Choosing the right finish for the stone surface is as important as choosing the right stone itself. Finish has implications regarding what the stone would look like, how it feels, durability and safety during day-to-day use of the stone. The most popular finishes are leathered, honed, polished, and flamed–each has its charm and use.
This guide makes these finishes more understandable so you can pick the most appropriate finish for your space.
- Leathered Finish
- Honed Finish
- Polished Finish
- Flame Finish
- Brushed and Leathered Finish – Same or Not?
- Pros and Cons of Each Granite Finish
- Which Finish is easiest to Maintain?
- Which Finish is the most Durable & Stain Resistant?
- How much do these finishes Cost?
- Which Finish is Most Slip Resistant?
- Finish Comparison by Stone Type
- Which Stone Finish to Use for Each Area
- How to choose the Right Stone Finish?
- Granite Finishes – How it's done
- Need more Help?
Leathered Finish
Leathered finish is a matte-textured surface of the stone resembling soft leather.
It is typically used for steps, countertops, and exterior floors, making them anti-slip.
Honed Finish
Honed Finish is a smooth matte surface with no shine, and is perfect for a soft modern finish.
It is applied in bathrooms, kitchens and floors for the generation of glare and slip resistance.
Polished Finish
Polished finish is a reflective surface.
It is used for kitchen countertops, walls, and decorative surfaces for a luxurious look.
Flame Finish
Flame finish is a rough, textural surface and is the result of heating stone to high temperatures.
It is applied for outdoor walkways, patios and steps for slip resistance and durability.
Brushed and Leathered Finish – Same or Not?
Brushed and leathered finish are two different names for the same finish. Brushed finish and leathered finish of granite are more of less the same level of finish. However, always get samples from supplier of each finish as there might be minor differences across supplier and manufacturers.
| Parameter | Honed | Polished | Flamed | Leathered |
| Surface | Fine Matte | Reflective & Glossy | Coarse & Rough | Textured, Soft Matte |
| Stain Resistance | Moderate | High | Low to Moderate | High |
| Scratch Resistance | High | Low to Moderate | High | High |
| Slip Resistance | Moderate | Low (Slippery) | High | High |
| Color Enhancement | Subtle | Strong | Muted | Deep Colour Tones |
| Feel (Touch) | Smooth | Slick/Glossy | Gritty | Velvety/Rich Texture |
| Best For | Floors, Baths | Walls, Counters | Outdoors, Steps | Kitchens, Patios |
| Maintenance | Moderate | Easy (but shows dirt) | Easy | Moderate |
| Cost (USD/sq.ft.) | $40–$110 | $35–$82 | $20–$60 | $60–$100 |
| Durability | High | High | Very High | High |
| Fingerprints/ Smudges | Visible | Highly Visible | Not Visible | Hides Well |
| Appearance | Soft & Neutral | Bold & Elegant | Rustic | Earthy & Modern |
Pros and Cons of Each Granite Finish
Leathered Finish: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Hides fingerprints and water spots well | Limited availability in some colours |
| High slip resistance | More expensive than a honed finish |
| Textured, modern appearance | Slightly harder to clean due to the texture |
| Enhances stone’s natural colours subtly | Not ideal for very sleek, glossy looks |
Which One is Right for You?
For exterior countertops or dark interiors, leathered has a modern, low-slip mat finish. It’s ideal for high-traffic areas or areas that want the rich, rustic look.
Honed Finish: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Soft, matte appearance | Can show stains if not sealed properly |
| Good slip resistance | Less vibrant colour than a polished finish |
| Great for high-traffic floors | Can develop etching over time |
| Smooth to touch | May require more maintenance |
Which One is Right for You?
For kitchens, bathrooms, or high-traffic floors, a honed finish is an excellent option if you’d like low-glare, smooth and useful with restraint. It is perfect for minimalist modern areas.
Polished Finish: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Glossy, luxurious appearance | Slippery when wet |
| Enhances stone colours and patterns | Shows smudges and fingerprints easily |
| Easy to clean and wipe down | Not ideal for outdoor or wet areas |
| Widely available | Can be too flashy for rustic settings |
Which One is Right for You?
To achieve opulent countertops or lavish interior walls, the polished finish is perfect because reflective light and colour increasingly shine because of its polished finish. It’s perfect for those places that need a fantastic, sophisticated appearance, but it’s not appropriate for outdoor or moisture-prone locations.
Flame Finish: Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Excellent slip resistance | Rough texture may be hard on bare feet |
| Durable in outdoor conditions | Muted colours and less pattern visibility |
| Weather and heat resistant | Limited use in interiors |
| Rustic and natural look | Can be more porous, needs sealing |
Which One is Right for You?
