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MSI (Granite)

6 Innovative Granite Countertop Finishes for a Unique Look

Granite countertops have long been a favorite for homeowners due to their durability and natural beauty. However, there’s more to the look of your granite countertop than just the color and pattern! 

The edges and finish can make a significant difference in the overall aesthetic and feel of your space. Here are six options that can give your countertops a unique and customized appearance.

1. Honed Finish

A honed finish is achieved by grinding the surface of the granite to a smooth, matte finish. Unlike polished granite, honed granite does not have a reflective surface, giving it a more subtle and understated look. 

This finish is perfect for those who prefer a softer, more natural appearance. The honed finish also tends to hide scratches and imperfections better than a polished finish, making it a practical choice for high-traffic areas.

2. Leathered Finish

The leathered finish is a newer option that has quickly gained popularity for its unique texture and visual appeal. Created by applying diamond-tipped brushes to the surface of the stone, this finish retains some of the natural color and depth of the granite while adding a soft, textured feel that resembles leather. 

The leathered finish is not only visually striking but also practical, as it is less likely to show fingerprints or water spots. This finish is ideal for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere in both kitchens and bathrooms.

3. Flamed Finish

A flamed finish is created by exposing the granite to high temperatures, causing the surface crystals to burst and create a rough, textured surface. This finish is most commonly used for outdoor applications due to its slip-resistant texture, but it can also be an excellent choice for indoor spaces where a rugged, natural look is desired. 

The flamed finish highlights the stone’s natural color variations and gives it a distinctive, earthy appearance. It’s a great option for those looking to add a bold, rustic element to their design.

4. Polished Finish

The polished finish is perhaps the most well-known and widely used finish for granite countertops. This finish is achieved by buffing the surface of the stone until it becomes highly reflective and glossy. 

A polished finish brings out the full depth and richness of the granite’s color and pattern, making it a striking centerpiece in any room. 

5. Brushed Finish

sleek granite countertop design

The brushed finish is similar to the leathered finish but with a slightly less pronounced texture. This finish is created by lightly brushing the surface of the granite with metal brushes, resulting in a soft, textured appearance that enhances the stone’s natural beauty. 

The brushed finish is a great option for those who want a more subtle texture than the leathered finish provides. It adds warmth and character to the stone while maintaining a timeless, elegant look.

6. Satin Finish

A satin finish falls somewhere between honed and polished finishes, offering a low-sheen, soft appearance that is smooth to the touch. 

This finish is perfect for those who want a bit more sheen than honed granite but without the high gloss of polished granite. The satin finish provides a sleek, modern look while still being easy to maintain and less prone to showing fingerprints or smudges.

The Best Finish? A Happy Ending

Choosing the right finish for your granite countertops can transform the look and feel of your space. Whether you prefer the sleek polish, the rugged texture of a flamed finish, or the soft elegance of honed granite, there’s a perfect finish for your design vision. 

At Cutstone Company, we specialize in custom granite countertops and can help you select the ideal finish to match your style and needs. Contact us today for a free quote and see how we can bring your granite countertop dreams to life.

5 Common Mistakes to Avoid When Caring for Granite Countertops

Your granite countertop isn’t just a piece of furniture; it’s an investment that will last a lifetime if you take care of it.

Naturally durable, granite is hard to damage– but it can be done if you’re not careful. To maintain their beauty and integrity, you need to pay a little attention to detail.

At Cutstone Company, we have years of experience with protecting natural stone. We’re central Alabama’s only fabricator fully accredited by the Natural Stone Institute.

Here are five of the most common mistakes made when caring for granite countertops, and what you should do instead.

1. Using Harsh Cleaners

Granite is a natural stone that can be sensitive to acidic or abrasive cleaners. Using harsh chemicals such as bleach, ammonia, vinegar, or citrus-based cleaners can etch or dull the surface of the granite.

Instead, opt for a mild pH-neutral cleaner specifically designed for granite. Talk to your fabricator about what they recommend.

2. Not Sealing Regularly

quartz with granite

Granite countertops should be sealed regularly to protect them from stains and spills. Many people forget to reseal their countertops or underestimate how frequently it needs to be done.

Depending on the type of granite and its usage, the sealing interval changes. This is an aspect of granite care that requires consultation with your fabricator. They can inform you about your granite’s sealing schedule and help you with the resealing process.

Failure to seal can result in the stone absorbing liquids, leading to stains and potential damage.

3. Using Abrasive Tools or Cleaners:

Granite is a tough stone. It’s rated from 6-8 on the Mohs scale, which measures mineral hardness. (For comparison, diamonds are a 10 and marble is a 4 on this scale.)

But it can be damaged if you aren’t careful. While the stone itself is unlikely to suffer much from being scrubbed with steel wool or harsh brushes, the sealant can be damaged. And if the sealant wears off and isn’t replaced, it can lead to damage and staining as the porous stone is exposed to spills and liquids.

Always make sure that you use soft cloths like microfiber or chamois and gentle sponges for cleaning your granite countertops, and avoid aggressive scrubbing.

4. Neglecting Spills

Allowing spills to sit on granite countertops for an extended period can lead to staining, especially if the spilled substance is acidic or highly pigmented, like wine or coffee.

This is especially important if you have light-colored granite with minimal veining. Promptly clean up spills to prevent them from seeping into any weak areas in the seal and causing discoloration.

5. Heat Exposure

Another mistake people make is putting hot pots and pans directly on the granite countertop. Now, this will not damage the underlying granite.

As an igneous rock, granite is essentially heatproof, so you don’t have to worry about it scorching or cracking. But heat can weaken the seal over time, and that’s where the mistake is made. If you put hot pots or pans on the countertop and weaken the seal over time, you’ll have an area of seal that’s prematurely weak.

This makes that part of the countertop more likely to stain and accelerates the sealing schedule. And oversealing can make the countertop appear cloudy– so put down a trivet or hot pad to protect the seal.

By avoiding these common mistakes and adopting proper care practices, you can ensure that your granite countertops remain beautiful and functional for years to come.

At Cutstone Company, we specialize in beautiful countertops that look amazing in your home. Contact us today for a free estimate on your next countertop project.

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