Uncover The Many Finishes To Granite Counters

Written by Molly Webster Sunday, 29 May 2011 06:45

Granite can be a specialty unto itself. Every stone and slab has a special color and composition which makes it stick out from the next, which is a key reason that granite countertops have become probably the most popular choice for homeowners across the country.

Granite can be a specialty unto itself. Every stone and slab has a special color and composition which makes it stick out from the next, which is a key reason that granite countertops have become probably the most popular choice for homeowners across the country.

The finish of your granite can also add one more distinctive quality to the look of your countertop. It also aids within the safety and longevity of the stone so it can hold up through everyday use.

The most common finish for granite is the polished finish. It gives a shiny, mirror-like appearance that boosts and intensifies the color and pattern of your stone. Mainly because polishing reduces the porosity of granite, it improves your countertop's resistance to humidity, as well as the chemical compounds that are typically utilized in kitchens and bathrooms. The polished finish has become the most widespread because of the mixture of visual appeal and overall durability.

Yet another finish that's popular among granite buyers is a honed finish. This finish gives your granite a matte- or smooth and non-reflective - surface, in contrast to the shiny look that a polished finish gives. Honed granite usually gives a dramatic mood to your kitchen or bathroom. Even though a honed finish is quite durable, a polished finish will give greater resistance to stains.

Two other types of finish, less popular but just as attractive, contain a brushed finish and flamed finish. A brushed finish gives old fashioned, textured look and is acquired by using tough plastic or steel brushes to the stone. This removes the softer component of the granite and wears out the surface. Meanwhile, a flamed finish generates an irregular, but sleek edged surface. To accomplish this, the granite is exposed to extreme temperatures accompanied by immediate cooling which causes the surface of the stone to pop, leaving the uneven texture.

As you determine what granite countertop works for you, you may also start to take into account the sort of finish you need. With every option, your granite countertops will further distinguish themselves from the rest, creating a special focal point for your kitchen or restroom.