For outdoor, patios, pathways or steps, the flame finish is desirable as it is hard wearing and not slippery when wet, and also is resistant to weather damage. It is perfect for rugged or natural decor, but should not be used in interior application areas where a flatter or polished look is preferred.
Which Finish is easiest to Maintain?
For Honed Finish
Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth or mop with warm water with mild detergent.
Stain Removal: For harder stains, a ph-balanced stone cleaner will be something gentler.
Sealing: Honed finishes are also more porous, so it is advised to reseal them every 6-12 months to avoid stains getting too penetrating.
For Leathered Finish
Regular Cleaning: Clean with a moist cloth and a mild soap solution using soft, damp cloth methods. Avoid acidic cleaners.
Stain Removal: Leather finishes are slightly stain resistant, but regular deep cleaning will keep them looking just right.
Sealing: This finish is stain-resistant, but sealing is still urged annually to preserve its texture and lustre.
For Polished Finish
Regular Cleaning: Clean with a soft cloth, smothered in a stone cleaner to keep the shine.
Stain Removal: Polished finishes are stain-resistant, but acidic substances must be avoided.
Sealing: Polished stone should be sealed periodically (once every 1-2 years) to keep it from decolouring and being damaged.
For Flame Finish
Regular Cleaning: Flame-finished surfaces can be cleaned using a brush in water. It is not easy to stain them with smudges.
Stain Removal: Gently remove the debris and stains with a scrub brush using mild soap.
Sealing: Flame finishes are highly stain and erosion resistant, but if they have exposed surfaces, some sealing would be required if they were exposed to a harsh environment.
Which Finish is the most Durable & Stain Resistant?
Honed Finish: Moderate durability. Honed finishes can get scratches if not sealed properly, and can show stains at times as well.
Leathered Finish: High durability. Stain-resistant and scratch-resistant, but can suffer wear if neglected for a long time.
Polished Finish: High durability. Extremely resistant to stain but etching from acid presence.
Flame Finish: Very high durability. Stain and wear resistant, and is great for outdoor use.
How much do these finishes Cost?
The cost acutally depends on the stone, and your exact project parameters.
Heres an approximate cost of finishing.
To get more details and a better cost estimate check out our estimators or get in touch with us.
| Finish | Cost USD/SQM |
| Honed Finish | $8–$11 |
| Leathered Finish | $6–$10 |
| Polished Finish | $6–$8.2 |
| Flame Finish | $6–$12 |
Which One is Right for You?
Honed or flame finishes are the most cost-effective for customers with a budget, polished and leathered finishes are often expensive due to the intricacies of pattern and gloss exterior.
Which Finish is Most Slip Resistant?
| Finish | Slip Resistance |
| Honed Finish | Moderate |
| Leathered Finish | High |
| Polished Finish | Low |
| Flame Finish | Very High |
Which One is Right for You?
Flame finish and leathered finish are perfect for high safety rooms, for example, bathrooms, kitchens and outdoor patios, because they offer maximum foot slip resistance. Polished finishes are more slippery, hence more suitable for low-moisture areas.
Finish Comparison by Stone Type
Leathered vs Honed vs Others for Granite
| Finish Type | Surface Appearance | Durability | Stain Resistance | Slip Resistance | Best For |
| Leathered | Matte with texture | High | Excellent | High | Countertops, floors |
| Honed | Matte, smooth | Moderate | Moderate (if sealed) | Moderate | Countertops, walls |
| Polished | Glossy, reflective | High | Excellent | Low | Countertops, vanity tops |
| Flame | Rough | Very High | Very High | Very High | Outdoor patios, steps |
Leathered vs Honed vs Others for Quartzite
| Finish Type | Surface Appearance | Durability | Stain Resistance | Slip Resistance | Best For |
| Leathered | Textured matte | High | Excellent | High | Countertops, flooring |
| Honed | Smooth matte | Moderate | Good (needs sealing) | Moderate | Countertops, vanity tops |
| Polished | Glossy, smooth | High | Excellent | Low | Interior surfaces |
| Flame | Rough | Very High | Very High | Very High | Outdoor areas, steps |
Leathered vs Honed vs Others for Marble
| Finish Type | Surface Appearance | Durability | Stain Resistance | Slip Resistance | Best For |
| Leathered | Textured, subtle matte | High | Excellent (when sealed) | High | Countertops, kitchen |
| Honed | Smooth, matte | Moderate | Moderate (if sealed) | Moderate | Countertops, floors |
| Polished | High gloss, shiny | Moderate | Poor (vulnerable to acid) | Low | Luxury interiors |
| Flame | Rough, natural | High | Very High | Very High | Exterior use, flooring |
Leathered vs Honed vs Others for Quartz
| Finish Type | Surface Appearance | Durability | Stain Resistance | Slip Resistance | Best For |
| Leathered | Matte, textured | High | Excellent | High | Countertops, backsplashes |
| Honed | Smooth, matte | Moderate | Good (needs sealing) | Moderate | Kitchen countertops |
| Polished | Shiny, reflective | High | Excellent | Low | Bathroom vanities |
| Flame | Rough, rugged | Very High | Very High | Very High | Outdoor surfaces, patios |
Which Stone Finish to Use for Each Area
Best Stone Finish for Kitchen Countertops
Leathered Finish: Perfect for busy kitchens with its contemporary design that is stain-proof.
