Quartz is a top choice for many when picking a material for kitchen and bathroom counters.
Why? Because it’s tough, looks great, and is easy to look after.
But here’s something many don’t realize right away: the finish, or the way the surface of the quartz looks and feels, is super important.
Imagine you’re shopping for a dress or a shirt.
The color might be the first thing you notice, but how it feels when you touch it and how it looks when you wear it matters a lot too.
In the same way, with quartz, you can choose a shiny finish (like a glossy surface of a magazine cover) or a more soft and smooth honed one (like a chalkboard).
Both are popular, but they have different vibes and need different care.
So what is Honed vs. Polished Quartz ?
A Honed quartz has a matte finish, which means it doesn’t have a shine or gloss to it. It offers a soft and smooth surface. The look of honed quartz is more natural and muted.
Polished quartz, on the other hand, has reflective and shiny surface. It’s the kind of finish most people think of when they imagine a typical quartz countertop.
As we talk more about quartz, keep in mind that the finish you pick can make a big difference.
It affects how your counter looks, how it feels, and how you take care of it.
Let’s dive in and learn more about these options!
This post is about what is the difference: honed vs polished quartz
Understanding the Basics:
What is Quartz ?
Quartz is a kind of stone that’s found naturally in the earth.
But the quartz counters we often see in homes aren’t just dug up and put in kitchens like natural stone countertops.
They’re a mix of this natural stone (quartz) and some man-made materials.
This mix is what we call ‘engineered quartz’.
Because of this blend, quartz counters are really tough and don’t easily get stains or scratches.
This makes them great option for busy places like kitchens or bathrooms. So, when we talk about quartz counters, we’re mostly talking about this engineered kind, not the 100% natural stone.
What are countertop Finishes ?
Now, let’s talk about ‘finishes’.
Imagine you have a piece of wood.
You can paint it, polish it, or leave it as it is.
Each choice changes how the wood looks and feels.
Similarly, a ‘finish’ for counters is like the final touch on how they look and feel.
For quartz counters, you can have them super shiny which are polished quartz countertops.
You can also have a more smooth surface which is the honed surface.
The type of finish you pick will change the look of your kitchen countertops or bathroom countertops and also might change how you clean and care for it.
Honed Quartz
Honed quartz isn’t shiny. Instead, it has a matte, smooth surface with a soft sheen.
When you touch it, it feels really smooth, without the slippery feel that some shiny surfaces have.
The honing process involves, stopping the polishing process before the stone gets shiny, giving the surface of the stone a soft matte look.
The surface of honed quartz has a more natural and organic appearance.
The texture gives a soft and warm feel.
The countertop surface offers Muted Colors.
The colors and patterns are understated, giving a subdued elegance.
Polished Quartz
The most identifiable feature of polished quartz is its glossy, mirror-like finish, which reflects light brilliantly.
Polished quartz countertops have highly reflective surface.
It’s texture is exceptionally smooth and gives off a luxurious feel.
The polishing process intensifies the color and pattern, making them more pronounced in the glossy quartz countertops
Benefits of Quartz Countertops: What makes them Unique
Comparison: Honed vs. Polished Quartz
Aesthetic Differences
When you’re choosing a countertop, the finish you select can greatly affect the whole vibe of your room.
Both honed and polished quartz have their unique aesthetics.
Honed Quartz:
Feel: A honed finish gives a soft, matte appearance.
Without the shine, it looks more natural, somewhat like a smooth stone you might find at the river’s edge.
Ambiance: Spaces with honed quartz often feel warm, welcoming, and slightly rustic.
The muted finish can evoke a sense of age or antiquity, making it perfect for homes that lean towards a classic, vintage, or farmhouse style.
Reflection: Unlike polished surfaces, honed quartz doesn’t reflect light.
So, the space might appear softer and more muted, with a relaxed aura.
Polished Quartz:
Feel: This finish is all about shine and luster. It’s sleek, glossy, and looks like it just got a fresh polish, always.
Ambiance: A polished quartz countertop can make a room feel more upscale and contemporary.
It adds a touch of luxury, making it a common choice for modern kitchens and bathrooms.
It can be a focal point in any interior design project.
Reflection: The glossy surface reflects light, which can make a space feel brighter and sometimes even larger.
However, it can also highlight any spills, smudges, or fingerprints.
Maintenance Differences
When you have a quartz countertop, whether it’s honed or polished, taking care of it is important to keep it looking great.
Polished Quartz are non porous. they require minimal maintenance.
Since they have stain resistance, they are great for high-traffic areas.
Most of the time, all you need is warm water and a soft cloth to wipe it down clean.
For tougher stains or spills, a bit of mild detergent can help.
Polished quartz surfaces are shiny.
Because of that things like fingerprints or smudges can show up pretty easily.
If you or your family use the kitchen a lot, you might find yourself cleaning it often.
Honed quartz on the other hand is a porous material.
Matte quartz countertops need to be sealed to make sure liquids do not seep in.
You should use cleaners that are meant for quartz surfaces.
One cool thing about honed quartz is that it doesn’t easily show fingerprints or smudges.
So if you’ve got kids or just a busy kitchen, this can be a big plus!
Also, it has a calm, natural look. It’s not too flashy, but instead has a relaxed and muted style.
Heat Resistance
Both finishes are resistant to heat but not heat proof.
