When we were searching for our kitchen island countertop, the finish was our top priority.
We knew we wanted natural stone with movement in soft, neutral colors. We instantly fell in love with White Macaubas quartzite. But when we went to select our slab, the only available option was a polished finish.
Because our kitchen has a lot of natural light and layered lighting, we knew a shiny surface might create glare. So we waited for a honed finish to arrive.
And honestly — we’ve never looked back.
If you’re choosing countertops, the finish matters just as much as the stone itself. It affects lighting, maintenance, durability, and how your kitchen feels day-to-day.
📷 Countertop shown in photo, purchased and fabricated by Stone Fabricators of St. Louis, MO.
Here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
How to Choose the Right Finish for Your Kitchen
When selecting a countertop finish, consider two main things:
- Function first: how will your kitchen be used daily?
- Your design style: do you want glossy, modern look, or something softer and more natural?
Good news: you rarely have to sacrifice style for function. Many stones can be ordered in different finishes depending on the slab.
Countertop Finish Guide: Pros and Cons
There are three of the most common natural stone finishes used in kitchens:
- Polished (Glossy)
- Honed (Matte)
- Leathered (Textured)
Let’s break down the differences.
1. Polished / Glossy Countertops
A polished finish is shiny, smooth, and reflective. It enhances the natural colors and patterns in the stone, making it a popular choice for many kitchens.
Pros
- Brightens a room by reflecting light
- Enhances the natural color and veining of stone
- Smooth surface is easy to clean
- More resistant to moisture and staining than other finishes
What to Consider
Because polished surfaces are reflective, they tend to show:
- fingerprints
- smudges
- water spots
- scratches
They can also create glare in kitchens with lots of windows or bright lighting.
Popular Stones for Polished Finishes:
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartz
- Quartzite
Best for:
- Smaller kitchens
- Low-light spaces
- Homeowners who prefer a clean, glossy look
2. Honed / Matte Countertops
A honed finish has a smooth, matte appearance with little to no reflection. It creates a softer, more natural feel in a space.
This is the finish we chose for our kitchen.
Pros
- Reduces glare and reflection
- Hides fingerprints and minor scratches better
- Creates a warm, organic aesthetic
- Great for busy family kitchens
Because the surface is matte, it also tends to show less visual wear over time compared to glossy surfaces.
What to Consider
Honed surfaces are slightly more porous than polished ones, which means:
- They may require more frequent sealing
- They can be more susceptible to staining if spills sit too long
- Acidic foods (lemon juice, vinegar, wine) should be wiped down fairly quickly
- For daily cleaning, use a pH-neutral cleaner and a soft cloth.
(we have not had any staining or issues thus far from any of above)
Personal tip: I wouldn’t recommend honed countertops for makeup vanities, since powders and cosmetic products can be harder to wipe off matte surfaces.
Popular Stones for Honed Finishes
- Granite
- Quartzite
- Soapstone
- Marble
Best for:
- Bright kitchens
- Modern organic design styles
- Busy households with kids
3. Leathered / Suede Countertops
A leathered finish has a soft, textured surface with very low reflectivity. It adds depth and character to natural stone.
You can actually feel the texture slightly when you run your hand across the countertop.
Pros
- Hides fingerprints and smudges extremely well
- Conceals scratches and water spots
- Unique, natural look
- Works well in both indoor and outdoor kitchens
What to Consider
Because the surface is textured:
- Cleaning may require a bit more effort
- Crumbs or debris can sit in small grooves
- Writing on paper directly on the countertop may feel uneven
Popular Stones for Leathered Finishes
- Granite
- Marble
- Quartzite
Best for:
- Rustic or natural design styles
- High-traffic kitchens
- Families who want a forgiving surface
OT Design Tip: Reduce Glare in Bright Kitchens
From an occupational therapy design perspective, glare matters more than people realize.
Highly reflective surfaces can increase eye strain and may contribute to headaches or trigger symptoms for people prone to migraines or visual sensitivities.
In kitchens with large windows or bright lighting, a honed or leathered finish can create a calmer visual environment.
When choosing your countertop finish, think about:
- Lighting in your space
- How often you cook
- Your cleaning preferences
- Your overall design style
For us, choosing a honed quartzite countertop was the perfect balance between beauty and function.
It softened the lighting in our kitchen, hides everyday wear from kids, and creates a calm, natural feel in the space.
And that’s exactly what we wanted.
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