Honed Finish: Smooth and matte, works well if there is a proper seal to last.
Polished Finish: The glossy finish pursues elegance, but means that extra care will be needed.
Flame Finish: Heat-resistant and sturdy, just right for an industrial-style kitchen.
Best Stone Finish for Bathroom Vanities
Leathered Finish: Water resistant and lavish, great for bathroom vanities.
Honed Finish: Sleek matte appearance, requires a sealing function for moisture protection.
Polished Finish: Elegant but must be cleaned of water spots frequently.
Flame Finish: Suits best rustic or industrial style vanities, but is harder to maintain.
Best Stone Finish for Flooring
Leathered Finish: Non-slip, lasting, perfect for busy floors.
Honed Finish: Smooth, long-lasting, and appropriate for classic flooring styles.
Polished Finish: However classy and slick, not suitable for high-traffic areas.
Flame Finish: Antislip and durable, excellent for rough, high-traffic floors.
Best Stone Finish for Backsplashes
Leathered Finish: Soft and easy to maintain – so good for kitchen backsplash.
Honed Finish: Classic matte finish that is easy to clean with versatile.
Polished Finish: Shiny and shiny, needs more maintenance.
Flame Finish: Not optimal because of texture roughness, but will do for industrial designs.
Best Stone Finish for Outdoor Patios
Leathered Finish: Durable, modern and stain-resistant, ideal for outdoor areas.
Honed Finish: Outdoor durability requires sealing of the smooth surface.
Polished Finish: Shiny, but slippery, not for patios.
Flame Finish: Durables and slip-resistant, ideal for outdoor patios.
How to choose the Right Stone Finish?
Consider Durability: For busy floors, use leathered flame finishes.
Aesthetic Preference: Polished finishes are shiny, and honed finishes give a half-matte effect.
Functionality: Use flame or leathered finishes for slip-resistant surfaces.
Maintenance: Leathered and honed finishes require less maintenance than polished finishes do.
Style Considerations: Flame finishes are suitable for rustic or industrial designs, and polished finishes fit contemporary designs.
Granite Finishes – How it’s done
How is Granite Leathered ?
A leathered finish is produced by brushing a honed surface using diamond-tipped brushes. This makes the stone textured and a little matte, with the feḤel of soft leather. It improves the natural colour of the stone and covers smudges and fingerprints. It is less reflective, and it has a more rustic look.
What is Granite Honed?
Honed finish is achieved by sanding the stone to give a flat, smooth finish, with little or no shine. By the time the stone becomes glossy, the process stops. It leads to a matte or satin finish and requires less reflection. It is frequently applied to floors and bathrooms because it is slip-resistant.
How is Granite Polished?
A polished finish is obtained by grinding and buffing a granitic surface to a high degree of reflectivity. This finish accentuates the colour and veining of the stone. It gives a sleek, shiny surface perfect for countertops and walls, but it is also slippery when wet.
How is Granite Flamed?
Flame finish is a result of granites being exposed to a high amount of heat and then rapidly cooling. Heat sends the crystals of the stone exploding, leaving behind a rough-textured surface. What is good about it is that it is slip-resistant and will be perfect for outdoor use.
Need more Help?
The choice of a suitable finish for the surface of your stone is dependent on quite a number of things, such as aesthetic preference, functionality, and maintenance. Leathered finishes bring a new era design and make it easy to maintain; hence favourable for high traffic areas.
Honed finishes are ideal for mellow elegance and the polished, glossy, sophisticated look, but at the expense of higher maintenance. Flame finishes are rugged and tough, and they’re about perfect for outdoor use, or an area that needs high heat and slip resistance.
Feel free to get in touch for a free consultation, quote, and get a detailed understanding from our experts here at Petros®. Visit https://petrosstone.com/ or call +91-8446360361 and WhatsApp
Hello!
I’m Varsha, with a deep interest in architecture and years of content writing experience, I explore how natural stones like granite and marble shape beautiful, functional spaces. At Petros® Stone, I share insights that help readers appreciate the design potential and timeless appeal of stone.
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