I do not recommend putting very hot pots directly on countertops surface.
Do Quartz countertops Stain: A How to care Guide
Best Applications for Polished Quartz
Ideal for kitchens and bathrooms where homeowners seek a touch of grand luxury.
It’s also a favorite for commercial spaces, where you want to make a statement.
Best Applications for Honed Quartz
It’s a favorite for homeowners seeking a rustic or vintage ambiance.
Moreover, it’s preferred in areas where a softer, more muted decor is desired, such as traditional kitchens or farmhouse-style bathrooms.
In the recent years, honed quartz has become increasingly popular option.
The matte finishes in quartz products are in high demand.
Honed Vs Polished Quartz: Which one is more expensive ?
Polished Quartz: The polishing process is more straightforward and is the standard finish for most quartz slabs.
Because it’s the default finish, polished quartz is usually priced a bit lower than its honed counterpart.
Honed Quartz: Achieving a honed, matte finish requires an additional process where the stone’s surface is ground down to achieve its smooth texture.
This finishing process can sometimes be more labor-intensive than polishing.
As a result, the cost for honed quartz countertops (matte surfaces) can be slightly higher than for polished quartz.
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Home
Choosing the right finish for your countertops or any home feature is more than just about looks.
Here’s a guide to help you make the right choice:ow
Consider Your Lifestyle
When you’re choosing between honed and polished quartz, a lot of it boils down to the kind of look you’re going for.
Personal Preference
Some people love the soft, relaxed feel of honed quartz, which has a matte look and provides natural aesthetics.
Others might prefer the shiny, sleek appearance of polished quartz. It really comes down to what you like more.
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Overall Design
Think about the rest of your room.
If you have a rustic or cozy design, a honed finish might fit in better.
On the other hand, if your space has a modern or upscale vibe, a polished countertop can match that feel.
Color Palette The finish you choose can affect the colors in your room.
Polished surfaces might reflect more light and brighten up a space.
Honed surfaces can offer a more consistent, muted color.
Households with Children:
If you have young children, honed finish is a better choice that hides smudges, spills, and fingerprints.
A honed finish, with its matte appearance, tends to conceal these everyday marks better than a polished finish.
Frequent Cooking:
For those who love cooking or do so frequently, it’s essential to choose a finish that’s easy to clean and maintain.
Polished quartz, for instance, is simple to wipe down after a cooking session.
Aesthetic Preferences
Modern Look: If you’re aiming for a sleek, contemporary style in your home, polished quartz with its glossy and reflective surface can add that touch of modern elegance.
Rustic Look: For a more rustic or farmhouse vibe, a honed finish might be more suitable. It offers a muted, natural appearance, reminiscent of stone and organic materials.
Maintenance Willingness
Low Maintenance: If you’re looking for something that requires minimal upkeep, polished quartz might be the way to go.
Its non-porous surface makes it resistant to staining and doesn’t need frequent sealing.
Regular Upkeep: While no countertop is entirely maintenance-free, honed finishes might require a bit more attention.
This means periodic sealing and being vigilant about wiping away spills to prevent staining.
If you’re okay with a bit more maintenance to achieve a specific look, then go for it!
At the end of the day, when making the final decision on the right finish, it’s important to balance aesthetics with functionality.
Think about how you’ll use the space, the style you’re aiming for, and how much maintenance you’re willing to commit to.
FAQs
Is honed quartz more expensive than polished ?
While costs can fluctuate based on location and supplier, generally, honed finish is more expensive than polished.
How often should I seal honed quartz?
It’s recommended to seal honed quartz annually, but always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Make sure you use proper sealers that are meant for quartz countertops.
What’s more popular: honed or polished quartz?
Polished quartz tends to be more popular due to its classic, shiny appeal.
Do both finishes come in various colors?
Absolutely! From rose hues to smoky grays, both finishes offer a spectrum of colors.
What other finish option is popular ?
A leathered finish is has been quite popular in stone surfaces. This finish is a step more than honed finish. The surface of the stone is given more dimpled texture.
It’s very similar to worn leather. The vein structures get enhanced in this type of surface. Quartzite countertops are a great choice for leather finish.
Is honed or polished quartz better ?
There is no straight answer to this. The finish that is better depends on how you would use it and the look you want. Here are Pros and Cons of Honed Vs polished Quartz.
Honed Quartz
Pros:
- Natural Appearance: Honed quartz has a matte finish, which can look more natural and less “glitzy” than polished quartz.
- Reduced Visibility of Smudges and Fingerprints: The lack of shine means fewer visible smudges and fingerprints.
- Consistent Look Over Time: Honed surfaces can better hide potential scratches or etches that may appear over time.
Cons:
- Stain Vulnerability: Honed quartz can be slightly more porous, making it more vulnerable to stains, especially in high-traffic areas or where acidic liquids (like wine or citrus juices) are common.
- More Frequent Maintenance: Might require more frequent cleaning or even sealing to prevent staining.
Polished Quartz
Pros:
- Stain Resistance: Polished surfaces are non porous, making them more resistant to staining.
- Easy Maintenance: Easier to clean due to its smooth, non-porous surface. Typically, it won’t require sealing.
- Luxe Appearance: Offers a high-gloss, shiny appearance which can make spaces look more luxurious or modern.
This post was about what is the difference: honed vs polished quartz
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