bold or vibrant colors, choosing a polished finish might work better.

Needs More Upkeep: You may need to apply sealant more often to maintain its resistance against stains. It is not a major hassle, but it is something you should manage

Uses of Honed Granite Countertops

Honed granite works in many areas. You can put it in:

• Kitchen Counters
• Bathroom Sinks
• Backsplashes
• Wall Coverings
• Floors

However, granite does not work well on floors that face a lot of traffic or moisture. Its porous surface soaks up water and stains. The matte look may be appealing, but it requires sealing to maintain its condition.

Avoid using honed granite in the following places:

• Floors in homes or businesses where people walk a lot
• Outdoor spaces like patios or pathways
• Shower floors or other areas that deal with frequent water exposure

It’s better to go with polished granite or something textured like flamed or leathered granite for such areas. These choices can last longer and deal better with stains, water, and everyday wear.

Where Should You Buy?

If you want honed granite for your place, there are several sources to explore. Stores that sell stone, tile retailers, or global suppliers in countries like the USA and India have tons of options that match different styles.

You could start with Petros Stone. Many people rely on their wide selection of colors and finishes, including honed granite. Reviews often highlight their balance of quality and affordability. With so many choices, it’s easy to find something that fits your design ideas without overspending.

Need Assistance?

Choosing the perfect honed granite needs planning. People often ask about things like costs, installation timelines, and what the entire process involves. The Petros Stone team supports you every step of the way. Our experts know the process inside-out and can guide you through everything, from picking your slab to understanding how it’s installed. We also share upfront pricing details to help you plan your budget and stay on track with your project.

Frequent Queries!

Q. Is honed granite more expensive than polished granite? 

Honed and polished granite costs about the same. Pricing depends on factors like the stone’s color, rarity, and the local fabrication services. Honed granite might cost more sometimes because it takes extra work to finish it.

Q. Can honed granite be used in bathrooms? 

Sure, it fits great in bathrooms. Honed granite often goes into vanities, shower walls, or other spots. The matte finish gives it a more natural look and helps reduce bright reflections in well-lit spaces.

Q. Is honed granite a good pick to use for kitchen countertops?

Honed granite makes an apt choice for kitchen counters. It looks stylish, stays durable, and handles heat without trouble. However, you’ll need to reseal it to protect it from spills or stains.

Q. Does honed granite feel slippery when wet?

Honed granite grips better than polished granite. This makes it a good option for areas like staircases or bathrooms. Even so, it’s always wise to watch your step on wet surfaces.

Q. Can honed granite work as a material to cover floors? 

Matte surfaces aren’t the best choice for crowded areas because they absorb more stains and can scratch or etch. They work better in quiet spots or as decorative pieces if sealed.

Q. Does honed granite require high maintenance?
Honed granite needs extra attention compared to polished granite. You need to reseal it often and clean it using mild, pH-neutral soap to maintain its appearance.

Q. Should you pick honed or polished granite?

What you like in design matters when deciding. Honed granite gives a smooth and modern look with a soft finish. Polished granite, on the other hand, has a glossy and traditional vibe. Both options stay durable if maintained.

Shivangi Agarwal

Hi, I’m Shivangi,

With years of experience in the architecture and design space, I write to bridge the gap between material knowledge and practical application. At Petros® Stone, I create content that highlights the beauty, function, and impact of natural stones, helping homeowners and professionals make confident design decisions.

Explore my LinkedIn profile to learn more about my work!

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