Once you have chosen the perfect slab of granite for your new counters, you may think the hard part is over. However, there are still decisions you must make, according to Marble Concepts. The next step you will need to take is to determine which finish you prefer for counters. These tips should help you make the right decision for yourself and your family.
Bush Hammered Finish
Using a tool that is similar to a meat tenderizing hammer, granite companies nearby strike the pyramid-shaped head against the surface. When they are finished, the surface looks like a weathered rock with a textured finish. This technique may also lighten the stone slightly.
Flamed Finish
Although not a commonly used finish, a flamed granite surface is especially popular in outdoor kitchens. The granite is heated at high temperatures that can cause the veining to change color and burst. The surface is rougher and appears naturally faded. The option is often found in slabs of muted colors. They are especially helpful in outdoor kitchens as they work well in areas of excess moisture.
Honed Finish
Although a honed finish is still smooth when you touch it, the surface has a different appearance than a polished finish. Also known as a buffed finish, there is no reflection on the surface of the counter. One way to look at the two finishes is that a honed finish would be matte paint while polished finishes are glossy paint. The counters have a much more muted coloring and fits well in contemporary kitchens. It is also a popular surface for granite floors as it keeps the floor from being too slippery.
Leathered Finish
If you are looking for a surface that keeps the natural colors and grooves intact, you will want to choose a leathered finish, often called a brushed finish. This type of finish, according to granite companies nearby, is great for darker stones as it does not add the glossy shine that most people associate with granite. Because the stone coloring can impact how well a leathered finish looks, it is recommended you discuss that option with your fabricator to be sure it will work well with the slab you have chosen.
Polished Finish
A polished finish on your countertops is just what it sounds like and the most common look that people envision when they see granite counters. Industrial diamond pads are used to polish the stone to a gleaming finish. Polished finishes accentuate the natural colors, giving the counters a richer feeling. In addition, if the stone has any reflective or shiny particles, they will stand out more in polished stone.
Choosing the Edges
In addition to choosing the finish for your granite countertop, you will also need to choose the edges. The edges will give your counter a finished look and protect the counters from chipping. Straight granite edges include eased and bevel while curved edges include pencil, bullnose, ogee, and more. Another option is chiseled edges, or you can choose from a combination of different edges. Eased edges are clean and simple, often used for contemporary looks. Beveled edges can give your counters an elegant look. Bullnose is the most popular option for granite edging as it works with almost any style. There are no sharp edges, making it more comfortable when leaning against the counter. It is also recommended for homes with small children as it is safer than eased or beveled edges. Fancier options are often used to make a statement and draw attention to the counter, but they are often more expensive than simpler edges.
Maintenance of Various Finishes
Polished granite offers the least amount of maintenance as it is water and stain-resistant. Because of the additional polishing, the stone is less porous, making it less likely that stains will be absorbed into your counter. Honed finishes have exposed pores that can allow liquids to be absorbed. Therefore, spills should be cleaned on a honed finish much more quickly than a polished finish. However, a honed finish hides any imperfections better than polished finishes. Although the texture that creates the unique look in a leathered finish is what attracts many people to the option, it can be more difficult to clean because of the texture. It is also prone to chipping and cracking. Because both flamed and hammered finishes create a textured surface, they may also be more difficult to clean than smoother surfaces.
Consider the Room
When choosing a finish for your granite countertop, you need to keep the features of your room in mind. If your kitchen gets a lot of sunlight, you may want to choose a polished surface so that the sun reflects off the counters. However, even if your kitchen has very little natural light, a polished finish can help lighten it somewhat. Polished finishes are also great for smaller rooms as they can act like a mirror to make the room feel larger. Rooms that have a lot of architectural detail may benefit more from a textured or leather finish, especially if the room has neutral colors and clean lines. If you are creating an outdoor kitchen, a flame or hammered surface may be the better option as they withstand moisture better than polished, honed, or leather surfaces.
Choosing the right granite slab is the first step in creating a stunning kitchen or bath, but it is also important to choose the right surface and edging as well. If you are considering granite for your home, contact Marble Concepts today to see how we can help. They will guide you through the process and help you choose the granite, surface, and edging that works perfectly for you and your family. You can talk to one of their helpful customer service representatives by calling 215-396-7393 or you can fill out the easy online form to get started creating countertops that are perfect for you and your family today.
