Polished, Honed or Leathered: Choosing a Stone Finish

Polished

A polished finish is buffed to a reflective shine. It deepens colour, sharpens veining and returns the most light — the classic, formal look for marble. The trade-off: a polish shows etching and scratches more readily, because any change to the surface interrupts the gloss.

Honed

A honed finish is ground to a smooth, matte or satin surface with little to no shine. Colours read softer and more contemporary, and — importantly — honing hides etching, scratches and wear far better than a polish. It is often the practical choice for kitchen worktops and busy floors.

Leathered and brushed

A leathered finish is textured: the surface is brushed to a soft, low sheen with a subtle tactile grain that follows the stone's natural structure. It hides fingerprints and water marks well and adds warmth, sitting between honed and polished in feel.

How to choose a finish

Choose polished

For drama, depth and a formal, reflective look where the surface won't take heavy acid exposure.

Choose honed

For a calm, modern look and the most forgiving everyday surface.

Choose leathered

For texture and warmth, and to disguise marks on darker stones.

Finish is not only aesthetic — it directly affects how a stone wears and how much care it needs. Always feel a sample in the finish you intend to use.